Complete Guide to Both South Dakota National Parks

South Dakota is one of the most under-rated outdoor destinations in the U.S., thanks in large part to its iconic twin South Dakota National Parks!  Not everyone may be aware that there are 2 National Parks in this state, and each one highlights a region and characteristics that are not found at any other National Park in the country.  Explore what makes these 2 National Parks so special – from stellar Wind Cave National Park camping, to mesmerizing hikes in Badlands National Park, and everything in between!

 

Disclosure: Below are some affiliate links-these are all products I highly recommend. I won’t make any recommendations on this page that I haven’t tested or personally used! Enjoy this guide to the twin South Dakota National Parks!

 

 

Guide to Both South Dakota National Parks

 

Caverns and colors – probably the best way to describe the twin South Dakota National Parks: Wind Cave National Park and Badlands National Park!

 

This South Dakota National Parks guide includes:

• Location and Map of the South Dakota National Parks
• What to Know Before You Go
• Guide to Wind Cave National Park Hiking, Camping, Tours, and Wildlife Watching
• Guide to Badlands National Park Hiking and Camping
• Recommended Itinerary and Map for a South Dakota National Park Road Trip
• Accommodations for Both South Dakota National Parks

 

 

 

Location and Map of the South Dakota National Parks

 

These twin South Dakota National Parks are a road trippers dream, because they are relatively close to each other, and make visiting both in one trip, and even one day, extremely doable.  Wind Cave National Park is located in southwestern South Dakota.  Badlands National Park is located in south-central South Dakota.  

 

They are about 1.5 hours apart from each other, and are both also conveniently located to other outdoor gems like Custer State Park, which houses the hike to the state high point at Black Elk Peak, the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and more!

 

South Dakota National Parks map

 

 

What to Know Before You Go:

 

• Wind Cave National Park Fees: FREE
• Wind Cave National Park Hours: open 24 hours a day year round (Visitor Center hours vary)
• Wind Cave National Park Pet Policy: leashed pets are welcome (except in backcountry areas)
• Badlands National Park Fees: $30 per vehicle
• Badlands National Park Hours: open 24 hours a day year round
• Badlands National Park Pet Policy: leashed pets are only allowed in developed areas (no trails)
• Best Time to Visit the South Dakota National Parks: late spring – early fall
• Driving Distance Between the South Dakota National Parks: 1 hour and 15 minutes

 

 

Wind Cave National Park

 

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is arguably the most familiar National Park housing an underground cave, but it is not the only one!  Wind Cave National Park has both a beautiful prairie setting above ground, and an intriguing cave system below.  The underground cave system is explorable by self guided and ranger led tours. 

 

Above ground, get ready for sweeping grasslands and rolling hills, that will transport you to early pioneer days.  The landscape here is sprinkled with delicate wildflowers, peaceful pastures, and resident bison!  There are several short nature hikes that can be enjoyed around the above ground of the park. Camping is also available at Wind Cave National Park.  

 

 

 

Top Wind Cave National Park Hikes

 

Below are the basics on the top hikes in Wind Cave National Park.  A park map of all hiking trails can be viewed here.

 

 

There are 2 shorter, dog friendly, family friendly hikes at Wind Cave, and both are 1 mile roundtrip in length: the Prairie Vista Trail and the Elk Mountain Campground Trail.

 

The Prairie Vista Trail:

 

Length: 1 mile roundtrip loop

Rating: Easy

Elevation Gain: 111 feet

Estimated Time to Complete: 30 – 45 minutes

Trailhead Location: Visitor Center (or adjacent picnic area)

Dog Friendly: yes, on leashes

 

The Prairie Vista Trail is a great example of the rolling grasslands at Wind Cave, with expansive, uninterrupted horizons!  There are some short, brief inclines.  

 

 

Elk Mountain Campground Trail:

 

Length: 1 mile roundtrip loop

Rating: Easy

Elevation Gain: 91 feet

Estimated Time to Complete: 30 – 45 minutes

Trailhead Location:  Elk Mountain Campground

Dog Friendly: yes, on leashes

 

This trail is another great example of Wind Cave’s characteristic grasslands, with some forest mixed in!  There are similar short, brief inclines on this trail as well.  

 

In addition to these 2 pet friendly and family friendly hiking options, there are over 30 more miles of hiking trails at Wind Cave.  The following trails are not pet friendly.

