Badlands Fees, Facilities & Programs
Park Hours & Fees
Badlands National Park is open year-round. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A seven day pass is $20.00 per carload or $10.00 per person. An annual pass is $40.00. Commercial vehicle rates vary according to size of the vehicle. Entrance fee are collected year-round. If stations are closed, fees may be paid at an automated fee station at the Visitor Center.
Directions
Easiest access is from I-90 at exits 131 (Cactus Flat) or 110 (Wall). Badlands Loop Road (240) is a State Scenic Byway, which goes through the heart of the Park, joining with I-90 at Exit 110 and Exit 131.
Facilities
The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended summer hours. This newly renovated visitor center offers an indoor theater, interactive exhibits, orientation film and bookstore. Daily ranger programs are available from mid-June to mid-August. Check the park activity guide or bullentin boards for times, topics and locations.
The White River Visitor Center is operated by staff of the Oglala Sioux Parks and Recreation Authority. This center is open June through Labor Day. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Extended schedules and special programs may be available. Contact (605) 455-2878 for details. Located on the South Unit of Badlands National Park, this facility provides orientation to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
Services
Lodging, food and souvenirs are available at Cedar Pass from April to mid-October. Camping is available at the Cedar Pass Campground and Sage Creek Primitive Campground. For those overnighting in the Badlands, evening programs will be presented either in the Visitor Center Theater or the campground amphitheater. Check bulletin boards for times, topics and location.
Food, gas, lodging and camping are also available in the gateway towns of Interior, Kadoka and Wall, and along approach roads to the northeast, northwest and southwest gates of the Park.
Park Activities
Badlands National Park has many things for visitors to see and do, including:
• Driving the Badlands Loop
• Visit the Big Pig Dig
• Hike a trail
• Attend a Ranger Program (June-August)
• Tour Ben Reifel Visitor Center exhibits and watch the park video
• Hunt for fossils (remember to leave them where you find them)
• Watch wildlife
• Photography
• Take a bike ride
• Horseback riding
• Explore the South Unit
