I'm continuing to flesh out our Summer 2016 itinerary. I believe I can swing 5 total days in the Black Hills and Badlands (combined), so here's a thought:(1) Spend 3 days in a location central to all the Black Hills things we want to see (Deadwood, Sturgis, Mt Rushmore, what else?) We would have seen Little Bighorn and Devil's Tower on the way into the Black Hills area.(2) On the morning of day 4, move camp the 100 miles to a location in/around Badlands NP from which we can explore all the Badlands stuff (scenic drives, Minuteman Museum, what else?)So my questions...If 3 days/2 days a good split? Would 4/1 or even 3/3 (if I can swing it) be worth it?What places (not campgrounds) are "must sees"?What's your favorite *central* Black Hills area campground (gov't or private)?What's your favorite Badlands area campground (gov't or private)?Finally, we do not have a generator (although we may by the time next summer arrives). Is it too hot for dry camping in the Badlands during late July/August? I'm thinking the family would want A/C...Thanks for your help!

do not plan on dry camping without a genny. Weather is very fickle in July and August, but temperatures in the 90s and 100s even to 110s then happen in the Badlands.

Late July/early August can be very hot in the Black Hills area. AC is pretty much a must. Be aware that the Sturgis RV/motorcycle rally happens during that time so you may want to take that into consideration. Very crowded, very noisy.

Sturgis rally is like the first two weeks of August - and spills over some on each side of that. Not only would you not want to be there then due to the huge crowds of motorcycles you might not even find a place to stay. That being said we stayed at the KOA in Badlands - couple of days there should be fine - and Rafter J in Hill City for 3 days. Both very good.I would not even consider it without having a/c.

We stayed at the Badlands KOA the other night. It isx6 miles from Badlands NP. We would stay there again.

Sturgis rally is like the first two weeks of August - and spills over some on each side of that. Not only would you not want to be there then due to the huge crowds of motorcycles you might not even find a place to stay. That being said we stayed at the KOA in Badlands - couple of days there should be fine - and Rafter J in Hill City for 3 days. Both very good.I would not even consider it without having a/c. What Lauren said. I'd give the Black Hills more time if you can; we spent a week there and didn't see/do all we intended. A public CG alternative in the Black Hills is Custer SP. A couple of the CGs have electric hookups.

Campgrounds in Black Hills and Badlands? | Good Sam Community

kknowlton
Explorer II
Aug 13, 2015
Sturgis rally is like the first two weeks of August - and spills over some on each side of that. Not only would you not want to be there then due to the huge crowds of motorcycles you might not even find a place to stay.

That being said we stayed at the KOA in Badlands - couple of days there should be fine - and Rafter J in Hill City for 3 days. Both very good.

I would not even consider it without having a/c.

What Lauren said. I'd give the Black Hills more time if you can; we spent a week there and didn't see/do all we intended.

A public CG alternative in the Black Hills is Custer SP. A couple of the CGs have electric hookups.
cheteckie
Explorer
Aug 13, 2015
We stayed at the Badlands KOA the other night. It isx6 miles from Badlands NP. We would stay there again.
Lauren
Explorer
Aug 13, 2015
Sturgis rally is like the first two weeks of August - and spills over some on each side of that. Not only would you not want to be there then due to the huge crowds of motorcycles you might not even find a place to stay.

That being said we stayed at the KOA in Badlands - couple of days there should be fine - and Rafter J in Hill City for 3 days. Both very good.

I would not even consider it without having a/c.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Aug 13, 2015
Late July/early August can be very hot in the Black Hills area. AC is pretty much a must. Be aware that the Sturgis RV/motorcycle rally happens during that time so you may want to take that into consideration. Very crowded, very noisy.
SDcampowneroper
Explorer
Aug 13, 2015
do not plan on dry camping without a genny. Weather is very fickle in July and August, but temperatures in the 90s and 100s even to 110s then happen in the Badlands.

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