If you’ve never visited Badlands National Park in South Dakota, you’ll likely make a few critical errors on your first trip. It’s okay – most everyone does at least some of the following things. But you’ll have a much more enjoyable trip if you avoid these nine mistakes.
- Only allow one day to see the entire park.
Gabriele K./Tripadvisor The National Park Service recommends that you spend two days exploring Badlands National Park. The park encompasses 242,756 acres, and to thoroughly explore it, you’ll want to take at least a couple hikes. One day just isn’t enough to fully appreciate the beauty of this place.
- Let your fear of wildlife keep you from enjoying the trails.
33kmg333/Tripadvisor Yes, there are rattlesnakes at Badlands National Park. But honestly, many people never see one during their visit. Stay on the trails, especially through areas of high grass. Pay attention to where you’re stepping and where you put your hands while climbing, and you’ll avoid snakes.
- Think you’re the bison whisperer.
Christa R./Flickr While you shouldn’t be overly afraid of the wildlife in the park, a good, healthy respect for the bison who live here is advised. These thousand-pound animals are usually quite docile, but you shouldn’t get too close. Park regulations require a distance of at least 100 feet at all times.
- Don’t bring enough water.
Let Ideas Compete/flickr It’s hot and dry at Badlands National Park, especially during the summer. Most of the park is not shaded, and you’ll be in direct sunlight. Bring plenty of water and keep yourself well hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion and sunstroke.
- Only take photos during the middle of the day.
Sigurstein S./Tripadvisor Yes, this photo is nice, and the blue sky above the majestic rock formations is wonderful…
…but look what happens at sunset!
Robot Brainz/flickr During sunrise and sunset, the rock formations are bathed in beautiful light that really brings out their beauty.
- Really think you’ll drive Loop Road in just an hour.
smjack8088/Tripadvisor The scenery and wildlife along this road is so incredible that you definitely need to take some time here. Pull over and watch the hustle and bustle of a prairie dog town, or pause to take in a beautiful view.
- Fail to pay attention to weather warnings.
Brian Koprowski/flickr Storms can come along a lot faster than you might expect, and lightning can strike well ahead. Find shelter during a thunderstorm, and avoid low places where flash flooding can occur. Dress in layers while hiking.
- Hurry too fast through the park.
Always Shooting/flickr Now that you’ve got your sunscreen and a bottle of water, sit on a bench and just…be. Seriously, this majestic place can be a wonderful place to just sit and relax.
- Wear flip-flops or sandals.
Jennifer Feuchter/flickr Flip-flops are perfect for the pool or beach, but they’re the worst kind of footwear for Badlands National Park. You’ll suffer pricks from cactus spines, insect bites and sunburns. If you plan on doing any hiking at all, you’ll definitely need hiking boots or closed-toe shoes with decent tread - the terrain can be slick and slippery.
What other mistakes have you made while visiting Badlands National Park? We’d love to hear your advice for visiting this beautiful national park.
Gabriele K./Tripadvisor
The National Park Service recommends that you spend two days exploring Badlands National Park. The park encompasses 242,756 acres, and to thoroughly explore it, you’ll want to take at least a couple hikes. One day just isn’t enough to fully appreciate the beauty of this place.
33kmg333/Tripadvisor
Yes, there are rattlesnakes at Badlands National Park. But honestly, many people never see one during their visit. Stay on the trails, especially through areas of high grass. Pay attention to where you’re stepping and where you put your hands while climbing, and you’ll avoid snakes.
Christa R./Flickr
While you shouldn’t be overly afraid of the wildlife in the park, a good, healthy respect for the bison who live here is advised. These thousand-pound animals are usually quite docile, but you shouldn’t get too close. Park regulations require a distance of at least 100 feet at all times.
Let Ideas Compete/flickr
It’s hot and dry at Badlands National Park, especially during the summer. Most of the park is not shaded, and you’ll be in direct sunlight. Bring plenty of water and keep yourself well hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion and sunstroke.
Sigurstein S./Tripadvisor
Yes, this photo is nice, and the blue sky above the majestic rock formations is wonderful…
Robot Brainz/flickr
During sunrise and sunset, the rock formations are bathed in beautiful light that really brings out their beauty.
smjack8088/Tripadvisor
The scenery and wildlife along this road is so incredible that you definitely need to take some time here. Pull over and watch the hustle and bustle of a prairie dog town, or pause to take in a beautiful view.
Brian Koprowski/flickr
Storms can come along a lot faster than you might expect, and lightning can strike well ahead. Find shelter during a thunderstorm, and avoid low places where flash flooding can occur. Dress in layers while hiking.
Always Shooting/flickr
Now that you’ve got your sunscreen and a bottle of water, sit on a bench and just…be. Seriously, this majestic place can be a wonderful place to just sit and relax.
