Is one day enough for Badlands?

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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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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Badlands National Park is a relatively small park and it is super easy to visit. One road, Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240), cuts through the heart of the park. This road is 30 miles long and it takes about an hour to drive the length of it, without stops.

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In-park accommodations and dining are closed during winter; visitor centers are either closed or have shortened hours. The shoulder seasons are the best time to visit: mid-April through May, and September through early October.

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Badlands National Park charges an entrance fee. No cash is accepted.

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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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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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People rarely travel to South Dakota just for the Badlands, but it's worth spending a full day exploring the park by doing the scenic drive, a few hikes or short walks, and eating in the visitor center. The unusual rock formations and the potential for solitude make this park unique.

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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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