How much time in Badlands?

Old Oct 8th, 2017, 04:06 PM
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How much time in Badlands?

My husband and I are planning a trip "Out West" next year. We will be driving in our RV, and staying at campgrounds. We would like a leisurely trip from Central Ohio, so we plan to take two days to get to our first stop : Badlands National Park. We've been told that three nights in the Badlands is too long.

Thoughts?
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Old Oct 8th, 2017, 04:42 PM
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Are you pulling a vehicle behind the RV?

A lot of people just drive through Badlands on their way to the Black Hills. It's better to stay overnight in the park and see the badlands formations later in the day and early morning. Wildlife viewing is better at those times too.

The park is not huge and there aren't a lot of hiking trails. I think two nights is enough. That doesn't mean you need a full two days to explore...if you arrive in the afternoon, stay two nights and leave in the morning after the 2nd night, you'll have plenty of time to see the whole park.

It's 18 hours or so from Central Ohio. I'd break that up in 2.5 days or so instead of just 2 days.
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Old Oct 17th, 2017, 12:31 PM
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I would plan one night at the park so you can see sunrise/sunset. I've always visited it as a few hour detour on the drive to the Black Hills. However, it does depend on what you like to do.
I haven't been yet, but near the Bandlands is a Minuteman Missles Silo that you can tour.
Since you didn't mention timing, avoid the area around the beginning of August (unless you are into motorcycles).
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Old Oct 19th, 2017, 10:12 AM
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Thanks for the great advice!
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Old Oct 20th, 2017, 03:46 AM
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We just drove through there two months ago on our way cross country. We stopped at a few viewpoints and walked around. I can not see spending three nights there. I would imagine one night would be enough.
The silos are toured only by reservation so make sure you look into that if you are interested. The visitor center is open without a reservation.
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