Jennifer Feuchter/flickr
Flip-flops are perfect for the pool or beach, but they’re the worst kind of footwear for Badlands National Park. You’ll suffer pricks from cactus spines, insect bites and sunburns. If you plan on doing any hiking at all, you’ll definitely need hiking boots or closed-toe shoes with decent tread - the terrain can be slick and slippery.
For more information about the park, visit the Badlands National Park website. And check out these gorgeous sunrises at Badlands National Park.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Badlands National Park In South Dakota August 10, 2022 Meghan Byers What are the best parks to visit in South Dakota? Badlands National Park isn’t the only place in South Dakota with beautiful scenery and trails to explore. In fact, South Dakota has over 50 state parks and recreational centers where you can get out and enjoy nature’s beauty. Palisades State Park in Garretson has incredible cliffs and rock formations, for example, and you can go hiking and rock-climbing there. At Bear Butte State Park in Sturgis, you’ll be awed by the serene beauty of a land which is considered sacred by many. For lakeside fun, try Hartford Beach State Park in Corona. Visit our guide to more of the best parks in South Dakota. What are some good hiking trails in South Dakota? There’s nothing like a good hike, and there are plenty of trails to choose from in South Dakota, winding their way through diverse landscapes. If you’re looking for a beautiful hike in the Black Hills, you can’t beat Little Elk Creek Trail, with over seven miles of gorgeous views. Traveling alongside the creek, the trail will even lead you toward the stunning Dalton Lake, which you can reach if you keep traveling about a half mile after the trail’s end. Harney Peak Trail in Custer is another excellent choice for beautiful views – plus mountain goats. Check out our article for more of the best hiking trails in South Dakota. What are some other outdoor activities in South Dakota? Hiking isn’t the only way to enjoy the outdoors in the Mount Rushmore State. Camping, kayaking, fishing – there’s plenty to do and see in the great outdoors. You can even visit man-made wonders like SculptureWalk in Sioux Falls, or Art Alley in Rapid City. Our article will help you find even more things to do outside in South Dakota.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Badlands National Park In South Dakota
August 10, 2022
Meghan Byers
What are the best parks to visit in South Dakota? Badlands National Park isn’t the only place in South Dakota with beautiful scenery and trails to explore. In fact, South Dakota has over 50 state parks and recreational centers where you can get out and enjoy nature’s beauty. Palisades State Park in Garretson has incredible cliffs and rock formations, for example, and you can go hiking and rock-climbing there. At Bear Butte State Park in Sturgis, you’ll be awed by the serene beauty of a land which is considered sacred by many. For lakeside fun, try Hartford Beach State Park in Corona. Visit our guide to more of the best parks in South Dakota. What are some good hiking trails in South Dakota? There’s nothing like a good hike, and there are plenty of trails to choose from in South Dakota, winding their way through diverse landscapes. If you’re looking for a beautiful hike in the Black Hills, you can’t beat Little Elk Creek Trail, with over seven miles of gorgeous views. Traveling alongside the creek, the trail will even lead you toward the stunning Dalton Lake, which you can reach if you keep traveling about a half mile after the trail’s end. Harney Peak Trail in Custer is another excellent choice for beautiful views – plus mountain goats. Check out our article for more of the best hiking trails in South Dakota. What are some other outdoor activities in South Dakota? Hiking isn’t the only way to enjoy the outdoors in the Mount Rushmore State. Camping, kayaking, fishing – there’s plenty to do and see in the great outdoors. You can even visit man-made wonders like SculptureWalk in Sioux Falls, or Art Alley in Rapid City. Our article will help you find even more things to do outside in South Dakota.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Badlands National Park isn’t the only place in South Dakota with beautiful scenery and trails to explore. In fact, South Dakota has over 50 state parks and recreational centers where you can get out and enjoy nature’s beauty. Palisades State Park in Garretson has incredible cliffs and rock formations, for example, and you can go hiking and rock-climbing there. At Bear Butte State Park in Sturgis, you’ll be awed by the serene beauty of a land which is considered sacred by many. For lakeside fun, try Hartford Beach State Park in Corona. Visit our guide to more of the best parks in South Dakota.
What are some good hiking trails in South Dakota?
There’s nothing like a good hike, and there are plenty of trails to choose from in South Dakota, winding their way through diverse landscapes. If you’re looking for a beautiful hike in the Black Hills, you can’t beat Little Elk Creek Trail, with over seven miles of gorgeous views. Traveling alongside the creek, the trail will even lead you toward the stunning Dalton Lake, which you can reach if you keep traveling about a half mile after the trail’s end. Harney Peak Trail in Custer is another excellent choice for beautiful views – plus mountain goats. Check out our article for more of the best hiking trails in South Dakota.
What are some other outdoor activities in South Dakota?
Hiking isn’t the only way to enjoy the outdoors in the Mount Rushmore State. Camping, kayaking, fishing – there’s plenty to do and see in the great outdoors. You can even visit man-made wonders like SculptureWalk in Sioux Falls, or Art Alley in Rapid City. Our article will help you find even more things to do outside in South Dakota.
