Alert: Notch Trail Closed: Notch Trail and all areas within 150’ of both sides of the trail. During the closure period, Park staff will be mitigating safety hazards associated with loose rocks on and around the base of the ladder.
National Park
Badlands
Summer storms are frequently violent and unpredictable. NPS Photo
Overview
The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today.
Fee covers the entry of a private vehicle and its occupants for 7 days
Entrance - Motorcycle: 25.00
Fee covers the entry of a motorcycle and its occupants for 7 days
Entrance - Per Person: 15.00
Fee covers the entry of an individual that is hiking, bicycling, etc... for 7 days
Commercial Entrance - Sedan: 25.00
Commercial sedan, 1 to 6 passenger capacity. $25 plus $15 per person - 7 days for Original Manifest
Commercial Entrance - Van: 50.00
Commercial van, 7 to 15 passenger capacity; $50 - 7 days for Original Manifest
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus: 60.00
Minibus, 16 to 25 passenger capacity; $60 - 7 days for Original Manifest
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach: 150.00
Motorcoach, 26 or more passenger capacity; $150 - 7 days for Original Manifest
Map
Things To Do
Category
6 Results
Badlands Astronomy Festival
Free
Description
Celebrate the spectacular sights and science of night skies at Badlands National Park's annual Astronomy Festival. Join astronomers, rangers, and visitors for activities, discussions, and programs about the night sky.
Many different programs are led by rangers at Badlands National Park. Learn more about wildlife, geology, paleontology, and more by stopping at a ranger program during your visit! Visit this page to find program descriptions, locations, and typical times.
Set up camp at one of Badlands National Park's two official campgrounds. Whether you're seeing views of the Sage Creek Wilderness Area or Cedar Pass, you're sure to enjoy an overnight stay in the park.
Sage Creek Campground is a free campground and Cedar Pass Campground is paid. For up-to-date camping rates at Cedar Pass, visit the Cedar Pass Lodge website or call (605)-433-5460.
Pet Friendly
Backcountry Camping
Free
Description
Backcountry camping in the Badlands can be an exciting adventure for prepared and experienced hikers. Read more about rules, safety, and recommendations for backcountry campers here.
Pick your park adventure in the Badlands by deciding where to go next at the end of every chapter. Once your adventure is over, you can submit this activity to earn a Junior Ranger patch!
There's something for everyone at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center in the North Unit of Badlands National Park. Swing by the information desk, watch the park film, check out a working fossil preparation lab, enjoy museum exhibits, or stop by the park bookstore.
Layered badlands formations behind fields of green grass under cloudy and billowing clouds.The yellow mounds are peaking out of the formations in this photo.Badlands formations are very rugged and often have sharp peaks.Jagged badlands buttes extended in horizon amid yellow flowers under a blue sky.road leading between snow covered badlands formations
