National Park · SD
Badlands National Park
Badlands is quietest in January and February and busiest in July.
The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today.
1.1M recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Badlands
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 | Overcast | 67°F | 41°F | 0% |
| Mon 19 | Mostly clear | 63°F | 38°F | 0% |
| Tue 20 | Clear | 77°F | 51°F | 0% |
| Wed 21 | Partly cloudy | 67°F | 51°F | 1% |
| Thu 22 | Overcast | 78°F | 54°F | 5% |
| Fri 23 | Light rain | 84°F | 50°F | 43% |
| Sat 24 | Light rain | 55°F | 45°F | 43% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37°F | 10°F | 0.5" |
| February | 40°F | 13°F | 0.7" |
| March | 51°F | 21°F | 1.3" |
| April | 59°F | 30°F | 2.4" |
| May | 69°F | 42°F | 3.2" |
| June | 80°F | 52°F | 3.1" |
| July | 88°F | 58°F | 2.1" |
| August | 88°F | 55°F | 2.0" |
| September | 78°F | 45°F | 1.5" |
| October | 63°F | 30°F | 1.7" |
| November | 49°F | 20°F | 0.8" |
| December | 39°F | 11°F | 0.5" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, PORCUPINE 11 N, SD US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- $30 — Fee covers the entry of a private vehicle and its occupants for 7 days
- Hours
- The park is open to visitors all year with the exception of weather closures.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Caution
Navigation
Do not rely on GPS digital navigation systems to find your way to Badlands National Park. Please note that the Visitor Center at 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior SD 57750 is located just off I-90.
Details on nps.gov → - Park Closure
Notch Trail Closure for Repairs
Notch Trail and all areas within 100’ of the designated trail closed while park staff are repairing the section of the Notch trail ladder that has become a safety hazard for hikers.
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Badlands questions
When is the best time to visit Badlands?
Badlands is least crowded in January, February, and November. July is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Badlands?
Entrance to Badlands costs $30 (Fee covers the entry of a private vehicle and its occupants for 7 days).
When is Badlands busiest?
Badlands is busiest in July, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Badlands during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Badlands. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.