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.
Drive times from Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park sits close enough to Wind Cave National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Cave National Park | 50.5 mi (81.3 km) | 1 hr 39 min |
| Theodore Roosevelt National Park | 227 mi (366 km) | 5 hr 50 min |
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Porcupine | 36.3 mi (58.4 km) | 1 hr 14 min |
| Oglala | 40.6 mi (65.4 km) | 1 hr 22 min |
| Rapid City | 43 mi (69.1 km) | 1 hr 26 min |
| Philip | 46.1 mi (74.2 km) | 1 hr 31 min |
| Kadoka | 49.7 mi (80 km) | 1 hr 38 min |
| Pine Ridge | 50.1 mi (80.7 km) | 1 hr 38 min |
| Hot Springs | 53.5 mi (86.1 km) | 1 hr 43 min |
| Custer | 54.8 mi (88.3 km) | 1 hr 45 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, Oglala, and Rapid City — all within a reasonable drive of the park.