Is the $30 fee per car or per person?
Per car. Walking or cycling in instead costs $15 per person age 16 or older for seven days. Commercial groups have different rates.
Badlands Storm. Photo: NPS Photo
- Entrance
- $30 per car
- Nonresident fee
- None
- Park annual pass
- $55, U.S. residents
- Payment
- Card only, no cash
Official sources checked October 29, 2026
How much is the Badlands entrance fee?
The standard ticket costs $30 per private vehicle, including its occupants, for seven days. A valid covering pass can replace that ticket.
Do nonresidents pay an extra $100 at Badlands?
No. Badlands is outside the NPS list of parks charging the $100 nonresident fee. The standard entrance fee still applies unless covered by a valid pass.
When is the $55 Badlands annual pass worth it?
For an eligible U.S. citizen or resident with one private vehicle, two separately charged seven-day tickets cost $60; the annual pass saves $5. Returning within one valid seven-day ticket still costs $30. This comparison assumes ordinary paid dates, no existing pass or discount, and both ticket periods within one annual-pass year.
Should I buy another ticket if I already have a pass?
No, if your existing pass covers admission. Otherwise, buy a weekly entrance pass online or pay at the park. Keep your pass ready to show on your phone or paper, with the holder present and photo ID.
These are the currently published rules, not confirmed arrangements for a future year. Check the official links for your travel date.
Work out the cost for your group
Entrance fees
| Type | Price | Valid for | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $30 | 7 days | All year |
| Per person, 16 and over | $15 | 7 days | All year |
Park annual pass
The park annual pass covers one private vehicle and its occupants. Camping is excluded. Purchase eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens and residents.
Reservations
An entrance ticket does not book a campsite. Check your camping arrangements and the park’s current conditions separately; the entrance-fee calculation does not include camping.
About Badlands
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.
Things to do
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Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping in the Badlands can be an exciting adventure for prepared and experienced hikers.
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Badlands Astronomy Festival
Celebrate the spectacular sights and science of night skies at Badlands National Park's annual Astronomy Festival.
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Badlands BADLibs
Have you ever played a game of Madlibs? Now you can try out a Badlands version!
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Badlands Ranger Programs
Many different programs are led by rangers at Badlands National Park.
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Badlands Sunrises & Sunsets
Enjoy incredible views of the Badlands by waking up early or staying out late.
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Become a Badlands Junior Ranger
Become a Junior Ranger at Badlands National Park!
Photos
Badlands Yellow Mounds Photo: NPS Photo 
Badlands Rugged Peaks Photo: NPS Photo 
Clover Landscape Photo: NPS Photo 
Badlands in the Winter Photo: NPS Photo/Brad Barker
Weather and seasons
The Badlands weather is variable and unpredictable with temperature extremes ranging from 116° F to -40° F. Summers are hot and dry with occasional violent thunderstorms. Hailstorms and occasional tornadoes can descend on the Badlands with sudden fury. Winters are typically cold with 12 to 24 inches of total snowfall.
Hours
The park is open to visitors all year with the exception of weather closures.
Getting there
Badlands National Park is located 75 miles east of Rapid City, South Dakota. Physical Addresses for GPS* Park Headquarters: 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750. Northeast Entrance (I-90, Exit 131): 21020 SD Hwy 240, Interior, SD 57750. Pinnacles Entrance (I-90, Exit 110): 24240 Hwy 240, Wall, SD 57790. Interior Entrance: 20640 SD Hwy 377, Interior, SD 57750.
Campgrounds
- Cedar Pass CampgroundBook on Recreation.gov
- Sage Creek Campground
Visitor centers
Alerts
- Caution: Navigation
Parks nearby
Sources
Entrance prices and seven-day validity; park annual-pass price, eligibility and private-vehicle coverage checked by hand against the park's fees page on October 29, 2026.