Some places demand an early wake-up call, and Badlands National Park is one of them. The rugged landscape, sculpted by time and erosion, glows under the first rays of sunrise—if you can find the perfect vantage point.
But let’s be honest: planning a road trip to a remote destination like this can feel overwhelming. That’s where AdventureGenie comes in.
The Road to the Badlands—Made Easy
Starting a trip to the Badlands from scratch? Instead of spending hours researching, just let AdventureGenie’s AI-Powered Trip Planner do the heavy lifting. We’ve put together an easily customizable trip that can include more than just the Badlands. Our GenieTrip, South Dakota’s Great 8 Road Trip, allows you to simply input your home location, select your travel preferences—whether it’s scenic byways, historic landmarks, or the best camping spots—and let Genie handle the rest.
For this trip, AdventureGenie mapped out:
✅ The most scenic route through rolling prairies and Badland formations
✅ Top-rated campgrounds and RV parks near Interior, South Dakota
✅ Hidden gems
Photo by Scott Lengel Photography
Where to Camp Near the Badlands
After a long day of exploring, you’ll need a great place to unwind. Here are two top-rated campgrounds near the park:
🏕 Badlands/White River KOA Holiday – This pet-friendly campground has shady tent and RV sites, a pool, and even a dog park for your pup. A perfect basecamp for Badlands adventurers.
🏕 Sage Creek Campground (Badlands National Park) – If you want a more off-the-grid experience, this free campground inside the park offers stunning views, bison sightings, and a true wilderness feel. No reservations—first come, first served!
Pro Tip: With GenieMatch, you can find the perfect campground based on your camping style and preferences
Photo by Scott Lengel Photography
Chasing the Perfect Sunrise
Badlands National Park is known for its dramatic landscapes, but catching them at sunrise? That’s next-level magic.
Once the sun breaks the horizon, it washes the rugged peaks in fiery oranges and soft pinks.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for the best sunrise spots, head to Panorama Point, Big Badlands Overlook, or the Cliff Shelf Trail. These locations offer breathtaking, unobstructed views.
Photo by Scott Lengel Photography
Dog-Friendly Adventures Near the Badlands
Want to bring your furry friend along? While most trails in Badlands National Park don’t allow dogs, you can still find some great pet-friendly spots nearby:
🐶 Sage Creek Rim Road – A scenic drive with pull-offs where dogs can stretch their legs and take in the views.
🐶 Wall Community Walking Trail (Wall, SD) – A paved path perfect for a quick morning or evening stroll with your pup.
🐶 The Wagon Wheel Bar & Grill (Interior, SD) – A local watering hole with a pet-friendly patio, ideal for cooling off after a day of exploring.
Photo by Scott Lengel Photography
Hiking the Badlands: A Test of Endurance
The Notch Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Badlands! It is known for its log ladder and fantastic views. However, it is also known for causing injuries, so proceed with caution!
🚶♂️ The Challenge:
- Squeezing through a tight rock passage
- Climbing a log ladder
Photo by Scott Lengel Photography
By mid-morning, temps soar into the high 90s. Word to the wise: hike early or risk melting into the landscape.
Photo by Scott Lengel Photography
Hidden Gems & Must-Visit Restaurants Near the Badlands
After a long day of exploring, food is the next priority. Here are a few must-visit spots:
🍔 Cedar Pass Lodge Restaurant (Interior, SD) – Famous for their Buffalo Burgers and homemade fry bread. Try their Indian Taco for a local twist.
☕ The Wall Drug Café (Wall, SD) – A South Dakota icon! Grab a 5-cent coffee and their famous homemade donuts before exploring the quirky shops.
Breweries & Wineries Near the Badlands
After a long day in the sun, nothing beats a cold drink. Check out these local favorites:
🍺 Badlands Distillery (Kadoka, SD) – Small-batch whiskey and flavored moonshine made right in South Dakota. Try their unique Honey Moonshine!
🍷 Prairie Berry Winery (Hill City, SD) – A bit farther out, but worth the drive if you’re heading to the Black Hills. Their famous Red Ass Rhubarb Wine is a must-try.
Make Your Own Adventure—Anywhere
While the Badlands are amazing, your perfect trip might look completely different. Maybe you’re chasing waterfalls in Oregon, winding through the Smoky Mountains, or hunting for historic ghost towns in the Southwest. Wherever your road trip dreams take you, AdventureGenie makes it simple with any number of our pre-planned iconic trips!
Start from your home base, enter your interests, and let AI plan your custom adventure. You’ll get optimized routes, top-rated campgrounds, and unique stops tailored to your style.
👉 Start Planning with AdventureGenie
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