Badlands National Park, SD
The Sun And Clouds Dance On The Badlands Peaks
The Badlands National Park In South Dakota
The Badlands National Park In South Dakota
The Badlands National Park In South Dakota
A View From The Yellow Mounds Overlook
Hiking A Trail In The Badlands
David Getting Ready To Shoot Some Video At The Badlands
What a wonderful few days we’ve had. We just left the Badlands National Park in South Dakota and if you have not been there yet…you must. It’s a real easy on and off from Interstate 90 that crosses South Dakota. If you don’t have time to stop for a few days, which we recommend, then you can easily drive the Badlands 240 Loop on your way through to somewhere else. It’s also an easy 1 hour drive east of Rapid City, SD.
You’re not going to want to forget your camera. Their are a ton of photo opportunities every where you look.
The badlands span 244,000 acres that consist of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires surrounded by a mixed-grass prairie ecosystem. The geologic formations date back to over 75 million years ago. I won’t bore you with the details of what all the layers consist of and how old they are. If you are interested in learning more you can read all about it here.
While there, we drove the loop road and did some hiking. David also got the quadcopter out and shot some amazing video that he has edited and put below. Please take the time to watch this video. It really gives you a different and awesome view of the Badlands.
The Badlands can be a rough environment. However that does not stop wildlife from making this place home. On our trek we saw many Prairie Dog communities, American Bison, Pronghorn, Coyotes and Big Horn Sheep Lamb and Ewe. I managed to get a great picture of the Big Horn Sheep Lamb and Ewe with my long lens.
They seemed to be posing for the camera. We were also pleased to find a gathering of them grazing on a nearby mound.
Even though we were there in mid-September their were still some wildflowers left. I zoomed in real close for this shot.
While researching the Badlands and where to stay, I found out there is a campground right inside the park. Although it is not full hook-up, some sites do offer 50 amp electric and on these hot days, 50 amps to run the air conditioning is a necessity. As usual, we were the biggest thing there. Being 43 feet long we barely fit in our spot but we made it work.
The sunsets and the night skies are not to be missed. Their is very little light around so on a clear night the stars come out in droves.
We have yet to make it up in time for a sunrise. I guess we’re just not early morning people.
We really enjoyed our time here at the Badlands. With the two nights that we were here we experienced rain and dreariness, very windy but warm weather and clear blue skies and no wind. Things out here can change rapidly so be sure you are prepared for any condition.
We hope that when you visit the Badlands you enjoy it as much as we did.
David Can’t Resist Climbing Up For A Different View
David Giving A Thumbs Up To The Video He Is Shooting In The Badlands
Big Horn Sheep Lamb and Ewe In The Badlands
Big Horned Sheep Lambs And Ewe’s On The Mounds Grazing
A Wild Flower In The Badlands
A Long Distance View Of The Campground In The Badlands
Our Site, Number 19, At The Campground Inside The Badlands
The Sunset At The Badlands
The Moon Coming Out In The Night Sky At The Badlands
The Badlands National Park In South Dakota
The Badlands National Park In South Dakota
The Badlands National Park In South Dakota
David and Brenda At The Badlands In South Dakota
I was there about 10 years ago. Great place. Have you been to Mount Rushmore and Devil’s tower? Just a hop skip and a jump from there.
So pretty! I’ll have to add this to our to-do list. I hope David is fully recovered and feeling better!
Awesome video! If the copter ever took off on it’s own here, you wouldn’t be looking in an Amish field for it..you’d be kissing it “Goodbye”!! I never expect to get there, so thanks for the great eye experience.
BTW, the Mackinaw Bridge Tractor crossing was a couple of weeks ago. We all love the video you took from there last year.
These are some amazing views! It’s always nice when campers share their destinations. I’ve heard of Badlands, but these photos seal the deal, a trip is in store. Safe Travels!
Hi David, I’m planning our trek from Northern MI to Montana, and want to take a couple of days to see Badlands. Wonder if the park you stayed at was public or private? Want to find the site and cross my fingers for a reservation.
Hi…We stayed in the park… Our Site, Number 19, At The Campground Inside The Badlands. You can the camping area in the video. It was ELECTRIC only. And WOW! That was some time ago! Back in the days when you had to build quadcopter (drone) and could not just buy one! They used some of our footage in the visitor center. For back then, it was so unique. :)