How to Enjoy Badlands National Park

Check out the hands-on exhibits and information video at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center., Participate in ranger-led programs, which are offered daily from Memorial Day Weekend until mid-September., Choose trails that are suitable for your hiking...

17 Steps 1 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Check out the hands-on exhibits and information video at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.

    There's a tipi village located nearby.

    The White River Visitor Center in the South Unit also features fossil and rock exhibits.
  2. Step 2: Participate in ranger-led programs

    These programs are a chance to enjoy Badlands National Park during an educational walk. , Easy routes include the quarter-mile Window Trail and three-quarter mile Door Trail.

    Longer routes include the 4-mile Medicine Root Loop and 10-mile Castle Trail.

    The Notch Trail and Saddle Pass are more strenuous climbs, but offer excellent views of the White River Valley. , Hikers shouldn't wander off of the primitive road tracks Camping doesn't require a permit. , Parts of this road are steep. , Horse riders are free to roam the park, except on trails and park roads.

    Horses can stay on the designated sites in Sage Creek Campground, and CCC Spring is a watering hole about a half-mile away. ,,, Neither has hook-ups or accepts reservations.

    Campfires aren't permitted.

    Cedar Pass Campground offers your choice of 96 sites for $14/night.

    Amenities include flush toilet, running water, covered picnic tables and dump station.

    It's not far from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.

    Sage Creek Campground features pit toilets and covered picnic tables only, but it's free.
  3. Step 3: which are offered daily from Memorial Day Weekend until mid-September.

  4. Step 4: Choose trails that are suitable for your hiking ability.

  5. Step 5: Venture out into the backcountry

  6. Step 6: if you are an experienced hiker.

  7. Step 7: Bike Badlands Loop Road through the park (bicycles aren't permitted on park trails).

  8. Step 8: Explore the Badlands Wilderness Area on horseback.

  9. Step 9: Experience the amazingly diverse wildlife at Badlands National Park

  10. Step 10: including bison

  11. Step 11: bighorn sheep

  12. Step 12: prairie dogs and 34 other mammal species as well as reptiles

  13. Step 13: amphibians

  14. Step 14: birds and butterflies.

  15. Step 15: Eat at Cedar Pass Lodge

  16. Step 16: which also offers overnight accommodations and a gift shop.

  17. Step 17: Camp at one of the two campgrounds in Badlands National Park.

Detailed Guide

There's a tipi village located nearby.

The White River Visitor Center in the South Unit also features fossil and rock exhibits.

These programs are a chance to enjoy Badlands National Park during an educational walk. , Easy routes include the quarter-mile Window Trail and three-quarter mile Door Trail.

Longer routes include the 4-mile Medicine Root Loop and 10-mile Castle Trail.

The Notch Trail and Saddle Pass are more strenuous climbs, but offer excellent views of the White River Valley. , Hikers shouldn't wander off of the primitive road tracks Camping doesn't require a permit. , Parts of this road are steep. , Horse riders are free to roam the park, except on trails and park roads.

Horses can stay on the designated sites in Sage Creek Campground, and CCC Spring is a watering hole about a half-mile away. ,,, Neither has hook-ups or accepts reservations.

Campfires aren't permitted.

Cedar Pass Campground offers your choice of 96 sites for $14/night.

Amenities include flush toilet, running water, covered picnic tables and dump station.

It's not far from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.

Sage Creek Campground features pit toilets and covered picnic tables only, but it's free.

About the Author

C

Claire Vasquez

Experienced content creator specializing in crafts guides and tutorials.

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