Heading to Mt. Rushmore

[Paul1944]

Heading out for Mt. Rushmore with DW and two beautiful granddaughters on June 5th. Don't want to make reservations because we prefer not to be held to a specific schedule. Is this a big mistake? Would appreciate recommendations for camping spots in the Rushmore area. Our granddaughters are 13 and 9 and both have camped since infants and love it, and like most kids I know, love to swim.

[Gjac]

Eric&Lisa wrote:

jplante4 wrote:
...No matter how many pics you see of this, they will never measure up to IRL....

Okay, so a few years back an artist decided to carve some faces in to the mountain.

HOWEVER, take the time to understand why *these* men were chosen to adorn this mountain. It really is the early history of our country, the perils it faced, and its ascension to the world stage. From the Revolutionary War, through the expansion of the Louisiana Purchase, surviving the Civil War, and to the Great White Fleet announcing our presence to the world. These men were giants in our nation's coming of age. As awesome as this monument is, it does not do justice to the history it represents.

I am an American. I fly the flag outside my home. And I am always humbled every time I visit Mt. Rushmore.

To the OP... Lots of fun stuff to see and do in the Black Hills. Enjoy it!! However, I suggest you take some time to make sure the grandkids understand what Mt. Rushmore represents and that is is not just some random tourist attraction. They are at an impressionable age, and this is a great learning opportunity.

-Eric

Eric good post, I had my 11 year old GS read the Declaration Of Independence and he could not understand why I got emotional when he read "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." When I explained to him that we had the liberty to purse happiness with our 3 month trip out west and that in many countries people don't have that same freedom he understood better.

[jplante4]

Moved from General RVing

[slider45]

patperry2766 wrote:
Mt Rushmore is a major travel destination. When we were there 2 years ago, I had reservations made 6 months ahead of time for Custer SP. I like the comfort of knowing I have a place to stay. Pickings will be slim, and getting thinner by the day.
Not to say that you won't find a place....but it might be a place you don't want to be at. Pull the trigger and nail down a spot, especially since you're taking your granddaughters.

This season seems to be a good one and more people might go there. It might be better to reserve as early as possible for good spots.

[Eric_Lisa]

jplante4 wrote:
...No matter how many pics you see of this, they will never measure up to IRL....

Okay, so a few years back an artist decided to carve some faces in to the mountain.

HOWEVER, take the time to understand why *these* men were chosen to adorn this mountain. It really is the early history of our country, the perils it faced, and its ascension to the world stage. From the Revolutionary War, through the expansion of the Louisiana Purchase, surviving the Civil War, and to the Great White Fleet announcing our presence to the world. These men were giants in our nation's coming of age. As awesome as this monument is, it does not do justice to the history it represents.

I am an American. I fly the flag outside my home. And I am always humbled every time I visit Mt. Rushmore.

To the OP... Lots of fun stuff to see and do in the Black Hills. Enjoy it!! However, I suggest you take some time to make sure the grandkids understand what Mt. Rushmore represents and that is is not just some random tourist attraction. They are at an impressionable age, and this is a great learning opportunity.

-Eric

[ncrowley]

I second the Rafter J Bar Ranch, but I would worry about getting a spot at that RV park or others in the area without reservations. They have a short season and they fill up in the season. You can call the RV parks and they will tell you if you will need a reservation.

[MFL]

You will likely find a spot to camp, but anytime after the first week of June, the availability closes up quickly.

Don't forget the jackets/warm clothes, as the mornings/evenings are often near freezing in early season camping. It is snowing right now in most parts of the Black Hills, some areas already have a foot of snow on the ground.

Jerry

[patperry2766]

Mt Rushmore is a major travel destination. When we were there 2 years ago, I had reservations made 6 months ahead of time for Custer SP. I like the comfort of knowing I have a place to stay. Pickings will be slim, and getting thinner by the day.
Not to say that you won't find a place....but it might be a place you don't want to be at. Pull the trigger and nail down a spot, especially since you're taking your granddaughters.

[slider45]

janstey58 wrote:
If you can find availability the KOA in the area is best for kids, two pools and lots to do, and LOTS of kids, LOL. Do the Steam Train to Keystone, Leadville, wandering burros in the state park, Hot Springs, and Mt Rushmore of course.

Heard too how wonderful this place for kids!

[IB853347201]

I just checked the Mt Rushmore KOA and for June 7 - 9 they still have some back in sites but most pullthru's are already reserved (Except for the deluxe patio sites).
If I was you I would reserve now.

[Dick_B]

I'd suggesting taking the bus tour of the area which includes Crazy Horse and a lunch. Also, do you know what movie was shot in the Badlands area?

[jplante4]

Eye of the needle - Custer State Park



No matter how many pics you see of this, they will never measure up to IRL.

[Grit_dog]

Yeah night time is way more gooder than daytime. Actually the best time. The sunset service, 80% less people, not as hot and seeing the mountain lit up.
I'd get reservations though. Russian roulette near big attractions during the summer if you don't.

[downtheroad]

I would definitely make reservations for June.

I normally recommend Rafter-J-Bar and much prefer it as suggested. But, if you are camping with kids I would reserve at the KOA. The KOA is a zoo but if this trip is going to be all about grand kids then that's the way to go.

Have a good trip

[Boomerweps]

Gjac wrote:
Make sure you go back to Mt Rushmore for the night show, your parking ticket is good all day, you will especially like it if you are a Veteran.

All day!
ALL YEAR!
The parking passes are good for the current YEAR!
At least it was two summers ago.