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Thread: Black Hills Visit Guidance
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02-15-2021, 08:22 PM #11
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We have been a few times and really enjoyed ourselves. The first time I was alone on a long motorcycle trip and stayed in Rapid City to be able to go to both Badlands and into the Black Hills. It was over 100ºF every day (mid-July) but the riding was good and I picked up a number of National Park & National Historic Site stamps. Second time was in September with the wife and we stayed in a cabin at Bluebell Campground in Custer State Park in mid-September. Just missed the September Buffalo Roundup (which we will try to get back for in the future). The last visit was also in July (2018) and we stayed at the Palmer Gulch KOA because we were with a large group. I wouldn't recommend it unless it is a "last choice" or you need lots of activities for kids/grandchildren. The weather the last visit was great - mid-70'sF and rained every few nights to keep the dust down.
There are some really good places to eat in both Hill City and Custer. If you aren't vegetarian you have to have a buffalo burger when you are there. If it is really hot then that's the day to go to Jewel or Wind Caves (book ahead). Ooops, just checked and the Jewel Cave tours will be closed most of 2021 for elevator reconstruction.
Our favorite things to do:
Go up to Devils Tower and watch the climbers.
Some of the more obscure drives: Spearfish Canyon on your way to/from Devils Tower, Vanocker Canyon & Nemo Road, Playhouse Road, Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park.
Some memorable places to visit: Minuteman Missile NHS and South Dakota Air & Space Museum at Ellsworth AFB. When we were leaving there was a B1-B doing "touch-and-go"s.
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02-16-2021, 11:05 AM #12
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We stayed at the Trailside Resort! Loved it! Ask for spot 10. You won't be disappointed. There's a creek that runs through the park you can fish from. Kids also ride tubes down the creek, which is fun to watch.
Curtis, Christine, Cole, and Charlotte
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02-16-2021, 05:17 PM #13
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We stayed in Custer State Park at the Game Lodge Campground last spring. A great place to be. If you get an edge site near the main road, buffalo within feet of your camper window most days! (Separated by a fence). The loop drives are very scenic. But, it is a longer trip to the hard core tourist locations like Hill City, etc.
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02-17-2021, 08:52 AM #14
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Dan & Carol
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02-17-2021, 01:44 PM #15
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This is not a joke -- do not piss-off the buffalo. If you see a female with a baby leave them alone. They do not have a sense of humor.
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02-18-2021, 05:57 AM #16
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02-20-2021, 03:26 PM #17
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I lived in Rapid City when in the Air Force back in the the seventies. Rafter j Bar has been there a long time. It would be my preference. Hill City is central to all the sites in the Black Hills. The 1880 train, Mount Rushmore, Needles Highway Deadwood,Lead and Spearfish Canyon. Spent many weekends hiking, exploring the area. We used to icefish on Stockade Lake outside of Custer. Custer State Park. Keystone is a tourist trap but the drive from Keystone to Custer is awesome. Enjoy the tunnels and look back to some frame Mount Rushmore. Enjoy your trip and be safe.
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02-20-2021, 03:37 PM #18
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Don’t forget about the northern black hills. Lead,deadwood, spearfish etc. I have to say the town of spearfish has an RV park down by spearfish creek that is one of the nicest parks you’ll ever experience. Plus it is walking distance to downtown, the hatchery is there, etc. we go there to walk because of the beautiful area. Spearfish canyon another gorgeous area. Don’t come anywhere near the hills during rally!! Elkhorn RV park at exit 17 is a excellent park also with lots of local ranch history. Want to see real cowboys and ranchers take in belle fourche. Have a good trip. If you have a RV snafu northern hills rv in whitewood will help you
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02-20-2021, 04:09 PM #19
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Any of the campgrounds in Custer State Park offer a great Black Hills camping experience. Spacious sites, electric only. Tough to reserve a spot on short notice due to popularity. DO NOT try to take Needles Highway with your camper in tow.
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02-20-2021, 04:30 PM #20
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We stayed at Custer’s Gulch 2 years ago and loved it! Custersgulch.com
Right outside of Custer, so close to shops and restaurants, centrally located to all the sites and Custer State Park. Very clean and well- maintained, spacious lots. Had no trouble parking our 42’ Reflection 5th wheel. As others recommend, Needles Highway, South to North has better vistas. We rented a side by side UTV for the day in Custer, it was the most fun part of our trip! Hundreds of miles of public trails to ride on without much traffic. Great German restaurant in Hill City.
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