Badlands National Park

Features dramatic eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires, alongside the largest mixed-grass prairie in the United States. It's a critical habitat for bison,...

Badlands National Park at a Glance

Location
Rocky Mountains & Northern Plains, United States, North America
Coordinates
43.855000, -102.338000
Area
982 km²
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Badlands National Park

Nearest airport: Wall Municipal Airport (K6V4), 17 km away.

Nearest international airport: Casper-Natrona County International Airport (CPR), 350 km away.

Weather & Climate in Badlands National Park

The warmest temperatures in Badlands National Park occur in July, averaging 24.9°C (up to 32.0°C). The coolest conditions are in February at -2.9°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in November with average rainfall of 6.7mm. Average humidity: 60.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: -2.8°C (rainfall: 11.7mm)
  • February: -2.9°C (rainfall: 21.0mm)
  • March: 2.4°C (rainfall: 29.0mm)
  • April: 6.6°C (rainfall: 48.6mm)
  • May: 14.3°C (rainfall: 67.1mm)
  • June: 21.6°C (rainfall: 74.9mm)
  • July: 24.9°C (rainfall: 43.2mm)
  • August: 23.9°C (rainfall: 38.0mm)
  • September: 19.5°C (rainfall: 27.9mm)
  • October: 10.0°C (rainfall: 39.7mm)
  • November: 3.1°C (rainfall: 6.7mm)
  • December: -1.8°C (rainfall: 21.0mm)

Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park

The best months to visit Badlands National Park are July, June, August, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature -2.84°C, rainfall 11.7mm, sunshine 6.8 hrs, humidity 66.5%
  • February: Good, temperature -2.94°C, rainfall 21mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 60.9%
  • March: Good, temperature 2.36°C, rainfall 29mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 59.6%
  • April: Good, temperature 6.63°C, rainfall 48.6mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 56.4%
  • May: Good, temperature 14.3°C, rainfall 67.1mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 60.1%
  • June: Great, temperature 21.61°C, rainfall 74.9mm, sunshine 13.1 hrs, humidity 55.3%
  • July: Great, temperature 24.85°C, rainfall 43.2mm, sunshine 13.6 hrs, humidity 54%
  • August: Great, temperature 23.91°C, rainfall 38mm, sunshine 12.5 hrs, humidity 54.2%
  • September: Great, temperature 19.48°C, rainfall 27.9mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 53.5%
  • October: Good, temperature 10.04°C, rainfall 39.7mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 59.9%
  • November: Good, temperature 3.08°C, rainfall 6.7mm, sunshine 7.9 hrs, humidity 60.3%
  • December: Good, temperature -1.83°C, rainfall 21mm, sunshine 6.5 hrs, humidity 64.2%

Wildlife in Badlands National Park

Home to 21 recorded species including 8 birds of prey, 5 waterbirds, 4 big herbivores, 2 small mammals, 1 predators, 1 iconic birds.

Recommended Packing List for Badlands National Park

Based on average temperature of 9.9°C, typical conditions, humidity 59%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 10°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Badlands National Park

7 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in Rocky Mountains & Northern Plains

Visitor Tips - Badlands National Park

We love Badlands National Park for its otherworldly, sculpted landscapes that feel like stepping onto another planet, especially at sunrise or sunset when the colors ignite. It's a place where ancient history is etched into every formation, offering a profound sense of geological time and unexpected wildlife encounters.

Gate Times

The Northeast Entrance, near Wall, is open 24-7, allowing for those magical sunrise and sunset drives we so highly recommend. The Ben Reifel Visitor Center operates seasonally, so we always advise checking their current hours before planning your visit. An America the Beautiful Pass or a park-specific entrance fee is required upon entry.

Tipping

Unlike traditional safaris, tipping is not customary for National Park Rangers. If you engage a private guide for a specialized tour or hike, we recommend tipping them 15-20% of the tour cost, similar to other service industries in the United States, especially if they've provided exceptional insight.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for United States

Travel advisory for United States

Badlands National Park FAQs

When is the best time to visit Badlands National Park for wildlife viewing and comfortable exploration?

The ideal times are spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are milder, making hiking more pleasant and wildlife like bison and bighorn sheep more active. Despite its popularity, the park generally maintains a low crowding level (1/5), ensuring a peaceful experience even during peak seasons.

What unique wildlife encounters can I expect at Badlands National Park, especially regarding the endangered black-footed ferret?

Visitors frequently spot large herds of bison, bighorn sheep navigating the rugged terrain, and extensive prairie dog towns throughout the park. While the critically endangered black-footed ferret is nocturnal and elusive, ranger-led night programs in specific reintroduction areas offer a rare and educational opportunity to learn about and potentially glimpse these unique predators.

What health precautions should I consider for a trip to Badlands National Park, particularly regarding the mentioned malaria risk?

Given the noted moderate malaria risk, it's advisable to consult your healthcare provider about potential preventative measures before your visit. Additionally, be prepared for extreme weather conditions, carry ample water, and stay on marked trails to avoid hazards like rattlesnakes and unstable geological formations.

Beyond scenic drives, what unique activities or exploration opportunities are available in Badlands National Park's dramatic landscape?

The park offers a range of hiking trails, from easy boardwalks to challenging backcountry routes, allowing for immersive exploration of its eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires. Excellent stargazing opportunities abound due to the park's dark skies, and photography enthusiasts will find endless subjects in the unique geology and vast mixed-grass prairie.

What are the typical costs and accessibility considerations for visiting Badlands National Park?

There is an entrance fee per vehicle, valid for seven days, or you can use an annual national park pass. While the main Badlands Loop Road is paved and offers accessible viewpoints, many backcountry trails involve uneven terrain and steep climbs. Accommodation includes a lodge and campgrounds within the park, alongside various options in nearby towns.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.