Recommendations for South Dakota

[D Yoder]

We are planning to go to the Grand Rapids area this summer. We plan to spend time near Mount Rushmore and the Badlands. I have a few question for those of you who have been there: We can go in June or September - which has better weather? What campgrounds do you recommend?

[rohrmann]

We stayed last year at Custers Gulch RV Park & Campground in Custer, SD, very nice park and good location for visiting the Mt Rushmore area. We also stayed at Sleepy Hollow RV Park in Wall, SD. It is real close to the Badlands, not a real fancy park but much better than some. As for time of year, both aren't bad.

[padredw]

We also stayed in Custer's Gulch, near Custer, SD for a week and enjoyed it. We were there in September and the weather was excellent. We have great access to Custer State Park, Wildlife Loop, Iron Mountain Road, Rushmore, Crazy Horse, etc.

[dtolar]

We were there last September, late for the buffalo roundup, that was very interesting. Was a little chilly and the week before the big blizzard that killed a lot of cattle. We stayed at Big Pine RV Park, nice folks and lots of trees and convenient. Lots to see, enjoy. Also take a drive up to Deadwood, lots of history and a little gambling if so desired.

[K0LCB]

We spent a few days at Mt. View RV park in Sundance, it was nice, clean, friendly folks. Cold beer next door

[Recumbent]

We looked at old photo of Custers Gulch while Custer himself was actually there (prior to RV Park & Campground) in what would become Custer, SD and our Montana was parked right behind one of the army tents. Enjoy your trip.

[Rainer]

September may be better since the kiddies have to be back in school and it won't be as crowded anymore.

[scattershot]

Don't miss the lighting ceremony at Mt. Rushmore, or Custer State park. We also highly recommend Bear Country in Rapid City. We almost passed, because we thought it would be a touristy gimmick kinda place, but it was thoroughly enjoyable. I'd recommend September, since the crowds will have thinned out by then and it's cooler.

[Clyde n Deb]

Really hard to beat the City Park Campground in Spearfish in September.

[mlh]

Clusters State Park
Lynwood

[jsmitfl]

We've stayed at Sleepy Hollow in Wall a few times and it's a good park. Also at the City Park in Spearfish. There's another park in Spearfish we stayed at one night early in the season and that was Chris's. Nice park and nice people. Haven't stayed in the Rapid City area. If you get a chance, go to Aladdin Wy, it's easy to get to and you can park the rig in front of the mercantile. The little café there has some great eats. And you get plenty.

[BusyCarol]

We went in beginning of June and the weather was beautiful with the occasional night showers. No rainfall during the day. We stayed at the KOA in Custer and it was fantastic! Lots of amenities and very friendly. Have fun! Visit Jewel Cave, Wind Cave and the Mammoth Site in addition to Mt. Rushmore! All are incredible!