Badlands · SD · National Park

Badlands, SDBadlands is a national park in South Dakota. The best time to visit is generally May, June, July, August and September. It is a certified dark-sky park, prized for stargazing on clear nights.Best time to visit BadlandsMay, June, July, August and September tend to bring the best balance of weather, access and conditions. Around then, daytime highs average about 88°F and overnight lows near 65°F.Weather in BadlandsThe Badlands weather is variable and unpredictable with temperature extremes ranging from 116° F to -40° F. Summers are hot and dry with occasional violent thunderstorms. Hailstorms and occasional tornadoes can descend on the Badlands with sudden fury. Winters are typically cold with 12 to 24 inches of total snowfall.Badlands weather by month

January: average high 38°F, average low 20°F

February: average high 38°F, average low 18°F

March: average high 48°F, average low 27°F

April: average high 56°F, average low 34°F

May: average high 69°F, average low 47°F

June: average high 82°F, average low 60°F

July: average high 88°F, average low 65°F

August: average high 87°F, average low 64°F

September: average high 79°F, average low 56°F

October: average high 61°F, average low 40°F

November: average high 48°F, average low 29°F

December: average high 38°F, average low 21°F

SkywatchingBadlands is a certified dark-sky park. Skies are typically clearest in July, August and September.See what's in the sky this seasonKnow before you go

Entrance fee: about $30 per vehicle.

4 campgrounds in and around the park.

Campgrounds in and around Badlands

Ballinger Campground (reservable) — book on Recreation.gov

Ccc Campground (nd) (reservable) — book on Recreation.gov

Cedar Pass Campground (reservable) — book on Recreation.gov

Reyes Peak Campground (reservable) — book on Recreation.gov

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