zwi
Rochester, New York
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We are heading out to the Badlands/ Mt Rushmore and such in the summer- probably in mid July. Any recomendations for campgrounds. We have a 30ft TT. We were planning on camping in ne of the National Parks for a few days. We will be out there for about 10 days so any suggestions for campgrounds and what not to miss would be great--Thanks
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ronnie 5er
connecticut
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Joined: 10/15/2009
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hi good morning
just went through both of these 2 outstanding parks in august of
09 while visiting south dakota they are spectacular sights u
will enjoy very much cant help u with campgrounds in that area
because we stayed at a private house in south dakota bring lots
of cold water and film u will love it have fun....
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Haley
Rochester, NY
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Joined: 10/28/2003
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Zwi,
I'm in Rochester as well, and we are looking at Class C's. One of our intended trips is what you are suggesting. A few quick questions if I could:
- Is ten days the entire trip?
- Are you hitting those parks, or are you thinking of Yosemite, Yellowstone, etc.
- How many days are you allowing for the drive out west?
- Are you thinking of a destination between here and there? Boundary Waters sounds interesting to us?
Thanks!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
John Haley
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jones4110
Champlin, MN
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I would recommend one night at the KOA Interior at the Badlands on the way out. I highly recommend Elkhorn RV park in Spearfish if you to go to various destinations in the Hills. very nice park. We also have stayed at Rafter J in Hill City.
Joan and Bruce
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RCDCTN
Knoxville, Tennessee
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We also have a trip there planned for July 2010. We will be staying at Rafters J-Bar Ranch. From experience of friends it is the best in the area. We will be at Mt. Rushmore for the fireworks on the night of the 3rd of July.
Good luck and happy camping
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harrellrus
south
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elkhorn rv park in spearfish is the best in the area, big lots with nice pool and store
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kknowlton
Wisconsin Border Country, IL
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There's a wealth of info here, in past posts, on CGs and things to see in that area. It's worth spending that long, IMO. Folks will have different opinions, but here's our recommendations:
Badlands - camp at the KOA outside of the village of Interior. It's by far the nicest CG in the area, clean, with shade, and good amenities (laundry, pool, etc.) July in the Badlands will be HOT, so the shade will be most welcome. It's about 4 miles from the the park visitor center, a pleasant drive, and it's quiet (though more so in late September than in July, I'll admit.)
IMO, it's worth spending a full day driving the park loop. If heat isn't a problem for you, you can consider some hikes, but again, it will be HOT. (100+ degrees likely that time of year.) Make sure to carry water with you if you do hike! The Badlands are prettiest (for photography, etc.) around sunrise & sunset.
Black Hills - our favorite CG there is the Rafter J Bar Ranch CG. With your rig, go for the Island or Ranch Camp sections - they're nicest, and have at least elec-water hookups, and should have room for your trailer. The section of the CG by the office has FHUs, I believe, but sites are tight and there's little shade. Still, you'll probably not be sitting at your site much of the time, as there's much to do & see.
If you prefer state parks etc., consider Custer SP. A couple of the CGs there have added elec hookups (not sure which ones, but someone will advise you). In any case, whether you camp there or not, do drive through - they have a wild buffalo herd and there are roadside-begging donkeys, which is fun (keep your windows closed!)
Other things to do: Mt. Rushmore, of course; Crazy Horse Memorial (IMO well worth visiting); an 1880s steam train ride; Jewel Cave & Wind Cave National Parks; and lots more, including hiking, etc.
You may want to avoid the last week or so of July. Bikers will be arriving from all over for the Sturgis motorcycle rally, which is in early August annually. The Hills get very crowded and some of the bikers still fit the stereotype (though most don't).
Since you plan to spend so many days in the area, I recommend taking a few days (1-2 nights) to visit Devils Tower in n.e. Wyoming. You can do it as a day trip, or you can stay overnight there. There's a KOA right at the base of the tower (spectacular views from the CG!)
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just me
Salt Lake City Utah USA
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Another sight you can not miss--- is---WALL DRUG. Go in and get your FREE Ice Water. And your $0.05 cup of coffee. Enjoy
* This post was
edited 11/05/09 07:49am by just me *
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troll3193
SouthWest, MI USA
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we went that way this summer from MI. here is a link to our trip report. might help you out.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/23004720.cfm
I cannot wait to go back some day.
Bryan
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accsys
Green Cove Springs, FL
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This is a link to our blog posting on our stay at Custer State Park in September. The first picture is of our camp site in the Game Lodge Campground.
John & Doris
2006 Four Winds Hurricane 34N, F53 - V10
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