Badlands National Park

As night falls, the unpopulated area of Badlands makes for the perfect opportunity to enjoy the stars. The park offers Night Sky Viewings led by park rangers and astronomy volunteers to educate guests about the sky.

A C-shaped swathe of carved mountains all dappled by different hues of red and orange, the Badlands are South Dakota both raw and wild. Those on the 240 highway that wiggles through the upper and more accessible part of the reserve are treated to visions of sun-cracked canyons and painted walls of rock ad infinitum. Down south, things switch from grassy plains roamed by bison to dusty ridges watched over by bighorn sheep. Inside Badlands National Park, there are some good short hikes, an excellent visitor’s center, and fossil viewing to boot.

The Badlands of South Dakota are one of America’s most striking regions. Triangular mountains loom above lush rivers and prairies roll to the horizon. There are some seriously primitive campgrounds that’ll have you feeling like a pioneer in the midst of it all.

As night falls, the unpopulated area of Badlands makes for the perfect opportunity to enjoy the stars. The park offers Night Sky Viewings led by park rangers and astronomy volunteers to educate guests about the sky. 

The Badlands of South Dakota are one of America’s most striking regions. Triangular mountains loom above lush rivers and prairies roll to the horizon. There are some seriously primitive campgrounds that’ll have you feeling like a pioneer in the midst of it all.

A C-shaped swathe of carved mountains all dappled by different hues of red and orange, the Badlands are South Dakota both raw and wild. Those on the 240 highway that wiggles through the upper and more accessible part of the reserve are treated to visions of sun-cracked canyons and painted walls of rock ad infinitum. Down south, things switch from grassy plains roamed by bison to dusty ridges watched over by bighorn sheep. Inside Badlands National Park, there are some good short hikes, an excellent visitor’s center, and fossil viewing to boot.

Badlands National Park in South Dakota is famous for its rich fossil beds and rugged stone landscape that contrasts against lush green plantlife. Wildlife including prairie dogs, sheep, and bison roam the grassy areas of the park while uniquely sculpted stones create excellent backdrops for the adventure of a lifetime.

Great park with some fun, kid-friendly hikes. We especially liked the Door Trail: safe-ish way to climb out over the rocks with young kids!

Hiking, free camping in Wall, SD nearby

A C-shaped swathe of carved mountains all dappled by different hues of red and orange, the Badlands are South Dakota both raw and wild. Those on the 240 highway that wiggles through the upper and more accessible part of the reserve are treated to visions of sun-cracked canyons and painted walls of rock ad infinitum. Down south, things switch from grassy plains roamed by bison to dusty ridges watched over by bighorn sheep. Inside Badlands National Park, there are some good short hikes, an excellent visitor’s center, and fossil viewing to boot.

Badlands National Park Lists

• National Parks in the US

  The US boasts an impressive 63 national parks, each with its own distinct character, awe inspiring views and countless ways to connect with nature. The parks are managed by the National Park Service which offers an annual pass for access to all 63 parks throughout the year for one flat price. Let's explore.

• National Parks to visit list

• USA Validated

• USA Trip

• Favorite National Parks with young kids

  These have been some of our favorite US National Parks during our RV adventure this year

• National Parks Visited

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• National Parks I've Been To

• Places To See Before I Die

Badlands National Park Articles

• • North America
  • USA

  List of All National Parks in the US By State | 2022

  From swivel chairs to space rockets, the US has had some darn bright ideas over its short history. But of all the ideas that have changed the world, the national parks system is surely close to the top. It was way back in 1872 that the sulfur-belching lands of Yellowstone were designated as protected lands […]

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• • South Dakota

  Badlands National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023

  Badlands? Why would you name a national park bad-lands? Well, the Oglala Lakota People were the first to name this site. They originally called this area “mako sica,” which translates to “land bad.” When French fur trappers traveled through, they called the area “les mauvaises terres à traverser” or “bad lands to travel across.” Rugged […]

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