Growing up in Minnesota, I know I must have been to this national park. Road trips to South Dakota happened all the time one way or the other. But I didn’t remember anything about it. Fire works at Mount Rushmore and perusing The Wall Drug store were what I remember from my childhood. I love that we are able to have these adventures now because I truly appreciate them. I pay attention more and learn more than I did as a kid. However, I do believe that the desire to do this now came from all those road trips as a kid.

So we are back, 30+ years later, with an open mind and the desire to explore.

Explore Badlands National Park in South Dakota

The best way to visit Badlands National Park is by RV. There is great parking throughout, you can have your own bathroom and fridge and it allows you to take your time. There is RV parking at every stop for up to about 30′. Anything bigger, there really isn’t a guarantee that you will get a spot, however, the road is good and no sharp turns. When researching we saw that everyone said to take the loop road. It was a bit confusing as when you look at the map of the national park there is no actual loop. The loop comes in by taking Highway 90 back to your beginning destination. For RVers that should be one of the greatest free camping spots in the midwest. Read to the bottom to discover this amazing free camping spot.

The Best Spots in Badlands National Park

There are so many great spots to stop and explore in the national park. There isn’t enough time in the day to see them all. If you are lucky, you will get to see some of the bison roaming. We were welcomed to the national park by this one!

We entered Badlands National Park from the West and from there, we provide all the stops in order and highlight the Best Overlooks in Badlands National Park and the Best Hikes in Badlands National Park as well!

Pinnacles Overlook

This overlook starts your exploration of Badlands National Park with a bang. It was beautiful!

Ancient Hunters Overlook

You will notice once you are there that it is hard to be at every spot during the best lighting. We stopped at Ancient Hunters Overlook but we were not able to get a good shot of it. But it is worth!

Yellow Mounds Overlook

This could have been one of my favorite stops along the road. The colors of the mounds and we were lucky enough to have a bison roaming below!

Conata Basin Overlook

As I mentioned before, it can be hard to make sure to get to each spot in the best lighting. The next few overlooks are worth a stop but not necessarily a must do. If you have time, great. If you don’t, focus on some of the other spots coming.

Homestead Overlook

Burns Basin Overlook

Prairie Wind Overlook

This stop was mostly educational and kind of made you a bit awed about how much prairie is still around and protected.

Panorama Point

Another favorite stop and you will see why the moment you exit your car. Layers upon layers upon layers. You can also walk out a bit to get a better look.

Bigfoot pass Overlook

This is a great spot for a stop for lunch as it has a picnic area.

White River Valley Overlook

Hiking in Badlands National Park

While the Best Hikes in Badlands National Park are clustered together near the eastern entrance, there are a few others that you can explore, but if you are on limited time, these are the ones we suggest.

Saddle Pass Trail

■ Shelf Trail

A short .5 mile loop that has you wondering how you are walking through trees!

■ Notch Trail

This is a short trail but you can make it longer or shorter depending on how much you want to see. There are a few out and backs and to do this trail you will need to be able to go up and come down the ladders. There is no way to not use this to finish this trail. Make sure to know your limits and don’t be afraid to be on your butt on your way down. Most people will clock around 1.5 miles.

■ Castle Trail

This is the longest trail in the park. At 10 miles round trip with only 300′ in elevation gain it is a good one to stretch your legs or get out for a trail run.

■ Door Trail

Just under a mile, this has some pretty beautiful rock formations. It doesn’t get old.

Big Badlands Overlook

The last stop on the loop.

Camping near Badlands National Park

As we mentioned, the best way to visit Badlands National Park is by RV. The area where there is free boondocking is near the western entrance and along the “loop” road. There are big views (especially during a lightening storm), a lot of stops and awesome sunsets. Start and end here.

Location: 43.893601, -102.229239 with a max stay limit of 14 days.

You can also camp within the national park at Cedar Pass Campground

**Bonus FREE potable water and dump station if you stay there!!

Tips Before Going to Badlands National Park

Dogs – They are permitted within the park but have strict restrictions. They must be on a 6-foot max leash and are only allowed in developed areas, campgrounds, picnic areas and along paved roadways. Dogs are not allowed on any hiking trails, in public buildings, or in the backcountry, (especially) including areas with prairie dog colonies. 

LEAVE NO TRACE – If you brought it in, bring it out. Use provided restrooms and garbage bins if they are provided.

This continues on from Leave No Trace, but do not collect any plants, rocks or fossils. Or animals.

Do not approach or feed

We visited Badlands National Park in August. We got lucky with the weather. It can be incredibly hot, so make sure that you have enough water and snacks with you. There are bathrooms throughout the national park but not potable water or places to buy water or snacks.

Some items we always keep with us: sun screen, chapstick, hat, sun glasses, extra water, moleskin and good shoes for hiking. We use trail running shoes for all of our hiking.

There is a cost to entering the park. Make sure to check out the website for fees, potential closures or more information on camping here: Badlands National Park

Follow along on our adventures to see where we go next!

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