Layered badlands formations behind fields of green grass under cloudy and billowing clouds.

Badlands Storm

The yellow mounds are peaking out of the formations in this photo.

Badlands Yellow Mounds

Badlands formations are very rugged and often have sharp peaks.

Badlands Rugged Peaks

Jagged badlands buttes extended in horizon amid yellow flowers under a blue sky.

Clover Landscape

road leading between snow covered badlands formations

Badlands in the Winter

Badlands National Park

Alerts

Weather forecast

Mon, Aug 13
Min: 18.47°C
Max: 37.96°C
Scattered clouds
Tue, Aug 14
Min: 21.24°C
Max: 38.45°C
Light rain
Wed, Aug 15
Min: 22.69°C
Max: 38.34°C
Scattered clouds
Thu, Aug 16
Min: 22.02°C
Max: 34.24°C
Scattered clouds
Fri, Aug 17
Min: 20.62°C
Max: 34.7°C
Overcast clouds
Sat, Aug 18
Min: 23.81°C
Max: 28.24°C
Few clouds

Air Quality

050100150200300Air Quality Index: 66
Moderate (51-100)
Air quality is acceptable, but certain pollutants may moderately affect sensitive individuals.

To-Do Activities

  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Astronomy
  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
  • Compass and GPS
  • Food
  • Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horse Camping (see also camping)
  • Horseback Riding
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Things to explore

Sorry, Not have any trail or things you can explore

Campgrounds and More

dark plants take root in a large pile of debris crumbling down the side of a jagged badlands butte.
Cedar Pass Campground

Located near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, the Cedar Pass Campground has 96 level sites with scenic views of the badlands formations. This campground offers flush toilets and coin operated showers in the summertime.

Rolling green hills of grass with juniper trees under blue sky.
Sage Creek Campground

Sage Creek Campground is a primitive campground. There is no charge to stay here and camping is available on a first come first serve basis. The campground rarely fills to capacity.

Standard Park Information

Standard Opening Information: The park is open to visitors all year with the exception of weather closures.

Park Directions Information: Badlands National Park is located 75 miles east of Rapid City, South Dakota. Physical Addresses for GPS* Park Headquarters: 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750. Northeast Entrance (I-90, Exit 131): 21020 SD Hwy 240, Interior, SD 57750. Pinnacles Entrance (I-90, Exit 110): 24240 Hwy 240, Wall, SD 57790. Interior Entrance: 20640 SD Hwy 377, Interior, SD 57750.
Directions URL

Our Operating Hours

wednesday: All Day
monday: All Day
thursday: All Day
sunday: All Day
tuesday: All Day
friday: All Day
saturday: All Day

Weather Specific Information

The Badlands weather is variable and unpredictable with temperature extremes ranging from 116° F to -40° F. Summers are hot and dry with occasional violent thunderstorms. Hailstorms and occasional tornadoes can descend on the Badlands with sudden fury. Winters are typically cold with 12 to 24 inches of total snowfall.

Collect your National Park stamps!

Stamping-Logo