Interior, SD
Badlands National Park
Layered badlands, fossil history, and native prairie spanning South Dakota's high plains.
Badlands National Park showcases a dramatic landscape of layered rock formations, colorful cliff bands, and vast mixed-grass prairie across nearly a quarter-million acres in South Dakota. Renowned for its geologic richness, the park contains one of the world's most significant fossil beds, revealing a deep history of ancient mammals that once inhabited the region.
The park offers one main developed campground: Cedar Pass Campground, providing access to trails, scenic drives, and backcountry exploration throughout the park.
Bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets inhabit the grasslands and badlands formations today. Located near Interior, South Dakota, the park welcomes visitors year-round to experience its stark beauty and natural heritage without requiring advance permits.
Experiences
Camping
Explore 1 camping location in Badlands National Park.
Common Questions
What visitors most often want to know about Badlands National Park.
Do I need a permit to visit Badlands National Park or camp at Cedar Pass Campground?
No permit is required to enter Badlands National Park or to camp at Cedar Pass Campground, the park's only developed campground. You do need a standard camping reservation to secure a site, but this is separate from any permit process.
When is Cedar Pass Campground open?
Cedar Pass Campground operates on a seasonal schedule, opening in late March and closing by mid-October. Outside that window, the campground is not taking overnight reservations, so plan your visit within those months.
What's near Cedar Pass Campground?
Cedar Pass Campground is within easy walking distance of Cedar Pass Lodge & Restaurant and the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. That makes it simple to grab a meal or get trip planning help without needing to drive anywhere.
What will I see in Badlands National Park?
Badlands National Park is known for its dramatic eroded rock formations, which contain one of the richest fossil beds in the world, including remains of ancient horses and rhinos. Across its 244,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie, you can also spot living bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets.
How can Open Canyon help me get a site at Cedar Pass Campground?
Open Canyon monitors Recreation.gov for openings at Cedar Pass Campground, the park's single reservable campsite, and can alert you if a cancellation frees up a spot. This is especially useful when the campground shows as fully booked during peak travel dates.