Mt. Rushmore

[rfcsb]

We are planning a trip to Mt. Rushmore this summer and would like a recommendation for a park to stay. We would like to stay at one park and travel around the area for about a week. 38' fifth wheel one lab retriever.

[dieseltruckdriv]

Beaver Lake Campground

Try that one. It is a bit out of the way, probably 20 minutes farther out than Rafter J. It is a nice looking campground, I haven't stayed there, but I have driven through it.

[TazFord]

I tried to reserve rafter j for end of June. Too late, as were most other parks.

[Thom02099]

Stumps wrote:

TazFord wrote:
What would be other things to see or do besides Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse for that area with 10 available days from end of June to after July 4

the Mammoth Dig site is pretty cool

otherwise we usually take several days and explore Badlands National Park. very peaceful.

Another thing to consider, if you do go out to the Badlands NP...stop by Wall Drug! It's one of those locations, like the 4 Corners Monument, that many say is a rip off. However, I found it very entertaining, and certainly different. Just one more thing to cross off a bucket list. And I got a great Black Hills Gold ring at one of the jewelry vendors there.

[Stumps]

TazFord wrote:
What would be other things to see or do besides Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse for that area with 10 available days from end of June to after July 4

the Mammoth Dig site is pretty cool

otherwise we usually take several days and explore Badlands National Park. very peaceful.

[Stumps]

suprz wrote:
RafterJ

+1 on Rafter J. great spot, nice amenities.

[dedmiston]

TazFord wrote:
What would be other things to see or do besides Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse for that area with 10 available days from end of June to after July 4

Devil's Tower NP.

[TazFord]

Thanks Thom. I now think it’s prioritizing attractions that we need to do. There is definitely more to do than we thought

[Thom02099]

TazFord wrote:
What would be other things to see or do besides Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse for that area with 10 available days from end of June to after July 4

LOTS to see and do in the area, depending on your interests.

Just off the top of my head:

Wind Cave NP
Jewel Cave NM
Black Hills Caverns
Wonderland Cave
Custer State Park (easily a full day)
Needles Highway
Hike/Climb Harney's Peak (high point in SD - full day)
Bike along the Mickelson Trail

Google any of those for more information or Google "things to do in Hill City SD" for a comprehensive list of things. The above starter list would certainly occupy a goodly amount of 10 available days.

[TazFord]

What would be other things to see or do besides Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse for that area with 10 available days from end of June to after July 4

[Nodaker]

I recommend Rafter J. We stay there for a week every year. Most of the sites are more spacious than most campgrounds, even with full hookups.

Any of the campgrounds in Custer State Park are also very nice but a bit more on the south end of the Black Hill sights and attractions.

[ken56]

If you are a Coast to Coast member Rushmore Shadows is very nice.

[in5r]

Rafter J

[Kavoom]

Rangerman40 wrote:
Any of the campgrounds in Custer SP.

The campgrounds in the park are quite nice. Bluebell stands out. They have upgraded them to electric/water over the last 7 years. South Dakota does a good job. Be sure to take the back roads when you do the wildlife loop. It's worth it.

[docsouce]

2X on the Horse Thief Campground. Nice camp with very friendly and helpful owners. Bear in mind it gets VERY busy the week of the Sturgis motorcycle rally.

[Roadpilot]

We've stayed all over the area and the Rafter J Bar is the best choice for Rushmore. Not only is it close to Rushmore, but it's also centrally located to everything in the area.