Hey! Clean Up Your Trash At Beloved South Dakota National Park

Some South Dakota park officials are not happy with fellow campers.

Of course, South Dakota welcomes all campers to our state, especially when they travel to the gem of South Dakota...the Badlands National Park. But here's a tip from South Dakota park officials: When you do decide to stay in parks like the Badlands National Park, clean up your campsite and trash before you leave the park!

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Badlands National Park (via Facebook)

The Badlands National Park is known for landscapes of layered rock formations, steep canyons, and towering spires. Its wide open spaces are home to Big Horn Sheep, Prairie Dogs, Coyotes, and even some snakes. Driving on the Badlands Loop Road is only half of the adventure the National Park has to offer!

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There are two areas inside the Badlands National Park where you can camp and spend your family vacation: Cedar Pass Campground and Sage Creek Campground. It's very easy to book a camping reservation. Keep in mind that you're visiting the Badlands National Park, and you're expected to respect the space.

In an upsetting Facebook post, park officials with the Badlands National Park shared images of an "abandoned campsite." Items were left behind, like large quantities of food, sleeping bags, trash...this is just rude!

When looking at the campsite, park officials feared that something "had gone very wrong" and people could have been in danger. First responders went looking and took the time to search for anyone who might have needed help. Park officials explained that "time they spent on this could have been used to help those who really needed it." It was later determined that this campsite "was likely abandoned due to a large thunderstorm that had rolled through the area the prior night."

Mother Nature happens, but at least let Park Rangers know if you are leaving your campsite abruptly.

If you’re planning a trip into the Badlands backcountry, be prepared. Pack it in, pack it out. Take only pictures and leave only footprints. After all, “wilderness is an area untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain” (Wilderness Act of 1964).

P.S. If this was your campsite, and you’re now reading this: we really hope that you’re okay, but please know that your actions have serious consequences. Next time, give us the courtesy, and let us know if something goes wrong. We're always happy to help!

This is a good reminder for all South Dakota campers!

LOOK: 10 Reasons to Visit the South Dakota Badlands

Returning from a weekend trip to Rapid City, South Dakota for state basketball tournaments we decided to visit the Badlands National Park.

A quick turn-off I-90 will take you into some of the most awe-inspiring scenery.

It's also fun to note that several big-screen movies were filmed in the Badlands. Dances With Wolves, Starship Troopers, Armageddon, and most recently, Academy Award winner, Nomadland.

It's a spectacular park with tons to do. If you're setting out on a hike, bring lots of water and sign the hikers' logs at the trailheads. It could save your life. It's a tough place to survive.

Here are 10 facts about the Badlands:

Gallery Credit: Danny V

From Frybread to Pheasants - Here are South Dakota's Official State Things

Every state in our nation has chosen things that represent the state in one way or another to be official state things. Like a flower, or animal. South Dakota is no different.

The Mount Rushmore has a state flower. But did you know we also have a state tree and a state fish? Yes, we even have a state code.

Here is what we have so far in Wyoming. Thanks to the South Dakota Secretary of State's Office for the info: