Does an America the Beautiful pass cover Badlands?

Direct answer

Yes. The pass covers the entrance fee and does not cover reservations, timed entry, or permits.

Coverage, kept separate

Accepted: Yes
Entrance fee: Covered
Reservations and permits: Not covered

2026 America the Beautiful tiers on this page: Resident Annual $80 (US citizens and residents), Non-Resident Annual $250 (non-US residents), Senior Annual $20, Senior Lifetime $80; Military, Access, 4th Grade and Volunteer passes free. Badlands has no reservation of any kind, so nothing for a pass to fail to cover.

Official source

National Park Service · reviewed August 27, 2026

All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to US citizens and residents (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates: February 16 ... November 11: Veterans Day

Official pass policy