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-foot
Yes — your pass gets you in.
Your pass covers the $30 park entrance fee.
- Fee type Entrance fee — The standard per-vehicle park entrance fee. Entrance - Private Vehicle: $30Entrance - Motorcycle: $25Entrance - Per Person: $15Commercial Entrance - Sedan: $25Commercial Entrance - Van: $50
- HoursThe park is open to visitors all year with the exception of weather closures.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 6054335361 · badl_information@nps.gov
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,
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Badlands National Park — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Yes Does the America the Beautiful pass work at Badlands National Park?
Yes — your pass covers the entrance fee here.
Yes Can you camp at Badlands National Park?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Castle Trail, Cliff Shelf Nature Trail, Door Trail, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Badlands National Park. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Can you ride OHVs or ATVs here?
Yes — off-highway vehicle use is among the activities here. Stay on designated routes and check any permit or registration rules.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Depends What are the hours?
The park is open to visitors all year with the exception of weather closures.
Nearby sites
NPS Photo National Park Service Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
NPS Photo / Dan Roddy National Park Service Wind Cave National Park
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
