Mt Rushmore CG's

[WV_Wanderer]

Can anyone advise me of some nice campgrounds close to Mt Rushmore and best time of year for visit. Not looking for a resort just peace and comfort.

[dmcgiffin]

Rafter J - large campground with lots of room between spaces.

[JerryDT]

Game Lodge Campground at Custer State Park.

[JimBollman]

Not a fan of KOA but we stayed at the closes KOA (don't remember the location) because they had a shuttle bus to Mt Rushmore. We could then set up our truck camper and leave it, since we wanted to go late in the afternoon and stay to see it with the lights on. Turned out to be a good move because it was a dark and stormy night and I was glad to leave the return trip driving to the bus driver.

Since we were small and self contained they let us use a tent site to save a few bucks (had electric) and it was still one of the more expensive campgrounds we stayed at. Was nice.

[Okie_in_Wyoming]

If you have time, ride the 1880's train from Keystone to Hill City (or visa versa) and back again. Very well worth it. The ride is narrated and you'll see such beautiful scenery!
Happy Trails, Okie

[phenrichs]

The south dakota tourism site is a good place for free info. They will send you a free package of all sorts of good info.

TravelSD.com

[phenrichs]

Consider all that you plan to do in the area when choosing a CG. You will be driving from your CG to all the various attractions. The Rushmore area is a good idea as it is sort of central. Easy driving to anywhere. Locals are great for directions. We stayed at Spokane Creek just outside of Keystone. Great folks great CG. Honestly it is hard to go wrong. They are all pretty nice.

[Dick_A]

Moved from General RV'ing forum.

[Earl_E]

Rafter J if you are willing to spend the money. It's a great park. If you want rustic, Horse Thief--not the private park but the forest service park on a small lake. It is a beautiful park and beautiful settings but no hook-ups.

[sowego]

The best times of year to visit this area is May or early June before the crowds arrive...avoid Sturgis Bike Week (early August). The next best time is early September.

[B_Sjulestad]

X3 on Rafter J Bar Ranch. We will be there for a week in August

[Road_Dog]

Rafter J-Bar in Hill City, the best!

[dodge_guy]

I have only ever seen one 5`er going through.

Tour buses also take it!

[WV_Wanderer]

After seeing this last pic. I'm wondering if my 31x8x13.5 trailer will fit through this tunnel.

[jjwms]

You have good advice on campgrounds but none on time to tour the Black Hills. The only advice I will give you on that is do not try to do it in August. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally takes place then and you will not find an empty RV park or campground nor at this late date will you probably be able to make reservations.

Believe me that I know what I'm talking about. We were fulltime RVers for 10 years and before that lived in the Dakotas for 21 years. We also had a membership in Hart Ranch RV Resort and even members had to have reservations in August or they couldn't get a site.

[knshook]

Rafter J is our choice. Staying there early part of July.