South Dakota in late October?

[BirdingRVer]

After our visit to Chiacgo we will start heading west to be back in California for the holidays.

We are thinking about visiting Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower area in late October or early November.

Anyone been that way that time of year? Any thoughts or advice? Any ideas on what the weather should be?

Grant aka BirdingRVer

[rogue]

Grant,
Here are a couple of links that may help.

http://www.mountrushmoreinfo.com/weather.htm
http://www.nps.gov/archive/moru/trav...ather_hist.htm

If you have time Custer State Park and the town of Custer are also great visits. Check your RV campgrounds, a lot of the ones around there close in October.
Bob

[ols1932]

Grant,
I'm familiar with that area, having lived in Spencer, IA for five years. Spencer is in about the same climatic area as Rapid City, SD. The weather can be cool at night, dropping down to the high 30's to mid 40's. Or it can freeze at night, not hard but mid 20's. But the days can be very nice--55-70° F. October usually ushers in what we commonly referred to as Indian Summer--very nice and comfortable.

Orv

[adelmoll]

We have been there in early October and it is simply awesome. We have also run into some very cold weather and even snow at that time. We have never stayed there later than Oct 15th, the reason being that the campgrounds start closing. The first weekend of October is the buffalo round-up at Custer State Park. What a fun morning. They then auction off about 500 buffalo in November but I don't know if I would take the chance that late in the season because where ever you go from there will be in the Rocky's and you can run into anything at that time of the year.

Helen

[jimcol]

You are going to be a little late to enjoy one of the best kept secrets in the Black Hills. The city campground in Spearfish is a great place at a very good price. Unfortunately for you they close Oct 1. Besides what has already been mentioned a drive of the Needles Highway and Spearfish Canyon are a must. Deadwood is a fun day for shopping and Casinos. If possible try and see Mt. Rushmore both in the daytime as well as the night. The night lighting is awesome. If you are pulling your Monty when visiting Devils Tower you will have to unhook in the parking lot a couple of miles down the hill from the visitors center. (Certainly not a big deal as there is lots of room.)

[Montana Sky]

Having grown up in the Black Hills, I suggest you leave ample time in your plans to work around the weather. I am heading that way in two weeks, but will be back in Iowa before halloween as I know how that first snow will hit anytime after October 30th. The nights will be down into the 30's and the days in the 50's. Winds are usually brisk and fairly constant as the fronts from up north bring down winters fury. Keep an eye on the weather and enjoy the trip!