Getting to Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park sits in SD, United States, with Porcupine the nearest town of any size — about 36.3 mi (58.4 km) out, or roughly 1 hr 14 min of driving.
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Porcupine | 36.3 mi (58.4 km) | 1 hr 14 min |
| Box Elder | 37.8 mi (60.8 km) | 1 hr 17 min |
| Rapid Valley | 38.7 mi (62.4 km) | 1 hr 19 min |
| Ellsworth Air Force Base | 39.5 mi (63.5 km) | 1 hr 20 min |
| Oglala | 40.6 mi (65.4 km) | 1 hr 22 min |
| Rapid City | 43 mi (69.1 km) | 1 hr 26 min |
| Colonial Pine Hills | 44.3 mi (71.4 km) | 1 hr 28 min |
| Philip | 46.1 mi (74.2 km) | 1 hr 31 min |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Badlands National Park?
Porcupine, about 36.3 mi (58.4 km) away — roughly 1 hr 14 min of driving.
Where should I stay when visiting Badlands National Park?
The practical bases are Porcupine, Box Elder, and Rapid Valley — all within a reasonable drive of the park.