We are planning a cross country trip. Brochures say to plan 2 days at Badlands.We are seniors and not big hikers, besides the beautiful scenery, what would keep us there for 2 day?. Then we are going to drive to MT Rushmore and camp there. What is a good timeframe for that? Anybody out there, been there, done that?

We have been there a few times. I plan my trip to arrive at the campground in the afternoon. Set up camp and do a little exploring. Maybe catch a sunset. The next day we roam about exploring and taking more pictures. Spend the night leave the next morning. If going west, we stop at the tourist trap, Wall Drug.

If your not hikers then 1 day is enough. Did this last year we stayed at Rafter J bar ranch really nice park, stayed there about 3 days but I have been there before, Lots to see Custer State park, caves.

isn't Custer and the Caves closer to Mt Rushmore?

Having lived in Rapid city for a few years can say there are so many other things to do and see in that area you might want to only use one day for the Badlands. There is a decent private campground in Wall which is within walking distance to the touristy stuff like Wall Drug and only a short drive to the Badlands.

Badlands is a good overnight stop. Tour a little during the afternoon, evening and then again in morning. It is a good place to stay an extra night and visit Wall Drug.There is a short stop right off freeway to visit a ground hog town. There is also a missile visitors center.So I guess I am saying two nights!Don't forget Crazy Horse!Yes to Custer, the Caves, Needles highway.

Badlands/Mt Rushmore | Good Sam Community

rbtglove
Explorer
Feb 28, 2016
Having lived in Rapid city for a few years can say there are so many other things to do and see in that area you might want to only use one day for the Badlands. There is a decent private campground in Wall which is within walking distance to the touristy stuff like Wall Drug and only a short drive to the Badlands.
yaya
Explorer
Feb 28, 2016
isn't Custer and the Caves closer to Mt Rushmore?
Colo_Native
Explorer
Feb 28, 2016
If your not hikers then 1 day is enough. Did this last year we stayed at Rafter J bar ranch really nice park, stayed there about 3 days but I have been there before, Lots to see Custer State park, caves.
rv2go
Explorer II
Feb 28, 2016
We have been there a few times. I plan my trip to arrive at the campground in the afternoon. Set up camp and do a little exploring. Maybe catch a sunset. The next day we roam about exploring and taking more pictures. Spend the night leave the next morning. If going west, we stop at the tourist trap, Wall Drug.

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