The Badlands National Park is a one of the most underrated National Parks in the United States. It’s rarely a park that people go out of their way to visit. However, it’s one of the best stops on a South Dakota road trip and one of the least crowded National Parks you’ll visit. It’s definitely worth a day or two of your time to visit. But what is there to do on a Badlands visit? Keep reading and we’ll cover all of our favorite stops in the park.
The park is filled with a lunar-like landscape of exposed stripped peaks and wind carved spires. It’s incredibly photogenic! And in addition to the landscape, you’ll see bighorn sheep and bison roaming.
When To Visit The Badlands
The best time to visit Badlands National Park is May-June and September-October. You’ll get lovely warm weather that isn’t blistering hot. Hiking in those pinnacles get’s super oven-like hot. Visiting June-August will lead to higher crowds as that is school holiday plus incredibly hot temperatures. However, the park is so sprawling that it never feels busy so if you can handle the heat and you want to take a family vacation in the summer, we’ve visited then and it isn’t horrible.
How Many Days To Spend In The Badlands
One or two days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Badlands National Park. One day allows you all of the time you need to drive all of the scenic roadways and do a few short hikes. Two days allows you to visit the less trafficked southern portion of of the park or taking a few longer hikes.
Getting There and Around
Rapid City is the closest airport to the park.
Once in South Dakota, you’ll need a car to get around. The park does not have a shuttle and some of the most popular things to do in Badlands National Park are taking drives along the scenic roadways.
Where To Stay Near The Badlands
The most convenient place to stay is in one of the park campgrounds. There are two campgrounds in the Badlands National Park, one that takes reservations and one that is first come first served. There are also backcountry camping areas that give you the opportunity to wake up to sunrise over the badlands.
If you’d prefer to stay in a hotel, there are two lodges in the park. Additionally, Wall, South Dakota, is the nearest city and they have plenty of hotels. Rapid City is another great option an hour away that allows you to be closer to other South Dakota attractions.
Budget Hotel
Reliable chain hotel with good reviews and budget price tag.
Mid-Range Hotel
An upgraded chain hotel with a fun western feel.
Splurge Hotel
Old motel converted into this really neat farm-feel hotel and cabins.
What To Budget For Your Badlands Trip
A 7-day pass for Badlands National Park is $30/vehicle. Additionally, your $80 America the Beautiful pass is a great option if you plan on visiting more than two National Parks in the year. However, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Park and Mount Rushmore National Monument, the closest national parks, don’t accept this pass to cover the only fees they charge (their tour and parking fees). So if you are only planning on visiting South Dakota parks, you probably don’t need the America the Beautiful pass.
For staying overnight, campground fees are around $50/night and hotels are around $160/night.
Things To Do In Badlands National Park
Drive Badlands Loop Road
This is about a 1-hour drive if you drive straight through. However, you shouldn’t drive straight through. You should stop often and get out often. If you get out often, it will take a half-day to a full day of your time.
Sunrise At Big Badlands Overlook
With the warm colors of the rock formations, sunrise in the Badlands are one of the best things to do. And the Big Bandlands Overlook is one of the best places to do that. It’s also right at the main entrance to the park so it’s a great way to start your day.
Ben Reifel Visitor Center
You always gotta stop at the National Parks Visitor Centers. They help you learn about the park and plan your day. Plus get a stamp for your park passport!
Notch Ladder Trail
This 1.5 mile moderately strenuous hike. It’s really fun as it involves so scrambling on ledges and ladders. It also opens up to some great views.
Door and Window Trails
The Door and Window trails are less “trails” than paved pathways. They are super accessible short walks that take you to nice viewpoints.
Cliff Shelf Trail
This half-mile trail is moderate due to its hill climbing. However, the reward is a nice panoramic view.
Prairie Dog Town
You can’t go to South Dakota and not see a prairie dog, but seeing them in a “village” or a large intricate tunnel system they’ve created, is extra cool.
Stop At All The Viewpoints
There are so many viewpoint! Some are mediocre but some are amazing. Panorama Point, Yellow Mounds, Pinnacles and Big Badlands are some of the best overlooks.
Drive Sage Creek Rim Road
This more rugged trail (you’re still fine with a car) takes you to some less visited viewpoints.
Spot Wildlife
While in the Badlands National Park, you need to keep your eyes out for bison (buffalo) and big horn sheep. They are plentiful in the area but you never know where they are on any given day.
What To Pack For Badlands National Park
Honestly, you don’t need much. Because a majority of the time in the park is spent in a car or on short trails, you don’t need to wear anything special. For footwear, we’d recommend basic athletic shoes, no hiking boots required. However, remember your sunscreen – we got so burnt when we visited!
Make sure you pack a reusable water bottle to keep you hydrated in the sun. We love these ones as they pack down super small when they are empty. Additionally, if you plan on spending more than a half day here, pack a lunch. Once you are in the park, there are no food vendors so pack a picnic!
Don’t forget your National Park Passport so you can get your stamp!
Ready to start planning your South Dakota trip? Check out all of our South Dakota travel planning posts here. Or if you have any other questions about things to do in Badlands National Park, leave them in the comments section below and we’ll get back to you.
