Insider's Guide: Badlands National Park in South Dakota

I dreamed about watching the sunrise in this park and yet when I woke up that morning it was 8am. :( I do this all the time, so I said a little prayer about how I would not let this ruin my day. I was nervous though, since it was Friday morning and it was pretty busy the night before.

Regardless, I paid $20 for a pass so I was definitely going back. The minute I walked out of my hotel, I knew things would be okay. It was cold and windy. Sometimes I feel like God arranges things too perfectly.

At the park, I noticed there wasn't near as many people as the night before. Which made getting around easier and ultimately better to get some great shots. Here's my insider's guide on how to get the most out of your visit to this pretty place.
​

Where to stay:

• I stayed at Americas Best Value Inn in Kadoka, which is about a half hour from the Northeast Entrance of the park. There's nothing spectacular about this hotel, but I felt safe alone and it was clean. The population of this tiny town is around 700, yet it wasn't difficult to find a good place to eat or get gas.
• When we went as a family years ago, we stayed in Wall. This area is a little more kid friendly, considering this is where the famous Wall Drug Store is located. 

​Remember how I said I only paint the nails on my left hand? Example A. Lol back to the guide...
​

Entering the park:
There are three entrances for the park-

• 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)

*Click here for more information on directions. 

You have three options when it comes to entrance fees-

• $20 for one vehicle, which last seven days
• $40 for an annual Badlands National Park Pass
• $80 for an annual America the Beautiful Pass (gets you into all national parks)

*This park also does FREE entry days. I wish I knew this sooner. Here's the list of what days they fall on.
*Your best bet is to pay for your pass at the entrance station. It can take months to receive one that you ordered online. 
​
The park is open year round 24/7.
​

​What to do: 

• Drive the Badlands Loop and give yourself plenty of time to do it. I didn't expect to get lost, but it became the highlight of my trip. If I was worried about straying too far, I might've missed my favorite lookout spots. 
• Stop when ya feel like it. Not only are there a number of lookouts, there is also a shoulder with extra space at least every ten feet. This place is tourist friendly to the max. I was pleased that I could pull over just about anywhere.
• Find a spot to camp overnight in one of their two campgrounds: Cedar Pass or Sage Creek. This is something I wish had done more research on. I'll have to make an effort to camp next time I'm in the area. I can't imagine waking up to those kinda views dude. 

Camping fee-

• $22 per night (without electrical)
• $37 (with electrical)

*Those fees cover two people at a campsite. For each additional person it is $4.
​​

​

• This happened by accident, but I know you can post up in a certain area and be more likely to see wildlife. I'm not a MUST SEE WILDLIFE/or a I LIVE FOR WILDLIFE fan, so I hadn't penciled this in on my to do list. Although, as I was trying to find a way to exit the park, I somehow found myself five feet away from these cute deer. (If they are not deer I am sorry because I am not a diehard wildlife expert.) My bad for only gettin' their booty, I had impatient drivers behind me and feared these animals would jump in my car. (Yes I know this is unrealistic but when you use to have to write fictional stories for your major you imagine things like this lol)

 ​*According to the Badlands National Park website, you are likely to see bison near Sage Creek Rim Road and sheep by Cedar Pass or the Pinnacle area. I saw these guys below on the Badlands loop.
​

​

• Hike one of their eight trails. Here's a list that gives you the distance of each trail and a description of what it's like.
• Enjoy their Night Sky Program in the summertime. This program includes telescope use and a ranger pointing out specific things in the sky. 
  

Where: Cedar Pass Amphitheater
When: Friday through Monday nights

Here are six of my favorite overlooks:

• Big Badlands Overlook
• White River Valley Overlook
• Big Foot Pass Overlook
• Panorama Point
• Burns Basin Overlook
• Pinnacles Overlook

*To download the park map click here.
​

After my first night visit, I was crazy hungry when I got back to Kadoka. Luckily, I chose this town specifically cause Trey and I stopped there a few months back. We ate at this place called Sunset Grill and I never got a chance to feature it here on the blog. 

I was ecstatic when I rolled into town because I had no idea my hotel was right next door to this restaurant! Again, seriously, God's arrangement for things. Anyway, this food is suuuper good. The first time I ordered the Philly Steak Sub and it was like the best one I've ever had. IN A TOWN OF 700. THE BEST PHILLY STEAK. I need a Food Network show. "Tiny Towns and Their Treats." Idk just an idea. 

When I was by myself, I ordered the fried chicken deal, cause Trey got it the time before and it looked hellaaa good. It was bomb to eat, especially after munching on gas station food all day. Check it out homies.
​

Overall, I had a blast exploring this park by myself. AND I COULD DO WHATEVER I WANTED CAUSE I WAS ALONE. Where you wanna go? You should leave tomorrow. I'll go with if you're that nervous.

*Have you ever explored a State or National Park by yourself? What was your experience like?

*Did I miss one of your favorite activities at this park? What was it? Is it seasonal?
​