Forum Discussion

melandme's avatar
melandme
Explorer
Jun 19, 2019

Black Hills in October

Grand daughter wants to see the "Presidents on the Mountains" as she calls Mt Rushmore. Due to various things, this trip will be the first weekend of October. The wife and I will head out early and pick the other 4 up at Rapid City. We will spend 4 days in the Black Hills and then all of us will head home to Kentucky with a stop in St Louis. I am finding some of the campgrounds close October 1. Custer State park, Spearfish City, and Custer Gulch will be open. Any recommendation for this time of the year? The girls need W/E, but we don't necessarily need FHU. Looking for base camp to explore from Hot Springs to Devils Tower. Would the fall colors be starting?
  • Busskipper's avatar
    Busskipper
    Explorer
    Jun 21, 2019
    jamesu wrote:
    I used to live in Rapid City. I love Black Hills Autumn. No crowds at Mt. Rushmore. Early snow could botch your plans, but if no snow, you’ll love it.


    Sorry But IMHO if you get really Lucky - you might catch SNOW - OMG is it beautiful then!

    See Here

    JMHO,
  • jamesu's avatar
    jamesu
    Explorer
    Jun 21, 2019
    I used to live in Rapid City. I love Black Hills Autumn. No crowds at Mt. Rushmore. Early snow could botch your plans, but if no snow, you’ll love it.
  • pinesman's avatar
    pinesman
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2019
    We stayed at Crerkside in Hill City a couple years back. Was pretty nice for a bDe camp
  • morphrider's avatar
    morphrider
    Explorer
    Jun 19, 2019
    I have friends who own Custer Crazy Horse campground. They stay open beyond the others and are right on the edge of Custer. Cullum family, good people.
  • ppine's avatar
    ppine
    Explorer II
    Jun 19, 2019
    Four days in Paha Sapa and at least 6 days driving to get there.
    I really like the fall in the BH. Colors will have turned by then.
  • D_E_Bishop's avatar
    D_E_Bishop
    Explorer
    Jun 19, 2019
    In Hill City are wo we've used Crooked Creek and Rafter J Bar Ranch. Rafter is about $70 and Crooked Creek is about average, in the fifties if I remember correctly.

    It September on year it was 19 degrees and the motor in the heater choose to seize up that night.
  • ksbowman's avatar
    ksbowman
    Explorer II
    Jun 19, 2019
    We really liked Custers Gulch. Great people and very nice clean park. Be aware that a snow is a good possibility that time of year. A big blizzard hit there in October a few years ago.
  • SDcampowneroper's avatar
    SDcampowneroper
    Explorer
    Jun 19, 2019
    If you can, come a few days earlier to catch the Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park , as well as the arts fesival and auction in Custer City. Dont let fall weather dismay you, historically its T shirt days , jacket nights. But crazy stuff happens. Be prepared.
  • TexasShadow's avatar
    TexasShadow
    Explorer II
    Jun 19, 2019
    yes, autumn colors will be showing well at the last of sept, first of oct.
    if you can get into custer gulch, grab it, or any rv park in the custer to hill city area.
    be advised that the area can see some snow the first of oct.. usually just a brief cold spell that doesn't last more than a couple days.

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