Badlands/Mt Rushmore

[yaya]

We are planning a cross country trip. Brochures say to plan 2 days at Badlands.We are seniors and not big hikers, besides the beautiful scenery, what would keep us there for 2 day?. Then we are going to drive to MT Rushmore and camp there. What is a good timeframe for that? Anybody out there, been there, done that?

[dodge_guy]

If your not hikers a couple hour drive through is sufficient. Otherwise a day is more than enough. Hikers will want at least 2 full days.

[fj12ryder]

If you're not a hiker, a drive though in the early morning, or late afternoon is fine, with a couple stops at some pull-offs/scenic views. The early morning or late afternoon is the best time to see the varied colors in Badlands.

[RGar974417]

Custer State parks. Wildlife loop is great to see buffalo,prairie dogs and wild burros who mooch food from you ( take some crackers).Check out the visitor centers.They have short films about the park and wildlife. Also Bear Country USA is neat as was the Cosmos if it's still there. The Badlands, Wall Drug, Hill City. There's plenty to see. Custer State park has plenty of campgrounds,most with electric hookups. Rafter J has full hookups but is more expensive and a little away from the action in Custer.

[azrving]

.

[TyroneandGladys]

Do not miss the Mammoth Site

[enblethen]

Badlands is a good overnight stop. Tour a little during the afternoon, evening and then again in morning. It is a good place to stay an extra night and visit Wall Drug.
There is a short stop right off freeway to visit a ground hog town. There is also a missile visitors center.
So I guess I am saying two nights!
Don't forget Crazy Horse!
Yes to Custer, the Caves, Needles highway.

[rbtglove]

Having lived in Rapid city for a few years can say there are so many other things to do and see in that area you might want to only use one day for the Badlands. There is a decent private campground in Wall which is within walking distance to the touristy stuff like Wall Drug and only a short drive to the Badlands.

[yaya]

isn't Custer and the Caves closer to Mt Rushmore?

[Colo_Native]

If your not hikers then 1 day is enough. Did this last year we stayed at Rafter J bar ranch really nice park, stayed there about 3 days but I have been there before, Lots to see Custer State park, caves.

[rv2go]

We have been there a few times. I plan my trip to arrive at the campground in the afternoon. Set up camp and do a little exploring. Maybe catch a sunset. The next day we roam about exploring and taking more pictures. Spend the night leave the next morning. If going west, we stop at the tourist trap, Wall Drug.