Do you have to pay to drive the Badlands Loop?

Is Badlands National Park free? Badlands National Park isn't free. Like all national parks in America you will need to pay an entrance fee of $30.00 for each private vehicle, which will allow you to enter and exit for seven days from the date of purchase.



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Badlands National Park charges an entrance fee. You may purchase a 7-day pass valid at only Badlands National Park by selecting from the choices (Private Vehicle, Motorcycle, or Individual).

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Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240), accessed from Interstate 90, is a two-lane, paved surface that takes you through the North Unit of the park. Sage Creek Rim Road (Highway 590) is a gravel road that takes you along the north rim of the Badlands Wilderness Area.

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Start to Finish: Park rangers suggest spending two full days to truly experience the park, but you can certainly visit in less time. If you have one full day to spend, plan on being at the park for both sunrise and sunset - the light cast over the Badlands is incredible.

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Covering all 3 is a very full day, but it can be done with an early start. If I ran short on time, I'd eliminate Wall Drug. The Badlands will take an hour drive time from Rapid, and then allot around 4 hours to adequately see the park. Allot about an hour and a half back to Rushmore.

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Badlands Loop Road (SD 240) is a spectacular way to see the North Unit of Badlands National Park. This two-lane paved road is appropriate for all motor vehicles but does include several steep passes and sections with reduced speed limits. Drive carefully, as wildlife is common along the Loop Road.

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Badlands National Park Overview Reservations: While reservations are not required to enter the park, they may be required for certain activities. Visitor Centers: Ben Reifel is the main visitor center located at Park Headquarters.

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While you cannot sleep in your car on the side of the road or in parking lots within Badlands National Park, you can sleep in your car at designated campgrounds. Two campgrounds within the park, Cedar Pass Campground and Sage Creek Campground, allow car camping.

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You can drive the whole park in 1 day and see all the overlooks but if you want to go on some hikes or on a float trip you will need an extra day. Good luck fitting it all in and have a great trip. Helpful? We did Custer, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, the Needles, the Badlands, and Rapid City, and Mt.

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Is It Worth It? Yes, it is worth it to stop at Wall Drug. It is very likely going to seem like just a “tourist trap” to many, but it does have a very important function…a last chance for food, restrooms, and drinks for at least an hour and maybe even more if you are heading East.

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Most visitors to Badlands National Park drive the Loop Road as part of their visit. Whether you get out at every overlook on the Loop Road or enjoy the views from the comfort of your car, you're sure to see some amazing vistas on this drive!

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