Why go
The Badlands National Park is a landscape full of contrasts. Sharp-edged rock formations, deep gorges, colorful layers of rocks and endless prairies form a backdrop that resembles a planet other than the Great Plains. Between the bizarre rocks, bisons, thickhorn sheep and prairie dogs, while birds of prey circle over the canyons.
Although the park is significantly smaller than Yellowstone or Grand Teton, it is one of the most impressive national parks in the USA. Thanks to its well-developed panoramic road, many highlights can be easily reached by campers, while numerous hiking trails offer the opportunity to dive deep into this unique landscape.
For many RV travelers, Badlands National Park is the perfect entry into Black Hills or the crowning conclusion of a trip through South Dakota.
At a glance
Category | Information
Established as a National Park | 1978
Area | ca. 982 km2
Ideal stay | 1–2 days
Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.
Landscape | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Animal monitoring | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photography | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240)
The approximately 65 km long panoramic road connects the main viewpoints of the park and is one of the most beautiful Scenic Drives in the USA.
On the way you can expect constantly changing landscapes with:
colored rock formations
Deep gorges
wide prairie
numerous viewpoints
RV tip
The road is easily accessible with large Fifth Wheels. Plan enough time for photo stops – almost every lookout point is worth a stop.
Big Badlands Overlook
The first large vantage point already gives an impressive impression of the size of the park.
From here you can see a seemingly endless labyrinth of rocks and canyons.
Photo Tip
At sunrise, especially beautiful light and shadow games are created here.
Yellow Mounds Overlook
The colored rock layers are among the most striking formations in the park.
Yellow, red and violet sediments tell millions of years of earth history.
Many visitors pass by, although this viewpoint is one of the most photogenic of the entire park.
Pinnacles Overlook
One of the most popular vantage points.
From here you can often see thickhorn sheep, who skilfully climb over the steep rocks.
Best animal observation
Early morning or shortly before sunset.
Panorama Point
As the name suggests, this vantage point offers a wide view over the Badlands and the adjoining prairie.
Especially nice in changing weather.
Bigfoot Pass Overlook
A quiet viewpoint with impressive views over the wide plains.
Ideal for a short break away from the larger visitor groups.
Notch Trail
Distance: approx. 2,5 km
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Difficulty: medium
The most famous hike in the park leads up a wooden ladder to a rocky plateau.
In the end, a spectacular view of the White River Valley awaits.
Note
In wet weather, the path can be slippery and partially blocked.
Door Trail
Distance: approx. 1.2 km
Duration: 30–45 minutes
Difficulty: easy
A short path leads through a natural opening (the door) out into the bizarre rock landscape.
Ideal for families.
Window Trail
Distance: approx. 500 m
Duration: 15 minutes
Difficulty: very easy
Perfect for those who have little time.
Castle Trail
Distance: approx. 16 km
Duration: 4–5 hours
Difficulty: medium
The longest walk of the park.
On your way you will experience the Badlands from a completely different perspective.
Insider tip
If you don't want to run the entire route, you can also make part of the trail and turn around at any time.
Shopping
In the park itself there are only limited shopping possibilities.
For larger purchases we recommend:
Wall
Rapid City
There you find:
Walmart
Safeway
Camping equipment
Service stations
Cedar Pass Restaurant
The most famous restaurant right by the park.
Especially popular:
Buffalo Meatloaf
Bison Burger
homemade cakes
Love of the locals
The homemade cake enjoys cult status among many road trip travelers.
Wall Drug Café
Perfect for breakfast or lunch after visiting the park.
Badlands Saloon & Grille (Wall)
Rustic kitchen with large portions.
Cedar Pass Campground
The most beautiful campsite in the park.
Benefits:
Spacious pitches
fantastic view
Sunrises directly in front of the RV door
No hook-ups.
Sage Creek Campground
It's a real secret tip.
Free.
No reservation.
No hook-ups.
For frequent visits of bisons directly at the campsite.
RV tip
Ideal for self-sufficient campers. Since there is no electricity or water, you should bring enough supplies.
Sleepy Hollow Campground (Wall)
Full hook-up.
Perfect starting point for the park.
RV tip
The Badlands National Park is ideal for large campers. Loop Road is well developed and most vans have enough parking.
Photo Tip
The most beautiful colours are created during the Golden Hour – both in the morning and at night. At noon, the rock formations often appear flatter and less contrasting.
Animal monitoring
Look out for the Sage Creek area in particular:
Bisons
Bighorn sheep
Prairie dogs
Coyotes
Fork-bumps
Internet & Mobile
The reception in the park is partially very limited. Download maps and important information before entering the park.
Avoid frequent errors
In summer it can get extremely hot. Take enough water with you.
Don't leave the marked paths – sensitive soils recover very slowly.
Thunderstorms can raise surprisingly fast. Get informed about the weather forecast before long hiking tours.
Our recommendation
The Badlands National Park impressively shows that spectacular landscapes do not always need high mountains or dense forests. The rugged rock formations, the endless prairies and the impressive wildlife create an atmosphere that is unparalleled.