Independent guides to the U.S. national parks
Golden grassland dotted with shrubs stretches before layered rock formations, with gray smoke on the horizon beneath a blue sky

Park news · Badlands

Badlands Plans Prescribed Burn in North Unit: What to Know Before You Visit

A prescribed burn could begin October 30, 2026, in the northeast part of Badlands' North Unit, so check current park updates before your visit.

By Victoria Boissonade,

If you're planning a visit to Badlands, keep a planned prescribed burn in mind. It will affect the northeast portion of the North Unit. The operation is called the Big Buffalo Prescribed Burn. As you plan your route, we recommend using the Badlands National Park guide to see where this area sits within the park.

The burn could begin as early as October 30, 2026. That date is tentative, and weather and conditions on the ground will determine whether crews can start. We recommend keeping your plans flexible if you intend to explore this part of the park.

Tall golden grasses in the foreground, rolling prairie and rocky formations beyond, with a plume of smoke beneath a blue sky

The project aims to improve wildlife habitat and reduce wildfire risk. Park crews and the partner agency named in the announcement are preparing this intentionally set fire. For your visit, the key detail is its location in the northeast portion of the North Unit.

The available information doesn't specify what time crews will conduct the burn or how long it will last. It also doesn't list any road or trail closures. That means there's no way to tell which stops on your itinerary might be affected. The announcement doesn't guarantee access to any specific location during the burn, either.

Before heading to this area, check the park's latest updates. We recommend looking for confirmation that the burn has started and any access instructions. If your visit falls within the proposed timeframe, be ready to change the order of your stops, since the burn schedule still depends on conditions.