Badlands National Park

Visitor Centers:
Operating hours for both visitor centers vary by season. The White River Visitor Center is only open in the summer and daily hours vary with staff availability. To see current hours of operation and for more information, visit the park's website.

• Ben Reifel Visitor Center: Hours vary by season. Closed Thanksgiving, Chrismas Day and New Year's Day.
• White River Visitor Center: Open summer only from 10 am to 3 pm, as staff is available.

Badlands National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Entrance fees are collected at entrance stations throughout the year. The Badlands weather can be unpredictable with temperature extremes ranging from 116° F to -40° F. Visitors are urged to dress in layers and come prepared with hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and adequate water.

Fees & Passes:
To learn more about park fees, click here.

• Purchase an annual pass for all national parks sites, $80

Camping:
There are two campgrounds within Badlands National Park. Both campgrounds are open year-round, and camping is limited to 14 days. Reservations for Cedar Pass Campground can be made online or by calling (605) 433-5460. For more information about camping in the park, click here.

• Cedar Pass Campground: 96 sites. Group sites are available.
• Sage Creek Campground: Available on a first come, first served basis.

Backcountry camping is permitted and while a permit is not currently required, it is recommended that visitors planning on camping in the backcountry contact the Visitor Center for more information and to notify a ranger in order to ensure their safety. More information on backcountry camping can be found here.

Lodging:
For those looking for lodging options with more amenities, Cedar Pass Lodge offers individual cabins and rooms at the Badlands Inn. For more information or to make reservations visit cedarpasslodge.com.

The Cedar Pass Restaurant and Store located at the Cedar Pass Lodge offers a variety of locally and regionally sourced dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Apart from this restaurant, there are no other dining options located within the park.

From camping and hiking to bird watching and auto-touring, Badlands National Park offers a variety of ways for visitors to explore the park. Additionally, be sure to check out the opportunities for mountain biking and rock climbing in and around the nearby town of Rapid City. Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park offer a multitude of options for visitors to continue their exploration of South Dakota beyond their trip to Badlands National Park.

To download a variety of free brochures to help plan your visit, click here.