Badlands NP-Day Visit ?s

We usually spend 2-3 nights there when in the area. The rope ladder is on the Notch Trail.

Take the bus tour and avoid driving. They know where to stop and the commentary is worth the money.

Here's the national park site if you haven't seen it yet. It has lots of good information. By the way, every national park has a web site like this.

https://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm

To drive the paved road from one end to the other can be done in 1/2 day. At the west end is Wall Drug for a refreshing drink. :) The park's campground is at the east end of this road.

If you're planning to do the Junior Ranger Program you might already know but they take a lot of time to complete and you should get the materials as soon as you enter the park because a lot of it will be found as you're driving.

You are also planning on at least one hike but perhaps more.

I would recommend at least 2 days if you want to do all of that.

Have a great trip!

We boon docked right in the park,about 10 miles from the nearest paved road,at the invitation of the park rangers. There were several trailers,a class c and numerous tenders in the designated area,along with a pit toilet. The Rangers put on a program every evening. I would recommend it for anyone,particularly for those traveling with kids. Spectacular wildlife,views and star watching. The rig you have in your profile could easily make the trek in slowly and carefully. Best of all,it's free of charge.

I will relate our experience.
We stayed at Custer State Park and drove to Badlands from the west.
We didn't take the interstate, but a back road that came into the park on a gravel road.
Unlike the paved "scenic drive" in the park which is crowded with cars, there were almost no cars on the gravel road. We saw bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, all from close range.
Once we got to the paved road, all we saw was lots of cars, and of course, prairie dogs.
You can easily spend an entire day, or longer, especially if you get out and walk trails, stop at the visitor center, or if your kids do a ranger program. Those that say it takes an hour or two simply drive the paved road and seldom,if ever, get out of their car.

We spent a week there last time we were there. We did other spots in the area tho so it wasn't all in the park. We do a lot of hiking. If you just want a drive thru, then 4 hours if you get out and look around. I never heard of the rope ladder maybe something new or we missed it. Wall Drugs is in the same area and it's worth a stop for lunch and a look around.

Ah here the Notch Walk: link

If you are coming in the summer, keep in mind that it gets HOT in the Badlands, unlike the Hills that are relatively cool by comparison. Couple or three hours, then stop at Wall and have a cool drink before you head on to Rapid

For us we drove it in about 2 hours our first trip. Could have done it slower and with more hiking. Certainly will go back to expand the experience. One of those drives you can make it as light or intense as you want?

Unbelievable views, vistas, and colors. Make sure you are ready to wear out your camera! (we were a.m. drivers- started right at daybreak)