Address

South Dakota, USA

Phone

(605) 433-5361

+1 605-433-5361

Website

Coordinates

43.85538, -102.33969

Age Suitability

No designated playground, but the Junior Ranger program is suitable for children ages 5-12. Some trails are appropriate for families with children of various ages.

Equipment Available

No traditional playground equipment is available within the park.

Shaded Areas

Limited natural shade is available throughout the park. Visitor centers provide indoor air-conditioned spaces during extreme heat.

Seating For Parents

Seating is available at picnic areas, visitor centers, and some viewpoints along trails.

Restroom Availability

Restrooms are available at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, Cedar Pass Lodge, and various campgrounds throughout the park.

Drinking Fountains

Water fountains are available at visitor centers. Water bottle filling stations are located at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.

Fencing

No playground fencing as there are no dedicated playgrounds. Some viewpoints have safety railings.

Surface Material

Natural surfaces include dirt, grass, and rock formations throughout the park.

Ada Accessibility

The Window Trail and Door Trail have accessible boardwalk sections. The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is fully accessible. Some overlooks along the Badlands Loop Road are wheelchair accessible.

Cleanliness Maintenance

The National Park Service maintains all facilities regularly. Visitor centers and restrooms are well-maintained and cleaned daily.

Nearby Parking

Parking lots are available at visitor centers, trailheads, and scenic overlooks throughout the park.

Pet Policy

Pets are allowed in developed areas of the park but must be leashed at all times. Pets are not permitted on hiking trails or in backcountry areas.

Bike Racks

Bike racks are available at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.

Nearby Food Options

Cedar Pass Lodge Restaurant serves food seasonally. Picnic areas are available at Conata Basin and Bigfoot Pass. The nearest town with additional food options is Wall, SD, about 8 miles from the park entrance.

Sports Areas

No designated sports areas are available within the park.

Walking / Biking Trails Nearby

Multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty levels exist throughout the park. Biking is permitted on public roads but not on trails. The Castle Trail (10 miles round trip) is the longest trail in the park.

User Submitted Photos

Numerous visitors share photos of scenic vistas, wildlife sightings, and family hiking experiences on review sites and social media platforms.

Recent Reviews

Recent visitors frequently mention the breathtaking landscapes, educational ranger programs, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Many recommend early morning or evening visits to avoid heat and crowds.

Crowd Levels

Highest visitation occurs during summer months (June-August). Shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer more moderate temperatures and fewer crowds.

Special Events

The park offers ranger-led programs seasonally, including guided walks, fossil talks, and night sky programs. The annual Badlands Astronomy Festival typically occurs in early summer.

Entrance Fee

Vehicle entrance fee is $30 (valid for 7 days). America the Beautiful annual passes are accepted. Free entrance days occur several times throughout the year.

Space For Groups

Group camping is available at the Sage Creek Campground. Special use permits are required for organized group activities.

Nature Connection

The park offers immersive nature experiences through self-guided nature trails, ranger-led programs, and wilderness hiking opportunities.

Noise Level

Generally quiet with natural sounds predominating. Higher visitor traffic areas near visitor centers may be busier during peak season.

Aesthetic Design

The park preserves its natural landscape with minimal development. Infrastructure is designed to blend with the environment and provide access to natural features.

Security Presence

Park rangers patrol the area regularly. Law enforcement rangers are available to respond to emergencies.

Rules Restrictions

Collecting fossils, rocks, plants, or wildlife is prohibited. Off-trail hiking is permitted but visitors should be aware of hazards including steep dropoffs and wildlife.

First Aid Availability

Basic first aid is available at visitor centers. Emergency medical services are limited within the park. The nearest hospital is in Rapid City, approximately 80 miles away.

Community Activities

The Badlands Natural History Association supports educational programs and community outreach. Volunteer opportunities exist through the National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks program.

Social Interaction

Campfire programs at Cedar Pass Campground during summer months provide opportunities for visitor interaction. The Junior Ranger program encourages children to engage with each other and park rangers.

Eco Friendly Practices

The park implements water conservation measures, waste reduction programs, and environmental education initiatives.

Renewable Energy

Solar panels provide supplemental power to some park facilities, including the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.

Walkability Bike Access

The Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) is accessible to cyclists but challenging due to narrow shoulders and steep terrain. No dedicated bike paths exist within the park.