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

fj12ryder
Explorer III
Feb 28, 2016
If you spent three days at the Badlands, and you don't hike, you'll be bored out of your gourd for 2 of those 3 days. Wall Drug used to be kind of cool, but it's really just a big T-shirt/souvenir/snack store. Nothing really special anymore.
yaya
Explorer
Feb 28, 2016
so maybe 3 days at badlands and an extra day to chill. Then drive to MT Rushmore to see that and the caves etc. another 2 days.
Ed_Gee
Explorer II
Feb 28, 2016
In addition to all the aforementioned places I want to reiterate that Wall Drug Store is a hoot ... and good RV parking.

BUT if you are in the vicinity of Cody, WY, you should absolutely not miss a visit to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, often known as the Smithsonian of the West.
tsetsaf
Explorer III
Feb 28, 2016
Growing up in So CA the badlands were a dissappointment. Cool name, nice drive but worth 1 day tops.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Feb 28, 2016
If your not hikers a couple hour drive through is sufficient. Otherwise a day is more than enough. Hikers will want at least 2 full days.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Feb 28, 2016
If you're not a hiker, a drive though in the early morning, or late afternoon is fine, with a couple stops at some pull-offs/scenic views. The early morning or late afternoon is the best time to see the varied colors in Badlands.
RGar974417
Explorer
Feb 28, 2016
Custer State parks. Wildlife loop is great to see buffalo,prairie dogs and wild burros who mooch food from you ( take some crackers).Check out the visitor centers.They have short films about the park and wildlife. Also Bear Country USA is neat as was the Cosmos if it's still there. The Badlands, Wall Drug, Hill City. There's plenty to see. Custer State park has plenty of campgrounds,most with electric hookups. Rafter J has full hookups but is more expensive and a little away from the action in Custer.
azrving
Explorer
Feb 28, 2016
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TyroneandGladys
Explorer
Feb 28, 2016
Do not miss the Mammoth Site
enblethen
Nomad
Feb 28, 2016
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.