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garmp's avatar
garmp
Explorer II
Jul 01, 2021

Bad lands area

We have a night at Cedar Pass Campground (in the Bad Lands Nat'l Park) before heading to a KOA at The Devils tower for another night, then off to Custer State Park, Blue Bell for 2 nights then Sylvan Lake for another night. From there we head to Spearfish Campground for 6 days of reunion-ing, various tours and food.
What are the must sees and does in these areas? Never been there and it's all new to us. 26" class C with no toad, but will have 2 e-bikes, so parking, tunnels, etc are considerations.
Thanks.

38 Replies

  • In Custer SP the Needles Highway is a great drive. However, not for an RV.
  • A whirlwind schedule. Drive through of Badlands, Devils Tower, Blue Bell, Custer SP, then Spearfish appears more like a bucket list to be emptied rather fthan fulfilled.
    The ratings given are skewed to each persons interest and knowledge. Note how some rate Mt. Rushmore against Crazy Horse.
    The geography, history of aboriginal peoples to today and the region are intertwined, spend time in the visitor centers.
  • We stumbled across Keystone when we were on our honeymoon in 1984. Went back about 10 years ago and it hadn't changed a lot. If you like drive-through wildlife parks go to Bear Country USA.
  • Badlands 4 Stars
    Wall Drug 2 stars
    Minute Man 3 stars if silo tour included
    Rushmore 2 stars
    Crazy Horse 1 star
    Two NM Caves 4 stars
    Custer SP 4 stars
    And lots of other small stuff


    Agree with this assessment. Add Keystone SD though. Touristy, kitschy and lots of fun.
  • Definitely Mt. Rushmore (be sure to get the view driving around the left end of it -- very impressive) and Crazy Horse.


    And so you see opinions vary a lot on those two attractions.
  • Definitely Mt. Rushmore (be sure to get the view driving around the left end of it -- very impressive) and Crazy Horse. We also enjoyed Bear Country USA, not far from Rapid City.

    You're in for a treat. My wife and I have been in every one of the 50 states, many of them numerous times, and in over 35 foreign countries, and believe it or not, our South Dakota trip was one of the most enjoyable trips we've ever taken. We talk about it often. Be sure to take a bag of carrots for the donkey's in Custer SP.
  • Your travel plans seem to be a bit backward, Badlands then past the Black Hills to Devils Tower then back to the Black Hills.
    Anyway:
    Badlands 4 Stars
    Wall Drug 2 stars
    Minute Man 3 stars if silo tour included
    Rushmore 2 stars
    Crazy Horse 1 star
    Two NM Caves 4 stars
    Custer SP 4 stars
    And lots of other small stuff

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