Badlands National Park preserves sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, spires, and wide prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets still shape the landscape.
Introduction
The rugged badlands, mixed-grass prairie, and fossil beds of South Dakota protect one of the richest Oligocene fossil deposits in North America.
Planning Highlights
Drive Badlands Loop Road for overlooks, hike the Door, Window, Notch, Castle, and Saddle Pass trails, and leave time for sunrise or sunset along the Wall.
Camping and Lodging
Cedar Pass Campground and Sage Creek Campground are the primary in-park camping areas. Backcountry travel is possible, but visitors should carry water, navigation tools, and weather protection.
Official Resources
Use the official NPS page, park map, current alerts, and reservation links below when planning a trip to Badlands National Park.