The rugged Badlands National Park of South Dakota is popular for its sweeping vistas and outdoor opportunities. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you will find plenty to do on the park's 244,000 acres. Located near Rapid City in southwestern South Dakota, the Badlands are a stark change from the plains that cover most of the state.
Time Frame
According to the National Park Service (NPS), the Badlands are a place of extreme temperatures. It can go from blazing hot in the summer to subzero temperatures in the winter. Tornadoes, violent thunderstorms and blizzards all occur in the park. While most visitors will come to the park during the hot summer months, the best months to visit are May and October. Temperatures average in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit during the day and you avoid the summer crowd. However, it still gets quite cold at night during those months, so bring extra layers when camping out.
Camping
Badlands National Park is home to two campgrounds: Cedar Pass and Sage Creek. Both of these camps are open year-round, however, they fill on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning they usually fill very early in the summer. Cedar Pass Campground is located near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and 96 campsites. Sage Creek Campground is located in the park's North Unit and offers only 15 primitive sites.
Amenities and Fees
Neither campground has electrical hookups or showers available for guests. Cedar Pass has flush toilets, picnic tables, a dump station and cold drinking water available. As of 2010, sites here cost $14 per night. Camping at Sage Creek is free but there is no water available. The site offers pit toilets and picnic tables only for its guests. If you are really into the idea of roughing it in a remote location, consider Sage Creek.
Hiking
Most people who visit the Badlands go there to hike. One of the most popular trails is the Notch Trail, which winds 1.5 miles through canyons and provides panoramic views. If you have a fear of heights, avoid this trail since part of it requires climbing a steep ladder. If you are looking for something longer, try the five-mile Castle trail. This little-used trail offers you some solitude and an opportunity to explore the Badlands formations up close.
Warning
It is important to be aware of numerous precautions before visiting Badlands National Park. Always carry enough water when you set out from your campsite, as it is easy to get dehydrated or suffer sunstroke in the summer months. The park is home to rattlesnakes, which hide in crevices during the day to escape the sun. Beware when putting your hands in places you cannot see. Also, the NPS warns your cell phone will not work in most of the park.
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