Park Essentials

Accessibility

Cedar Pass Lodge and the visitor centers are all fully wheelchair accessible. The Fossil Exhibit Trail and the Window Trail have reserved parking and are accessible by ramp, although they are quite steep in places. The Door, Cliff Shelf, and Prairie Wind trails are accessible by boardwalk. Cedar Pass Campground has two fully accessible sites, plus many other sites that are sculpted and easily negotiated by wheelchair users; its office and amphitheater also are accessible. The Bigfoot picnic area has reserved parking, ramps, and an accessible pit toilet. Other areas of the park can be difficult or impossible to navigate by those with limited mobility.

Park Fees and Permits

The entrance fee is $7 per person or $15 per vehicle, and is good for seven days. An annual park pass is $30. A backcountry permit isn't required for hiking or camping in Badlands National Park, but it's a good idea to check in at park headquarters before setting out on a backcountry journey. Backpackers may set up camps anywhere except within a half mile of roads or trails. Open fires are prohibited.

Park Hours

The park is open 24/7 year-round and is in the Mountain time zone.

Automobile Service Stations

Badlands Automotive. Badlands Automotive does general auto repair. 216 4th Ave., Wall, South Dakota, 57790. 605/279–2827.

Cowboy Corner. Cowboy Corner has gasoline, but after a day spent hiking the Badlands you'll also need fuel for your tired muscles. Specials include chicken-fried steak on Friday night, prime rib on Saturday, and lunch specials every weekday. Stock up at the convenience store. 500 SD Highway 377, Interior, South Dakota, 57750. 605/433–5333.

DE's Tire & Muffler. DE's Tire & Muffler does tires and some general auto repairs. Gasoline and diesel fuel are available. 216 W. 7th Ave., Wall, South Dakota, 57790. 605/279–2168.

Wall Auto Livery. Wall Auto Livery offers fuel, tire repairs, a car wash, and a well-stocked convenience store. 311 S. Blvd., Wall, South Dakota, 57790. 605/279–2325.

Cell-Phone Reception

Cell-phone service has improved measurably over the last decade in western South Dakota, but you may not get a signal in much of the park. The closest pay phone you’ll find will likely be in Wall.

Emergencies

In case of a fire or medical emergency, call 911. Rangers can provide basic first aid. For assistance, call 605/433–5361, or go to either visitor center or the Pinnacles entrance ranger station. The nearest large hospital is 75 miles away in Rapid City; it has air ambulance service.

Restrooms

There are public restrooms at picnic areas, campgrounds, the visitor centers, the Door, Window, Notch, and Fossil Exhibit trailheads, Pinnacles and Bigfoot Overlooks, and Cedar Pass Lodge.

Shops and Grocers

Some limited groceries and supplies can be found at Cedar Pass Lodge (there's also a vending machine here).

Badlands Grocery. A good place to stock up is Badlands Grocery, 2 miles south of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. 101 N. Main St., Interior, South Dakota, 57750. 605/433–5445.