How much does it cost to enter Badlands National Park?

Entrance to Badlands National Park starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.

Which national parks are within a day's drive of Badlands National Park?

Within about a day's drive you can reach Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (2 h 1 min), Mount Rushmore National Memorial (2 h 18 min), Wind Cave National Park (2 h 55 min), Jewel Cave National Monument (3 h 14 min), Devils Tower National Monument (3 h 38 min), Agate Fossil Beds National Monument (4 h 22 min).

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

NATIONAL PARK

Badlands National Park

The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world.

Photo: NPS Photo / NPS

state

things to do

$15

to enter

parks within a day

OVERVIEW

About Badlands National Park

The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today.

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

Glass structure over the silo allows visitors to look down at the missile

Badlands National Park◆◆this park

National Historic Site · South Dakota

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Badlands National Park◆◆this park

National Memorial · South Dakota

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Badlands National Park◆◆this park

National Park · South Dakota

Wind Cave National Park

Badlands National Park◆◆this park

National Monument · South Dakota

Jewel Cave National Monument

Badlands National Park◆◆this park

National Monument · Wyoming

Devils Tower National Monument

Badlands National Park◆◆this park

National Monument · Nebraska

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Driving times from Badlands National Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

BEFORE YOU GO

Entrance fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle

$30.00

Fee covers the entry of a private vehicle and its occupants for 7 days

Entrance - Motorcycle

$25.00

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

Entrance - Per Person

$15.00

Fee covers the entry of an individual that is hiking, bicycling, etc... for 7 days

Commercial Entrance - Sedan

$25.00

Commercial sedan, 1 to 6 passenger capacity. $25 plus $15 per person - 7 days for Original Manifest

Commercial Entrance - Van

$50.00

Commercial van, 7 to 15 passenger capacity; $50 - 7 days for Original Manifest

Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus

$60.00

Minibus, 16 to 25 passenger capacity; $60 - 7 days for Original Manifest

Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach

$150.00

Motorcoach, 26 or more passenger capacity; $150 - 7 days for Original Manifest

WHEN TO GO

Hours

Badlands National Park

Mon: All Day
Tue: All Day
Wed: All Day
Thu: All Day
Fri: All Day
Sat: All Day
Sun: All Day

THINGS TO DO

Activities

AstronomyAuto and ATVBackcountry CampingBikingBirdwatchingBookstore and Park StoreCampingCar or Front Country CampingCompass and GPSFoodGift Shop and SouvenirsHikingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Horse Camping (see also camping)Horse TrekkingHorseback RidingJunior Ranger ProgramPark FilmScenic DrivingShoppingWildlife Watching

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

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.

Directions →Official NPS page →

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to enter Badlands National Park?: Entrance to Badlands National Park starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
What is there to do at Badlands National Park?: Popular activities include Astronomy, Auto and ATV, Backcountry Camping, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of Badlands National Park?: Within about a day's drive you can reach Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (2 h 1 min), Mount Rushmore National Memorial (2 h 18 min), Wind Cave National Park (2 h 55 min), Jewel Cave National Monument (3 h 14 min), Devils Tower National Monument (3 h 38 min), Agate Fossil Beds National Monument (4 h 22 min).