 

 

 

Rankin Ridge Nature Trail:

 

Length: 1 mile roundtrip loop

Rating: Easy

Elevation Gain: 242 feet

Estimated Time to Complete: 30 – 45 minutes

Trailhead Location: off Highway 87

Dog Friendly: no

 

Another short, family friendly option, this nature trail contains the park’s highest point, offering some stunning views, sometimes as far off as the Badlands!

 

 

Wind Cave Canyon Trail:

 

Length: 1.8 miles roundtrip out and back

Rating: Easy

Elevation Gain: 209 feet

Estimated Time to Complete: 45 – 60 minutes

Trailhead Location: Highway 385 east of the Visitor Center

Dog Friendly: no

 

Limestone cliffs are the characteristic on this trail, making a perfect habitat for the park’s local bird species.  

 

 

Cold Brook Canyon Trail:

 

Length: 1.4 miles roundtrip out and back

Rating: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 200 feet

Estimated Time to Complete: 30 – 60 minutes

Trailhead Location: Highway 385 1 mile south of the Visitor Center

Dog Friendly: no

 

Though short in length, this trail is slightly more strenuous.  Views from along the canyon are coupled with a ponderosa forest, and a prairie dog town that shouldn’t be missed!

 

 

Lookout Point Trail:

 

Length: 2.2 miles roundtrip loop

Rating: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 492 feet

Estimated Time to Complete: 45 – 1 hour and 15 minutes

Trailhead Location: Highway 87 north of the Visitor Center

Dog Friendly: no

 

This trail traverses Beaver Creek and Lookout Point, and can also be combined with part of the Highland Creek and Centennial Trails to make a 4.5 mile roundtrip loop, for those looking for a little longer of a hike.  

 

 

Boland Ridge Trail:

 

Length: 4.8 miles roundtrip out and back

Rating: Difficult

Elevation Gain: 823 feet

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour and 45 minutes – 2 hours and 30 minutes

Trailhead Location: NPS 6

Dog Friendly: no

 

There are several climbs along this trail, with ample views of the Black Hills.  This is a favorite trail among the local elk, especially in the morning and evenings!

 

 

East Bison Flats:

 

Length: 10 miles roundtrip out and back

Rating: Difficult

Elevation Gain: 1,420 feet

Estimated Time to Complete: 3 hours 30 minutes – 5 hours

Trailhead Location: Highway 385

Dog Friendly: no

 

The East Bison Flats trail is accessible from the Wind Cave Canyon Trail.  After a half mile on the Wind Cave Canyon Trail, hikers will connect with the East Bison Flats Trail.  This hike includes some steep climbing, with rewards of the rolling prairies after!

 

 

Centennial Trail:

 

Length: 6 miles roundtrip point to point

Rating: Difficult

Elevation Gain: 685 feet

Estimated Time to Complete: 2 – 3 hours

Trailhead Location: Highway 87

Dog Friendly: no

 

The Centennial Trail’s 6 miles is actually the southern terminus of the entire 111 mile trail that runs through the Black Hills, with the other terminus ending at Bear Butte State Park.  This trail has it all – grasslands, forests, and creeks!  This trail can be combined with the Highland Creek Trail to make a 4.5 mile roundtrip loop.

 

 

Highland Creek Trail:

 

Length: 13.6 miles roundtrip loop

Rating: Difficult

Elevation Gain: 1,489 feet

Estimated Time to Complete: 5 – 8 hours

Trailhead Location: 1 mile on the Wind Cave Canyon Trail, or NPS 5

Dog Friendly: no

 

This is Wind Cave’s longest hiking trail!  And it also has it all – grasslands, forests, creeks, and canyons!

 

 

Wind Cave National Park Tours

 

There are both self guided and ranger led tours of Wind Cave’s caverns.  

 

The Natural Entrance is available for viewing without reservations or fees.  The Natural Entrance is basically a small cave opening, not able to be passed through as it is only about 10 inches wide, but able to be viewed by visitors.  It is several hundred yards from the Visitor Center, on a paved path, or about 150 yards from the picnic area along a gravel path. 

 

Ranger led cave tours are offered, and specific details on how to attend / reserve one of these ranger led tours can be found here on the park’s website.  All tours leave from the Visitor Center, are limited in size, and are first come first serve.  Advance reservations are only available for larger groups.  

