Badlands National Park: Wildlife and Breathtaking Views

Family-Friendly Activities

Hiking Trails for All Ages

Badlands National Park has some of the most unique and incredible views we’ve encountered on our travels. The landscape is otherworldly and there is something different to experience around every turn. There are a variety of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels, making it great for families with children.

If You’re Short On Time: 
Consider the Fossil Exhibit Trail, an easy, 0.25-mile fully accessible boardwalk with fossil replicas and exhibits.  Another family-friendly option is the Door Trail, a 0.75-mile round trip that leads to a breathtaking view of the Badlands' unique rock formations. The first 0.25-mile is also a boardwalk.

If You Have More Time to Explore: 
There are many other trails and Badlands National Park has an Open Hike Policy, which means you are allowed to hike off-trail. However, always keep in mind that the park is in the wilderness, with many kinds of wildlife and sometimes harsh conditions. Always bring enough water and ensure you know your route back, and, of course, leave no trace.

Junior Ranger Program

We always take advantage of Junior Ranger Programs at National Parks. It’s a fun way to keep kids engaged and entertained while exploring the park. They get opportunities to learn about natural and cultural history, and conservation, and you’d be surprised how much you learn as a parent too. Plus earning a Junior Ranger Badge pin at the end of a visit is always exciting, especially when you get a great park ranger who will officially swear them in as Junior Rangers.

Wildlife Viewing

We were surprised at all the wildlife we spotted in the park. Badlands National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife. When we first drove to the entrance, we were literally greeted by bison using the park sign as a backscratcher! Bison are incredible animals that can weigh 2,000lbs and grow up to 6.5 ft tall. It was amazing to witness these huge bison wallowing in the dirt. They can run up to 35mph, so make sure to keep your distance when viewing them.

We were also thrilled to see herds of impressive bighorn sheep traversing the land and cute little prairie dogs popping up to say hello. Remember to always give wild animals their space, and be aware of coyotes, snakes, and other wildlife as well.

Fossil Hunting and Paleontology

The Fossil Preparation Lab, located at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, allows visitors to watch and talk with paleontologists at work and learn about the fossils found in the park. Kids will be fascinated by the chance to see real fossils up close and learn about the creatures that once roamed the area.

Scenic Drives and Overlooks

One of the best ways to experience the park's stunning landscapes is by taking a scenic drive. The Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) is a must-do, offering miles of breathtaking views, striking rock formations, and numerous overlooks.

If You’re Short On Time:
You can focus on the eastern section of the loop near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, which provides access to several overlooks and trails. Popular stops along the route include Pinnacles Overlook, Big Badlands Overlook, and Yellow Mounds Overlook.

If You Have More Time to Explore:
You can explore the entire Badlands Loop Road. This 39-mile scenic route offers breathtaking views of the rugged landscape and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife like bison, prairie dogs, mule deer, and pronghorn.

The drive can be completed in about an hour without stops, but it's worth taking your time to enjoy the overlooks and pull-offs along the way. These stops provide excellent photo opportunities and a chance to stretch your legs and take in the scenery. We stopped at several of the overlooks and walked a short distance to the viewing areas, where the views were truly breathtaking. The park can get busy, but with such a large area we often found ourselves alone and taking in the serene sounds of nature. Badlands National Park has a landscape that is truly one of a kind.

Where to Stay

We stayed at a dispersed camping spot along the famous ‘Wall’ just six miles from the town of Wall, SD and only minutes from the Pinnacles entrance to the national park off highway 240. The views were incredible, but there are no utilities, so you’ll need to fill up with water and have your own power source. This area has many spots acceptable to set up your RV, but it can fill up quickly, so make sure to arrive with plenty of time to find a spot and a back up plan.

There are several options for RV camping within and near Badlands National Park. If you plan to stay within the park, make sure to check the National Park Service website for availability, reservations, and size restrictions.

The two main campgrounds within the park are the Cedar Pass Campground and the Sage Creek Campground.

• Cedar Pass Campground offers modern amenities such as electric hookups, restrooms, and showers, making it a convenient choice for families.
• Sage Creek Campground offers a more rustic experience with no hookups or running water but provides a unique opportunity to camp in the heart of the park's wilderness.

For those seeking additional comforts, there are several private campgrounds near the park that offer full hookups, Wi-Fi, and other amenities. These campgrounds provide a great base for exploring Badlands National Park and the surrounding area. Visiting Badlands National Park by RV offers a flexible way to explore the park and get the most out of your visit.

Best Time to Visit

Visiting in the spring and fall will be the best bet for an enjoyable experience. The climate in the Badlands can be extreme, hitting record highs up to 116 F in the summer months and lows have been recorded down to -40 F in the winter. We visited in September, and the weather was mostly mild and great for exploring the park on scenic drives and hiking. Always keep an eye on the weather when RVing as storms can pop up unexpectedly.

Visiting Badlands National Park is a memorable experience for families, offering a wide range of activities that cater to all ages. Traveling by RV adds an element of convenience and comfort, allowing families to fully immerse themselves in the park's natural beauty. From hiking and wildlife viewing, to educational programs and scenic drives, Badlands National Park is an ideal destination for a family-friendly adventure. So, pack up the RV, gather the family, and set out on an unforgettable journey to discover the wonders of this incredible national park.

Safety Tips

• Stay safe when viewing wildlife. It’s so exciting to see wild bison and big horn sheep, but give them their space; they are wild animals and can be territorial.
• Check the weather in advance of any visit. The Badlands has extreme heat and extreme cold depending on the season.
• Bring plenty of water and sun protection with you when you visit, as there are not many facilities within the park, and very limited shade.
• Check your location in advance, especially if you’ll be boondocking. Roads can get rutted out after rainstorms.