Mount Rushmore and Badlands NP in November

The average November snowfall for Mt. Rushmore is 8 inches. Yes there will be snow, but you should be able to plan your travels around it I would think. Are the CG's still open that time of year?

I just noticed Mystery Mountain Campground is not open in November. It does appear a few maybe open.

We were there last October. 98 percent of all the CG's were closed, but we got lucky. KOA in Rapid City was open, and we got a premium spot for 20 bucks a night. We were among the 3 other rigs that were there. Oh, BTW, they have heated water hookups, which was awesome.

Most of the " touristy " stuff was closed, but it was even better that way. We went to Custer 2-3 times... There were so many animals... Went to Badlands, Spearfish Canyon, Sturgis ( and saw it totally desolate ), drove through the Spires, and Deadwood. Drove by and saw Mt Rushmore ( yawn )... There is a better view from the highway past it, and in our opinion, not worth paying $11 to park. If you are bringing the kids though, it might be worth it to go into the visitors center, and watch the film. Crazy horse is under construction. We drove up to the gate, and turned around. Not exactly sure what the hype is with those two.

Minute Man Missle Silo is definitely worth seeing. Wall drug is pretty cute little tourist trap area, and a good stop.

The 14 degree weather in the mornings, and highs in the 30's during the day, drove us West on October 31st.

Mid- late November could be a little too cold, but, with the weather this year, you never know.

If you have options for not visiting that whole northern area in November I'd recommend taking them.

Nutinelse2do wrote:
Crazy horse is under construction. We drove up to the gate, and turned around. Not exactly sure what the hype is with those two.

Crazy Horse...was...is...and likely always will be...under construction. If you have kids, you can take them there and then when they have kids they can revisit and probably will see much the same thing as their parents did.

I think the Grand Canyon got carved by the Colorado River faster than Crazy Horse is being carved. It is truly a herculean task, but I think they need Hercules to get it done. :)

It's best time of the year to go. Game lodge campground.


The badlands

Up spearfish canyon

Watch for blowing and drifting snow

The end

Two years ago, we had 6" of snow in Custer SP and 8" in the town of Custer, SD. in mid SEPTEMBER. Of course about 3 days later, you would not have known it snowed at all. Warmed right back up to "T" shirt weather. :B

Thanks everyone for your replies. Think we will head to Savannah and Myrtle Beach and save this road trip for next August. May hit the Biltmore Estate also.