 

 

Wind Cave National Park Camping

 

There is 1 campground at Wind Cave National Park, Elk Mountain Campground, and also backcountry camping.  Elk Mountain Campground is very scenic, surrounded by prairies and forest.  This campground offers 62 sites, and is reservable online May – September (first come first serve the rest of the year).  It is open year round.

 

Backcountry camping is only allowed in the northwest part of the park.  Permits are required for backcountry camping, but they are issued for free at the Visitor Center.  Pets are not allowed to backcountry camp.  Advance reservations are not required for backcountry camping. 

 

 

Wildlife Watching at Wind Cave National Park

 

Some of the popular residents of Wind Cave National Park are its bison, elk, and prairie dogs, all which are relatively highly visible, if you spend time in the park!

 

 

 

Badlands National Park

 

Badlands National Park is perhaps the more alien and unfamiliar of the twin South Dakota National Parks!  Its landscape is unlike anywhere else in the country!  Vast plateaus, vistas, and canyons stretch across this park.  And the colors are simply indescribable!   A never ending sea of striated yellows, pinks, purples, and oranges drape the topography here, and it is simply mesmerizing!  It is what makes Badlands National Park hikes and camping one of a kind!

 

One of the prettiest scenic park drives can be found here in Badlands National Park, and if you only have a few hours to explore, it is an ideal way to experience this region.  Badlands Loop Road, also known as South Dakota Highway 240, can take 1-2 hours to fully enjoy, and has over 10 designated overlooks and pull off spots to enjoy!  There is no reservation needed or fee to pay to drive Badlands Loop Road.

 

 

 

 If you have more time, there are also multiple Badlands National Park hikes here, ranging from short and easy to lengthier and more remote.  Come prepared with the right hiking gear and plenty of water if you want to take on a longer hike, as the setting at Badlands is very desolate and remote.  And don’t forget to keep an eye out for resident bison, a characteristic that both of these South Dakota National Parks share!

 

 

Top Badlands National Park Hikes

 

These top Badlands National Park hikes range in length from a couple tenths of a mile, to over 10 miles in length.  There is something for families, young children, and visitors of varying abilities.  Pets are not allowed on hiking trails in Badlands National Park.  A park map of all hiking trails can be viewed here. 

 

 

 

The Window Trail

 

Length: 0.3 miles roundtrip out and back

Rating: Easy

Elevation Gain: 13 feet

Estimated Time to Complete: 15 – 30 minutes

 

This trail is aptly named due to its unique natural window formation that overlooks canyon views.  

 

 

Saddle Pass Trail

 

Length: 0.7 miles roundtrip out and back

Rating: Difficult

Elevation Gain: 216 feet

Estimated Time to Complete: 30 – 45 minutes

 

This trail is short but challenging, so do not be deceived! This path climbs steeply up Badlands Wall to overlook the White River Valley!

 

 

Fossil Exhibit Trail

 

Length: 0.4 miles roundtrip out and back

Rating: Easy

Elevation Gain: 9 feet

Estimated Time to Complete: 20 – 30 minutes

 

This is a fully accessible boardwalk trail filled with educational exhibits and fossil replicas.  

 

 

Cliff Shelf Trail

 

Length: 0.5 miles roundtrip loop

Rating: Easy

Elevation Gain: 65 feet

Estimated Time to Complete: 20 – 30 minutes

 

This trail has some boardwalk areas, and some climbing steps parts.  There are sections of juniper forest and a seasonal small pond that tends to draw wildlife in, including big horn sheep and deer.

 

 

The Door Trail

 

Length: 0.9 miles roundtrip out and back

Rating: Easy

Elevation Gain: 22 feet

Estimated Time to Complete:

 

This trail starts off as a boardwalk, which winds to a natural opening in the Badlands Wall.  Hikers can continue past this point, but the maintained boardwalk trail ends here.  

 

 

Notch Trail

 

Length: 1.5 miles roundtrip out and back

Rating: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 127 feet

Estimated Time to Complete:

 

This trail involves climbing a log ladder to get the best views of the White River Valley!  It is one of the most popular hikes in Badlands National Park.  

 

 

Medicine Root Loop Trail

 

Length: 4 miles roundtrip loop

Rating: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 111 feet

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour and 30 minutes – 2 hours

 

Some rolling sections, and a chance to glimpse the mixed grass prairie ecosystem of Badlands National Park.  

