South Dakota-Badlands, Black Hills, Etc.

[WhoDat]

I just returned from my first long haul trip in our 5th wheel to eastern South Dakota. Great trip and worth to time spent planning and driving. There are some things that I would do differently but I would do most things the same.

If you are planning to visit there I recommend planning your stay in two parts. It worked well for us. The first half of our trip we stayed just outside of Rapid City. This gave us a great base for visiting Badlands National Park, Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park, and experiencing the city and what it has to offer. I was unsure if I could do Needles Highway and in particular Needles Eye Tunnel in Custer in a DRW truck but have no fear it is very doable in a dually. You just have to take your time. If you visit Rapid City then try Armodilla Ice Cream. I highly recommend the armodilla sundae. Camped at Rapid City RV Park. Great location. It was not new and plush but a great location to do stuff and if you can get a reservation in the back of the park there is a great view. Very friendly staff.

The second half of the trip we stayed right outside of Deadwood. It gave is a great platform to experience Black Hills National Forest, Spearfish Canyon, and drive into Wyoming and go to Devils Tower. The town of Deadwood itself was a little disappointing. Basically just casinos. Spearfish Canyon was the best part of this area to me. Great views and nice waterfalls. We camped at Steel Wheel Campground. Easy access to sites, fishing, and atv recreations trails. Don’t purchase the firewood there. All pine and softwood. Way too much smoke.

Travelled through LA, TX, OK, KA, NE, SD, IA, MO, AR, MS and back to LA. Saw a lot of corn, wheat, soybean, hay fields. Mostly took scenic routes when possible.

Wouldn’t do much very different. If you can avoid it do not not tow your fifth wheel through Shreveport, LA on I-20. It is in terrible shape. Had minor interior damage inside my trailer as a result. Avoid it like the IRS.

Yellowstone is next in late August.