“Dramatic eroded buttes, spires, fossil beds, mixed-grass prairie, bison herds, vast open sky”
About This Location
Badlands National Park in Jackson and Pennington Counties, South Dakota offers filmmakers a breathtaking landscape of dramatically eroded buttes, towering spires, and fossil-studded terrain set against endless prairie skies. This iconic outdoor location features striking geological formations in earth tones, expansive mixed-grass grasslands, and roaming bison herds that create authentic Americana and wilderness visuals unmatched in the region. Perfect for westerns, documentaries, and epic outdoor productions, Badlands provides unforgettable exterior cinematography with advance permits required for professional filming.
Restrictions
No drones without permit. Leave No Trace. Check seasonal closures.
Color Palette
Location
📍 Open in Google Maps →Permit Information
Permit Required
Type
Government Filming Permit Required
Fee
Varies by crew size and duration
Contact
Park/Forest Permit Office
NPS Commercial Filming Permit. Apply 10+ days in advance.
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