 

 

Castle Trail

 

Length: 10.3 miles roundtrip out and back

Rating: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 305 feet

Estimated Time to Complete: 3 hours and 30 minutes – 5 hours and 30 minutes

 

This is the longest trail in the park, and includes views of several characteristic and unique badland formations.  It begins at the Door and Window Trails parking area, and ends at the Fossil Exhibit Trail.  

 

**Pets are not allowed on Badlands National Park hiking trails.  

 

 

Camping in Badlands National Park

 

There are 2 developed campgrounds in Badlands National Park, Cedar Pass Campground, and Sage Creek Campground.  Cedar Pass Campground is reservable on the park’s website, where Sage Creek Campground is first come first serve, and camping here is free.  Pets are also welcome in both established campgrounds.  It should be noted that Sage Creek Campground does not have water on site.

 

Backcountry camping is permitted in Badlands.  Permits are not required for overnight stays, but there are backcountry registers at multiple trailheads that should be utilized.  Campfires are not permitted in the backcountry, so campers should be prepared with a backpacking stove.  Review these backcountry camping guidelines before visiting.

 

There are also no reliable water sources in the backcountry of Badlands National Park.  All overnight hikers should be prepared with at least a gallon of water per person per day, in this remote environment. 

 

 

Recommended Itinerary for Both South Dakota National Parks

 

These South Dakota National Parks are ideal road tripper parks, as relative nearby neighbors!

 

 

Suggested 1 Day Itinerary for Both South Dakota National Parks

 

 

It is completely possible to see both South Dakota National Parks in just 1 day, since they are less than 2 hours apart driving time.  If completing both in 1 day, I would recommend the following itinerary.

 

STOP #1: Wind Cave National Park

• Spend 1 hour touring the Visitor Center and adjacent Natural Entrance at Wind Cave National Park

• Hike the short, 1 mile roundtrip, Prairie Vista Trail to enjoy some characteristic rolling grasslands views!

• Wildlife watch for native bison!

• Picnic Lunch

• Drive approximately 2 hours to Badlands National Park

 

STOP #2: Badlands National Park

• Hike any of the shorter trails, like the 0.3 mile roundtrip Window Trail with the unique formation, or the 1.5 mile roundtrip Notch Trail, one of the most popular hikes in the park with its iconic log ladder and best views of the White River Valley!

 

• Spend a couple hours driving the scenic Badlands park road, stopping to enjoy the scenery at the multiple pull offs and overlooks, and if you have time, stopping by the Visitor Center.

 

 

Map of Sample 1 Day Itinerary for Both South Dakota National Parks

 

 

 

 

 

Longer Itineraries for Both South Dakota National Parks

 

 

For a weekend long visit to the twin South Dakota National Parks, or longer, plan to partake in a few extra offerings in addition to the ones suggested above.

 

• Enjoy a more in depth, ranger led tour of Wind Cave National Park

 

• Hike one of the longer trails at Wind Cave, such as the East Bison Flats, Sanctuary, or Centennial Trails.  

 

• Partake in an overnight of Wind Cave National Park camping

 

• Hike one of the longer trails at Badlands National Park, such as the Medicine Root Loop Trail, or the Castle Trail

 

• Camp overnight at Badlands National Park

 

 

 

As you can see, South Dakota is best experienced with a visit to not one, but both, South Dakota National Parks!

 

 

 

Accommodations for Both South Dakota National Parks

 

Besides the campgrounds within both of the South Dakota National Parks, there are plenty of other nearby accommodations to both Wind Cave National Park and Badlands National Park, in terms of hotels and vacation rentals.

 

Accommodations Near Wind Cave National Park

 

There are several nearby towns with hotels and vacation rentals near Wind Cave National Park.

 

Driving Distances:

• Hot Springs, SD to Wind Cave National Park: 15 minutes
• Custer, SD to Wind Cave National Park: 20 minutes
• Keystone, SD to Wind Cave National Park: 50 minutes
• Rapid City, SD to Wind Cave National Park: 1 hour

 

Book your accommodations for Wind Cave National Park Here

 

 

 

Accommodations Near Badlands National Park

 

There are several nearby towns with hotels and vacation rentals near Badlands National Park.

 

Driving Distances:

• Interior, SD to Badlands National Park: 5 minutes
• Rapid City, SD to Badlands National Park: 1 hour

 

Book your accommodations for Badlands National Park Here

 

 

 

*Check off all your National Park visits, with this

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