Rafter J-Bar / Custer / Rushmore

I have been in the Black Hills during bike week a couple of times. The traffic will be heavy and the prices do go up. The price increase will include fuel, camping sites, groceries, and restaurants. The increase has not stopped me from going to the area. Be aware that some bikers don't like stop signs when they travel in large groups, they will block other traffic so that they can all go through together.
I would definitely stay away from Sturgis at all times unless you want your teenage daughter to see the "shady side of life." A lot of public intoxication, getting flashed by the "ladies." and large groups of "bikers" that due to their numbers, they consider only themselves and have no respect for others.
When you go to other attractions, you will seen them, but in general, they behave like teenage boys.

When I lived in Custer, we (and many others) used to make sure we took our vacations out of state ... WAY out of state during the 3 weeks of the rally ... yeah - it's officially only 1 week, but a week of pre- and post- rally crowd is huge.

I see you've decided to switch to Yellowstone instead, but honestly, I see Yellowstone's "normal" summer congestion on par with the Black Hills Bike week(s), so, to me, it's a tossup.

The other negative is some of the businesses adjust their prices during bike week and get a premium for their products. Sad that they do this but, we were warned by locals to get what supplies we needed the week before if possible.

Thanks for the input folks. Sadly the dates are difficult to change so I think we'll head over to Yellowstone that week instead.

Cheers.

We have stayed at Rafter Bar J...it is an excellent choice. If you can possibly change your travel dates I would. The sound of thousands upon thousands of Harley’s in the Black Hills would certainly ruin my vacation. In a past life I was a NPS Ranger at Mt. Rushmore and lived in Rapid City. Black Hills summers are quite busy, but you can get away and find serenity...not so with Harley’s throttling up throughout the region. Good luck..

You will like Rafter J, I don't think you will like the crowds. And I have heard that the noise of the motorcycles keep the animals away from open areas so wildlife sightings are going to decrease also. We went 3 weeks after bike week, and all was well, plenty of wildlife at Custer State park etc... I would wait a few weeks

With some 400,000+ in attendance at the rally, odds are, you will not be able to enjoy slow scenic rides thru the hills, and the crowds at various venues in the area such as Rushmore will be heavy.

Charles