Badlands National Park
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- Badlands National Park
If you're RVing to Badlands National Park, put Badlands Loop Road on your must-drive list. This road has features overlooks highlighting the park's unique rock formations at Panoramic Point, Yellow Mounds and Conata Basin. Take in the park's history by stopping at Homestead and Ancient Hunters Overlooks. Learn more by stopping at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, which is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Renting an RV is a great way to explore this park. Find RV rentals near Badlands National Park in Interior and Rapid City. Consider going in the spring and fall as winter and summer can be brutal in this area. Consider entering the park at the Northeast Entrance if you are going east on Interstate 90, but use the Pinnacle Entrance if traveling west on the interstate. There is a large campground next to the visitor center. If you have weather concerns, then check with the National Park Service.
- Spring 24-72 F
- Summer 56-91 F
- Fall 31-89 F
- Winter 16-50 F
- Coming soon
- Badlands National Park Private Vehicle: $30
- Badlands National Park Motorcycle: $25
- Badlands National Park Pedestrian/Bicycle: $15
- Badlands National Park Annual Pass: $55
RV Rentals Near Badlands National Park
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Badlands National Park Hiking Trails
Badlands National Park contains three units. The North Unit is the most visited; guests can see badlands formations, grasslands, and mixed prairie ecosystems. The South Unit, also called the Stronghold Unit, is managed by the Oglala Lakota Native American tribe. Guests can hike along trails through large mixed-grass prairies, deep canyons, and ravines. The Palmer Unit is mainly undeveloped and requires you contact the park before heading there.
Badlands National Park Trails
Things to do Outside Badlands National Park
Interior, South Dakota is about 25 miles east of Badlands National Park. You will find Wagon Wheel Bar and Grill there, a terrific place to get your favorite pub food and drinks. The iconic Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota, is about 35 miles north of the park. They have a collection of cowboy-themed stores along with several restaurants. Scenic, South Dakota is about 6 miles northwest of the park. This is a ghost town in a beautiful setting. Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is about 51 miles northeast of Badlands National Park. This site offers a unique glimpse into the history of the Cold War. Mount Rushmore is about 68 miles away, while the Crazy Horse Memorial is 83 miles away.
Sightseeing
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RV Resorts & Campsites near Badlands National Park
While there are two campgrounds inside the park, other RV campgrounds near Badlands National Park can be found in the Black Hills National Forest. You'll also find campsites at the Fort Meade Recreation Area, run by the Bureau of Land Management. In addition to these public campgrounds, there are many private campgrounds in the area.
Campgrounds Near Badlands National Park
Find the Best Dumpstations Near Badlands National Park
Dumpstations Near Badlands National Park
How to get to Badlands National Park
The closest airport to Badlands National Park is Rapid City Regional Airport. Driving to Badlands National Park from the airport starts by getting on SD 44. Then, drive southeast until you get to Interior, South Dakota. Turn north on State Highway and go about 2 miles, and you will be at the Interior Entrance to the park, which is close to the Sage Creek Campground. Summer is the busiest season in the park, so if you plan to camp at this location, ensure you arrive early in the day. If you are traveling east on Interstate 90, take the Wall exit. Then, take Interstate 90 East for about 11 miles. Turn west on 333rd Avenue and go about 8 miles. Then, turn right on SD 44 and follow it until you reach the Pinnacle Entrance, close to the Pinnacle Overlook, the highest point in the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many areas of Badlands National Park are accessible to visitors with disabilities, including the visitor center, scenic overlooks and wayside exhibits. Cedar Pass Campground has two fully accessible campsites. The Fossil Exhibit and Window Trails have accessible boardwalks, while the first part of the Door and Cliff Shelf Trails is paved.
Consider starting your visit by driving along the Badlands Loop Road, which has many overlooks and wayside exhibits to help you enjoy this park's scenery and history. Laugh at the antics of the prairie dogs at Roberts Prairie Dog Town. Escape the crowds by hiking in the Sage Creek and Deer Haven wilderness areas.
Yes, Badlands National Park has two developed campgrounds. Operated by a concessionaire, electrical hookups, flush toilets and pay showers are available at the Cedar Pass Campground. The free Sage Creek Campground features pit toilets and an RV dump station.
Badlands National Park covers 244,000 acres and is divided into three units. The North Unit is the most developed and the first area most visitors explore.
Late spring and early fall are ideal times to visit Badlands National Park. While the park remains open throughout the year, many nearby attractions and private campgrounds are only open from mid-April to mid-October.
Pets coming to Badlands National Park must always be attended to and kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Pets are not allowed in many of the park's buildings, anywhere prairie dogs live or on the trails.
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