We have wanted to visit the Custer South Dakota and Mount Rushmore area for several years. We have the time to head that way from Eastern Washington State in mid October this year. I'm concerned that the weather will go rapidly down hill about that time, I have read about the blizzard of 2013 where thousands of head of cattle were lost.That being said, has anyone spent time in that area in October and/or November.The National Weather Service reports that the average high is around 62 and the average low is around 37.From South Dakota we would head south towards the California coast.Thanks in advance....

Weatherbase. I'll post this once again. Why every RVer doesn't have this site on their short list is beyond me. Weather stats for most towns within each state, by month over several years. For Custer, in this case. Will it give you the weather report in real time? No. But you'll know what to pack and the odds of having lousy weather for your planned visit. I've used it for years and found it to present a pretty good picture of what to prepare for. Beats having to walk around in shorts in 30 degree weather.BTW, its free.

I would think that you'll be find in October and while the weather might be chilly, the crowds will be gone by then. Just plan for possible frosty nights and get a good weather radio, and make sure you know what to do in case it does snow. It may happen but it shouldn't last long or be much of an issue. Going over the Rockies you'll, almost certainly hit snow, but they keep the Interstate in good condition so I would certainly go for it.

Jim: Thanks for the link, I have it bookmarked. I did find the nuts and bolts temperatures and temperature averages. I was hoping for some local input. October here in Eastern Washington is a beautiful time of year. We seldom get snow here until Thanksgiving time. Again, thanks for the weather link. Roy&Lynne: Thank you for your input. Have you been in that area in Oct/Nov? We are no strangers to snow, or RVing in snow so we should be good in that area. We like camping in the spring and fall as there are fewer people and it makes for a more pleasant experience. Would like to hear from folks that have been there during the fall.Thanks.

Roy&Lynne wrote:I would think that you'll be find in October and while the weather might be chilly, the crowds will be gone by then. Just plan for possible frosty nights and get a good weather radio, and make sure you know what to do in case it does snow. It may happen but it shouldn't last long or be much of an issue. Going over the Rockies you'll, almost certainly hit snow, but they keep the Interstate in good condition so I would certainly go for it.We are also going though there in October instead of taking 80 across. Thank you for your pleasant answer.

I visited the area in OCT while back (non RV trip) and it was absolutely gorgeous and of course no people anywhere. It's the end of their season and some restaurants were still open while others were closed for the season. And we did have light snow on the trip back to MN. As long as you know how to handle the potential freezing temps in your RV, I think you will have a great trip. The area is Spectacular. Be sure to get to Deadwood. We like coming across SD and visiting the Badlands and Wall Drug etc.

Custer South Dakota in October? | Good Sam Community

photonanax3
Explorer
Sep 08, 2014
I was in Spearfish the end of September last year for a photo workshop, colors were just starting in the canyon. When I left on the Monday after the workshop, it was 75 and sunny and we started hearing about a "winter storm". That storm turned into 3 1/2' of snow throughout the region. Always be prepared for a quick change in the weather.
Bull_Rider
Explorer
Sep 08, 2014
Awesome feedback. Much appreciated...
mpierce
Explorer
Sep 09, 2014
I live 3 hours north of there. Great time of year. However, there is a chance a storm will move thru, like anywhere. There is a chance of snow. But, it WILL be gone in a couple days. Just stay, and enjoy the area a little longer!

A number of the "tourist traps" will be closed. But, all the parks and roads will be open. NO CROWDS!
Bull_Rider
Explorer
Sep 11, 2014
Hmmm. Reading the posts and see on the news that that area got its first dump of snow. But we're still planning on visiting Custer, Mount Rushmore, and the Badlands in late October.

But, we also have plan "B", which would be to head south from Washington State and hang out in California for a couple of months.... then east. Or initiate plan "C"... :-)
PNW_Steve
Explorer
Sep 12, 2014
Last time I was in Custer was mid October. We arrived in mid 70's sunny weather.
We stayed 3 days and had 4-6" of snow on the ground.
tatest
Explorer II
Sep 12, 2014
It is a matter of luck.

At that time of year the Mount Rushmore area can be gorgeous, or you could get caught in an early blizzard. Averages are averages, extremes are extremes.

Weather forecasting has reached a stage where we can now get good information four to seven days ahead. Plan the trip based on averages, pay attention to forecasts when it becomes time to go, choose to go or cancel based on that.

I would not pass up the opportunity based on the possibility of relatively rare adverse weather, but I always leave some flexibility in my travel plans to allow for such events.
dieseltruckdriv
Explorer II
Sep 12, 2014
October is a great time of the year to visit here. I live in Lead, and we have about 6" of snow on the ground right now, but it will be gone in a day or two.

Snow in the Black Hills in October is common, but it normally doesn't last. Last years October storm was a fluke. But, we didn't quite make 4 months without snow.

I haven't winterized the camper yet. I am not giving up that easy.
GoPackGo
Explorer
Sep 12, 2014
I'm thinking that the bigger problem might be the weather you could encounter in the Rockies while traveling back and forth between your home and the Black Hills. Those elevations are much higher, colder, and snowier then the Black Hills.

Someone posted yesterday that snow was forecast this week for Wyoming elevations above 5,000 ft. Don't know how that came out.

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