Vast distances, pastel-colored spires, bright sun, rocks, fossils, fragile flowers, and a fascinating geologic and paleontology history make Badlands National Park one of the most awe-inspiring sites in South Dakota. Over 64,000 acres in the park are designated wilderness areas. The two wilderness units in the park include the Sage Creek Wilderness, accessible from the Sage Creek Rim Road or Sage Creek Campground, and the Conata Basin, which is accessible via Conata Road and the Conata picnic area south of Dillon Pass.

There are no established trails in the wilderness areas, though hiking is encouraged. Feel free to follow the paths carved by the bison or follow personal whimsy as you wander the grasslands and Badlands formations. Enjoy the beauty of the region but be very careful of drop-offs. Erosion has left a lot of loose, unstable soil and you could find yourself sliding off the edge of a cliff.

If you are planning on spending some time in the park, camping is allowed anywhere that is at least a half-mile away from any road or trail and is not visible from park roads. Keep in mind that prairie grasses grow tall and with hot temperatures and strong winds, fire danger in the park is frequently high. Campfires are not allowed anywhere in the park. Backpacking stoves are allowed.

Backpacking this region is best in spring and fall, but those are also times when park usage is pretty low and there won’t be many folks in the vicinity should you run into difficulty. The Badlands are remote and surrounded by high pinnacles that frequently block the use of cell phones. For your safety, stop by the visitors center and let the rangers know your plans.

More Recreation in Badlands National Park

• Ranger-Led Programs
• Hiking
• Biking
• Horseback Riding