What is the most scenic drive through the Badlands?

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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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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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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You could easily spend a day or two riding dirt roads and really seeing more remote areas of Badlands in low plains area, but we had good visit in our single day, after which we drove to Custer State Park and Sylvan Campground, which is further than Rushmore. For Rushmore, I agree 2 hours is plenty.

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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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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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Badlands National Park
  • Interior, SD. 2.8 mi / 7 mins.
  • Wall, SD. 29.0 mi / 33 mins.
  • Rapid City, SD. 76.2 mi / 1 hour 21 mins.
  • Keystone, SD. 94.7 mi / 1 hour 39 mins.
  • Hill City, SD. 101 mi / 1 hour 46 mins.
  • Nemo, SD. 105 mi / 1 hour 51 mins.
  • Sturgis, SD. 108 mi / 1 hour 40 mins.
  • Custer, SD. 115 mi / 2 hours 3 mins.


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While Badlands National Park typically doesn't get too overcrowded, at least relative to other parks in the National Park System, entrance stations, visitor centers, restrooms, and the popular Loop Road are busiest in the summer months—July and August—when kids are off from school, and more families are touring the ...

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Things to Keep in Mind You must camp a half mile away from any roads or trails and stay out of sight of the trails & roads. Badlands is only an hour from Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore, and Black Hills National Forest. So plan a trip to this corner of South Dakota and see them all!

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