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.

Admission Fees and Permits

The entrance fee is $7 per person or $15 per vehicle, and is good for seven days. A 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.

Admission Hours

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

ATMs/Banks

An ATM is located at Cedar Pass Lodge; other ATMs may be found in surrounding communities. The nearest full-service bank is in Wall.

Automobile Service Stations

Badlands Automotive. Badlands Automotive does general auto repair. 216 4th Ave., Wall, SD, 57790. 605/279-2827.

DE's Tire & Muffler. DE's Tire & Muffler does tires and some general auto repairs. 216 W. 7th Ave., Wall, SD, 57790. 605/279-2168.

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 nights, prime rib on Saturday, and lunch specials every day. Stock up at the convenience store. Rte. 44 at Rte. 377, Interior, SD, 57750. 605/433-5333.

Wall Auto Livery Amoco. Wall Auto Livery Amoco offers fuel, oil changes, tires, a car wash, and a well-stocked convenience store. 311 S. Blvd., Wall, SD, 57790. 605/279-2325.

Cell-Phone Reception

Usually near the interstate you can pick up a cell-phone signal, but within the majority of the park there is no service. You'll find pay phones at the Cedar Pass Lodge and Cedar Pass Campground.

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 50 mi away in Rapid City; it has an air ambulance service.

Restrooms

There are public restrooms at picnic areas, campgrounds, the visitor centers, the Door, Window, Notch, and Fossil Exhibit trailheads, 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 mi south of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. 101 N. Main St., Interior, SD, 57750. 605/433-5445.

Park Contact Information

Badlands National Park. Badlands National Park P.O. Box 6, Interior, SD, 57750. 605/433-5361. www.nps.gov/badl.