Page last updated: 21 October 2024
How many people visit Badlands National Park each year?
Over 1.05 million tourists visited Badlands National Park in 2023.
- Badlands National Park welcomed 970,998 visitors in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 5% to 916,932.
- By 2021, visitor numbers reached 1.22 million, exceeding the pre-pandemic figures by 33%.
- Tourist numbers decreased in 2022 and 2023, with 1.01 million and 1.05 million visits, respectively.
How much do visitors spend at Badlands National Park every year?
In 2023, visitor spending at Badlands National Park amounted to $134 million.
- In 2019, visitors to Badlands National Park generated $63.5 million in expenditure. However, in 2020, visitor spending dropped by 4% to $60.5 million.
- Badlands National Park recovered in 2021, with $88 million spent by tourists.
- In 2022, tourist spending amounted to $73 million, and in 2023, this increased by 83% to $134 million, exceeding the pre-pandemic expenditure.
How many people visited Badlands National Park in 2023?
- In 2023, Badlands National Park welcomed 1.05 million visitors, with 28,164 overnight campers and 1.01 million same-day tourists. This was 8% more than the visitors recorded in 2019.
How much did tourists spend in Badlands National Park in 2023?
- Visitors to Badlands National Park spent almost $134 million in 2023.
Impact of Coronavirus
Badlands National Park Tourism Statistics 2020 and 2021
- In 2020, Badlands National Park visitor numbers fell to 916,932 due to the coronavirus pandemic. This marked a 5% decrease from the 2019 figure of 970,998. In 2021, tourist visitation exceeded 2019’s figure with 1.22 million visits.
- Tourist spending followed a similar trend. After 2019’s expenditure figure of $63.5 million, tourist spending dropped to $60 million in 2020. Recovery was evident in 2021 with visitor spending increasing to $88 million.
How popular is Badlands National Park?
- The park is recognised for having one of the world’s richest fossil beds, which includes fossils from the Oligocene epoch. This aspect has garnered attention from both scientists and tourists alike.
- Badlands National Park ranked 24th as the most visited national park among U.S. national parks in 2023.
Read more about the U.S. National Park Ranking.
When is the best time to visit Badlands National Park?
- The best time to visit Badlands National Park is in Spring (April to May): Mild temperatures (60°F-80°F), fewer crowds, active wildlife, and occasional rainstorms.
- Autumn (September to October) is also a good choice with comfortable temperatures (60°F-70°F), autumn colours and fewer visitors, ideal for outdoor activities and photography.
What were Badlands National Park’s peak tourist months in 2023?
- July: 248,304 visits, the busiest month, driven by summer vacations and optimal weather for outdoor activities.
- August: 202,433 visits, continuing the high summer tourism season.
- June: 198,393 visits, marking the start of peak summer travel as families begin vacations.
- September: 142,610 visits, maintaining strong visitation with pleasant early fall weather and fewer crowds.
- May: 99,117 visits, signalling the beginning of increased tourism as spring transitions into summer.
What were the most popular types of camping at Badlands National Park in 2023?
- Concessionaire Camping: 11,734 visits, the most popular option for campers.
- Concessionaire Lodging: 10,841 visits, a close second in popularity, offering more comfortable accommodations.
- Tent Campers: 3,626 visits, representing those who prefer a more traditional, outdoor camping experience.
- Backcountry Campers: 1,417 visits, catering to those seeking a more remote and rugged camping adventure.
- RV Campers: 910 visits, the least popular option, due to space limitations and personal preferences for other types of accommodation.
Badlands National Park Facts
- Size: Approximately 244,000 acres (379 square miles).
- Location: East of the Black Hills, about 75 miles from Rapid City, South Dakota.
- Badlands Peak: Eroded buttes and pinnacles formed through erosion and sedimentation.
- Rock Layers: Sedimentary rock deposits, including sandstone, claystone, and shale with distinct banding.
- Highest Point: Red Shirt Table at 3,340 feet (1,020 metres) elevation.
- Geography: Diverse landscapes with alpine tundra, forests, glaciers, and canyons; one-sixth of the park is covered by glaciers.
- Mixed Grass Prairie: Largest intact mixed-grass prairie in the U.S., covering over half the park.
- Wildlife: Includes bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, jackrabbits, and black-footed ferrets.
- Prairie Dogs: Commonly seen in the grasslands.
What are the most common causes of death in Badlands National Park?
There were 6 recorded deaths in Badlands National Park between 2007 and August 2024. Here are the main causes of death in the park:
- Motor Vehicle Crash (3 deaths)
- Undetermined (2 deaths)
- Drowning (1 death)
Badlands National Park Safety Tips
When visiting Badlands National Park, it’s essential to be mindful of safety precautions due to the park’s remote location and harsh conditions. Follow these guidelines:
- Plan Ahead: Always have a plan before visiting. Inform someone of your route and return time. Familiarise yourself with the park layout and hazards, and carry a fully charged phone.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring at least one gallon (4 litres) of water per person daily, especially in warmer months, to avoid dehydration.
- Dress Properly: Wear layered clothing for changing weather and sturdy, closed-toe shoes with ankle support for rugged terrain.
- Stay on Trails: Stick to designated trails, especially if you’re new. Only venture off-trail if experienced and prepared.
- Wildlife Safety: Keep a safe distance—at least 100 feet (30 metres) from large animals like bison and sheep. Watch out for rattlesnakes in shaded or grassy areas.
- Monitor Weather: Watch for sudden weather changes. Avoid hiking during thunderstorms due to lightning risks, and be cautious of high winds.
- Sun Protection: Use sunscreen (SPF 15+), wear sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect from intense sun.
- Emergency Contacts: In an emergency, call 911, as some calls may go through even with weak signals.
- Know Your Limits: The park’s elevation (around 3,000 feet) can affect visitors from lower altitudes. Pace yourself and monitor how you feel.
- Watch Your Step: Wear sturdy boots to avoid ankle injuries on uneven terrain.
- Avoid Climbing Buttes: Climbing geological formations can be dangerous and contribute to erosion.
National Park (NP) Tourism Statistics
References
- NPS: Facts and Figures – Visitation, Ranking and Mortality Data