South Dakota · National Park
Badlands entrance and reservations
Checked Oct 26, 2026 · Source: NPS + NOAA
Badlands charges $30 per private vehicle, valid 7 days, per the NPS (checked Oct 26, 2026). 1 campground here take reservations. One fee covers everyone in the car, so a party of four pays $7.50 each. The $80 America the Beautiful annual pass pays off after 3 visits at this fee.
Entrance fees
| Fee | Cost | Notes from NPS |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance - Private Vehicle | $30 | Fee covers the entry of a private vehicle and its occupants for 7 days |
| Entrance - Motorcycle | $25 | Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. |
| Entrance - Per Person | $15 | Fee covers the entry of an individual that is hiking, bicycling, etc... for 7 days |
Source: nps.gov fees for Badlands via the NPS API, checked Oct 26, 2026. Fees change; confirm before you go.
Other fees the NPS lists
| Fee | Cost | Notes from NPS |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Entrance - Sedan | $25 | Commercial sedan, 1 to 6 passenger capacity. $25 plus $15 per person - 7 days for Original Manifest |
| Commercial Entrance - Van | $50 | Commercial van, 7 to 15 passenger capacity; $50 - 7 days for Original Manifest |
| Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus | $60 | Minibus, 16 to 25 passenger capacity; $60 - 7 days for Original Manifest |
| Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach | $150 | Motorcoach, 26 or more passenger capacity; $150 - 7 days for Original Manifest |
Pass math
- The $80 America the Beautiful Resident Annual Pass equals 3 visits at $30 per vehicle, here or at any other fee site.
- Seniors 62+ pay $20 for an annual pass or $80 for lifetime.
- Badlands also lists: Annual Entrance - Park, $55.
Source: nps.gov passes, checked Oct 26, 2026, and NPS fees above.
Reservation and permit signals
Campgrounds that take reservations
- Cedar Pass Campground, 96 reservable of 96 sites
Source: NPS API alerts (checked Oct 26, 2026) and campgrounds (checked Oct 26, 2026). Booking windows and rules change; use the NPS link before you pay anyone.
Hours and access
The park is open to visitors all year with the exception of weather closures.
Source: NPS API operating hours, checked Oct 26, 2026.
More on Badlands: tour or DIY overview. TourOrDIY is independent and not affiliated with the National Park Service. See the accuracy disclaimer and our method.