Forum Discussion

Casinojunkie's avatar
Casinojunkie
Explorer
Jun 21, 2016

Cedar Rapids, IA to Black Hills, SD

Hello everyone.
We are planning a 3 week trip leaving July 7th returning July 27, heading from Cedar Rapids, IA for the Black Hills of S.D.
What route/routes should we take? We have a 26' 5th wheel with 3 slideouts.
Would like to stop on the way to see can't miss sights, things to do and places to eat.
Need advice as to good camping spots on the way and in the Black Hills with elec/water hookups? Will be traveling with our dog a Boarder Collie so need campgrounds that are pet friendly.
What are some of your best things to see and do on the way and in Rapid City, SD area?
We also plan a side trip to Spearfish and Devils Tower, maybe even Hot Springs, SD.
Thank you all in advance for your input.
Roads and Routes
  • paulj's avatar
    paulj
    Explorer II
    Jun 21, 2016
    Isn't there a divided highway heading north from Cedar Rapids to Waterloo and connecting to I35 and I90? Seems like that would be the obvious choice.

    Or south to I80 and then north on I29?

    There aren't any mountains between you and the Black Hills, so it really doesn't matter what route you take.

    Other than a few river crossings most of the sights are man made - Wall Drug, the Corn Palace, etc.
  • RoyF's avatar
    RoyF
    Explorer
    Jun 21, 2016
    Last summer we drove from Des Moines through the S.D. Badlands. We picked up Nebraska State Hwy 2 at Grand Island, Neb, which proved to be scenic and lightly traveled through the grass-covered "sand hills". Several towns along the way have city RV campgrounds which provide good places to stop.

    We picked up U S 385 north to South Dakoda.
  • Thom02099's avatar
    Thom02099
    Explorer II
    Jun 21, 2016
    Need advice as to good camping spots on the way and in the Black Hills with elec/water hookups?

    If I'm reading this correctly, you don't have reservations made? In the Black Hills, you may run into difficulties finding places to stay, at least over weekends, as a goodly number of places will likely be booked. May want to call around and check. Rafter J Bar gets a lot of recommendations here, there's a variety of loops available, each distinctive and varied amenities. There are others in the Hill City area, that's a very central location though, and is close to Mt. Rushmore, so that could complicate your search.

    Also, the recommendation to take NE 2 across Nebraska is a good one, it's a pleasant drive as noted above, gets you away from the humdrum of the interstate.

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