Visiting Badlands

Visiting Badlands National Park is a relatively straightforward affair. There are not too many complications with this one. The majority of visitors are just passing through, so if you’re staying for a while, you’ll be in for a treat.

Here are some things you’ll want to know before visiting Badlands.



Guide to Badlands



Where is Badlands National Park?

Badlands National Park is located in southwestern South Dakota, just to the south of Interstate 90. The park has a north and a south unit, but the north unit is more popular, and holds the vast majority of the services and popular scenic attractions found in the park.

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Entrance Fee at Badlands

As a Park Junkie, you already have the National Parks Pass, aka the Interagency Pass. It’s only $80 and is one of the best purchases you’ll make this year. It grants entrance to more than 400 national park service units and is an economic necessity for those who make it a practice to visit multiple parks in a calendar year.

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Visitor Centers in Badlands

Your first stop in the park should probably be at the visitor center, to acquire the latest information regarding the park’s attractions. There are two visitor centers in Badlands National Park, one in the North Unit, and one in the South Unit, which is better known as the Stronghold Unit.

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Seasons in Badlands

When it comes to weather, the Badlands are a land of extremes. A summer hike on a sun-baked 115°F day, a sudden tornado, or a winter visit during a -40°F blizzard will clearly illustrate why early travelers referred to this area as the Badlands.

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Pets in Badlands

The park allows pets, but in a limited capacity. All pets must be kept on a leash of less than 6 feet at all times and in all permitted areas. Pets are welcome in campgrounds and picnic areas, as well as backroads and pullouts.

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Camping in Badlands

Badlands National Park contains two established campgrounds, one is developed and is located near the park headquarters, while one is primitive and remote. The Cedar Pass and the Sage Creek Campgrounds offer the perfect opportunity to sleep under the stars.

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Lodging in Badlands

The only lodging option available inside the park is the Cedar Pass Lodge, which offers cabin rentals. The lodge is located near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, putting it right in the middle of the Badlands action.

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Dining in Badlands

If you’re hungry in the Badlands, you’ll be happy to know there is an option, albeit only one. But what did you really expect. This is the Badlands after all… Those poor folks who named this place didn’t have nearly the options you do.

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Outside the Park

Although the Badlands are somewhat remote, there are a few camping options in the surrounding area. Most of these are near the park entrance. Campgrounds are listed below in order of distance from park, with the closest campgrounds listed first.

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Guide to Badlands


Relevant Links

NPS – Badlands


National Park Guides


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