Totally exceeded my expectations it is a beautiful park with incredible views. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here, hiking and roaming the hills. The park offers hiking trails, picnic sites, camping, and more! The landscape makes you feel like you have landed on another planet! We hiked, climbed around exploring the terrain, and had tons of fun. The children loved the freedom to climb virtually anywhere the most. The hills look hard from a distance but are a soft clay like material. The herd of Big Horn Sheep on the cliff side was also very cool. We saw males with giant horns, females, and yearlings about 40 in all. They were so close you could almost touch them! Bring a camera and some binoculars be prepared to take a lot of pictures also bring plenty of water. The park website mentions bringing a telescope for night time star gazing as well.
Things to know:
- Entry Fee $20.00
- Pets are only permitted in developed areas
- No pets on hiking trails
- No restaurants near by
- Limited cell service
Badlands National Park: 25216 Ben Reifel Road Interior, SD 57750
White River Visitor Center
located on the Pine Ridge Reservation and offers a staffed information desk, exhibits, restrooms, picnic tables, and water. Impromptu talks are offered daily throughout the summer season.
Ben Reifel Visitor Center
Located at park headquarters and features exhibits, an air conditioned theater, a new film, Land of Stone and Light, and restroom facilities. Phone (605) 433-5361
Directions: Badlands National Park is located 75 miles east of Rapid City, South Dakota. Physical Addresses for GPS* Park Headquarters: 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750. Northeast Entrance (I-90, Exit 131): 21020 SD Hwy 240, Interior, SD 57750. Pinnacles Entrance (I-90, Exit 110): 24240 Hwy 240, Wall, SD 57790. Interior Entrance: 20640 SD Hwy 377, Interior, SD 57750.
Link: https://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm
Hours and Seasons: open all year, normal hours 24 hours seven days a week
Lodging: Forever Resorts operates the Cedar Pass Lodge in Badlands National Park. Please visit their website or call 877-386-4383 for more information.
Cedar Pass Campground fees for up to two people are $22 per night per campsite, or $37 per night for campsites with electrical hook-ups. Each additional person is $4 per night. A dump station is available for a $1.00 per use fee. Cold running water, flush toilets, and covered picnic tables are available. Sage Creek Campground Camping is free of charge. Pit toilets and covered picnic tables are available, but no water is available on-site. Both campgrounds are open year-round, and camping is limited to 14 days. Due to fire danger, campfires are not permitted, camp stoves or contained charcoal grills can be used in campgrounds and picnic areas.
