Help me plan our trip - The Dakotas

Last summer there wasn't a Rushmore light show.
They showed a movie that was nice, but could have been seen anywhere.

Watch the NPS sight for changes.

If you're National Park Junkies, try staying in the National Park campgrounds for a day or 2. I have found it to be a better experience than driving into the parks every day. The Ranger programs at some of them are fantastic. At Assateague NP, the kids learned how to clam during the day, and went to a ranger program on the beach with a campfire at night. At Yellowstone we could walk outside our camper and see buffalo. One day a mother grizzly and 3 cubs walked across the road right in front of us.As far as things to do, on the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop you will see wild burros walk right up to your car.You will see buffalo and prairie dog towns.Make sure you visit the visitor centers and watch the videos. We also enjoyed the Cosmos and Bear Country USA.Mt Rushmore. Go inside or to a ranger program. If you go at night,they have a light show.

Nodaker wrote:
Medora, ND is the community at the entrance of Theodore Roosevelt NP South Unit. 2 campgrounds, Medora Campground and Red Trail, both are basically ok. Lots of hiking trails in the National Park. There's also a north unit of the NP about 70 miles north of Medora. It's a bit more remote and less traveled than the south unit. Again, several hiking trails and variety of wildlife.

There's lots to do in Medora but a don't miss is the Medora Musical. It's a professional musical variety show in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater. While it has a different theme every year, it is always patriotic and tells of Theodore Roosevelt's time in the Badlands.

PS: The ND Badlands are more scenic and dynamic than the SD Badlands :)

We prefer the north unit in general.

And, no the SD badlands are more scenic. ;)

Medora, ND is the community at the entrance of Theodore Roosevelt NP South Unit. 2 campgrounds, Medora Campground and Red Trail, both are basically ok. Lots of hiking trails in the National Park. There's also a north unit of the NP about 70 miles north of Medora. It's a bit more remote and less traveled than the south unit. Again, several hiking trails and variety of wildlife.

There's lots to do in Medora but a don't miss is the Medora Musical. It's a professional musical variety show in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater. While it has a different theme every year, it is always patriotic and tells of Theodore Roosevelt's time in the Badlands.

PS: The ND Badlands are more scenic and dynamic than the SD Badlands :)

+1 on Badlands, Wind Cave and Devils Tower.
Mammoth Site in Hot Springs sounds touristy but is fascinating!

The list of simply good things in that area is too long to post.

We preferred the north unit of TRNP, but the petrified forest area is nice.

If you haven't been, it is worth a hop into Wyoming to visit Devils Tower. There is a dry campground in the monument or a KOA just outside at the entrance.

Yeah but think of the meal we'd get. Road kill pheasant stew!! Excellent. Cooked it right on my grill!!!! LoL

Thinking outside of your comfort zone box for a night or two, try dry camping at The Towers boondocking area just north of the Badlands north gate.

Plenty of sites right on the edge of the canyon. Bighorn sheep walk right past every evening. Miles from anywhere. Spectacular views right outside the door. A magical place unlike any fast food styled FHU campground that you have ever been in.

docsouce, watch out for pheasants on the Enchanted Highway you wouldn't want to hit one they are huge

We really liked Wind Cave and Jewel Cave. You need to get reservations to get on a tour.
The Wildlife Loop, Needles Highway, and the hike to Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak) are worthwhile in the Black Hills.