When submitting eBird observations at Badlands National Park, it is most helpful to start a new checklist for each hotspot within the national park. Use this general hotspot when you have a checklist that includes multiple locations in Jackson County or if no other hotspot or personal location is appropriate for your sightings.

Driving through the Badlands National Park one has a pretty good chance of seeing Mountain Bluebirds, Say's Phoebes, and Turkey Vultures. A quick walkabout may also yield Canyon Wrens, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Burrowing Owls, and areas with juniper stands are a fairly good place to find Long-eared Owls.

The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today. 

Interstate 90 (I-90) is located directly north of the park and provides access to the SE-240 Badlands Loop Road. For those traveling west on I-90, take Exit 131 (Interior) and follow the signs directing vehicles south approximately three miles to the Northeast Entrance. For those traveling east on I-90, take Exit 110 at Wall, South Dakota. Follow signs directing vehicles south approximately seven miles to the Pinnacles Entrance.

SD-44 provides an alternate, scenic access to the park and intersects SD-377 in the town of Interior. Follow SD-377 two miles north to the Interior Entrance.