Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure to Badlands National Park! Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

• The tour has four starting points:
  • Wasta, SD
  • Kadoka, SD
  • Conata, SD
  • Interior, SD
• The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Visitor Centers and attractions have varying hours of operation. Learn more here. 
• Do not approach or feed wildlife. 
• Entry into Badlands National Park costs $30 per vehicle.
• A few stops on the tour have entry fees - see a list under budget below. 

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

Budget

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs. 

• $30 - entry to Badlands National Park 
• $8, for adults and $5, for children - Oglala Lakota
• $12.00, adult age and $8.00, children - Launch Control Facility Delta-01

*You can also take a guided tour of Prairie Homestead and visit Wall Drug - a drug store turned tourist attraction.*

Hours of Operation 

Badlands National Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The park’s visitor centers and attractions have varying hours of operation.

Below is a list of visitor centers in the park - the hours of operation also vary depending on the season, but are generally open between 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, with extended hours during peak season. 

• Ben Reifel Visitor Center
• White River Visitor Center

Learn more about the park’s hours of operation here. 

Get Packing!

​​Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Headphones
• Car Charger
• Layered Clothing (Easy on and off layers are a must for changing mountain temperatures)
• Refillable Water Bottles
• Hiking/Walking Sticks
• Good Shoes/Boots or sturdy sandals designed for hiking
• Sunscreen
• Snacks
• Hats/Sunglasses
• Camera/Phone Cleanser (those trails can get pretty dusty!) 

Best Time to Visit 

The best time to visit Badlands National Park in South Dakota is during the late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October).

The weather is generally mild and comfortable - making it great for outdoor activities. 

Spring

The temperatures are moderate, wildflowers are in bloom, and wildlife is active, offering a vibrant and colorful experience and crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer months.

Summer

While summer – July - August – brings warmer weather and longer days, it can also mean higher temperatures and larger crowds. This is peak season at Badlands National Park. 

Fall

Cooler temperatures and stunning autumn colors enhance the park's dramatic landscapes. 

Winter

The chilly months offer solitude and unique snow-covered scenery but come with limited accessibility due to snow and ice.

Leave No Trace 

While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders.

Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and carry out memories, not waste.

By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.

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Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Badlands National Park Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Badlands National Park Itinerary.