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Crazy Horse Monument

RandandDoug
Explorer
Explorer
Has anyone work camped at the Crazy Horse Monument in South Dakota. Looks like we will be there next summer, just wondering if anyone had any previous experience there. We are excited, mostly because it is in an area we really love stopping through. And we can't wait to really get some extended time up there to learn the area and Custer park.
16 REPLIES 16

RandandDoug
Explorer
Explorer
Old post update.
Forgot about this thread until I was searching for something else.
We made it through the summer at Crazy Horse just fine. Made some new friends, and had some great memories.
As far as the job goes, it was work, but that's why they pay for our vacations I guess?!?!?!? haha As with any job, there are always a few grouches, but for the most part it was a good group of folks. And it wasn't anyone who is with Crazy Horse, just a couple workkampers that think they run the joint. We have encountered that just about everywhere we have worked. We usually end up making them friends whether they like it or not!! haha
The only real drawback is the campground, and not that big of a deal either. It is bare bones, some of the sites could be more level, but not a deal breaker. We really did not get much for cell service most of the time, but that is supposed to change in the next year or so with a new tower going up, but we have all heard that before.
I would say that for the most part it was fun, we only wanted to work 3 days a week, they wanted 5, so we compromised on 4 days a week. It is about a mile or so to the monument, although from the campground you see it very well.
I would recommend it to a friend, actually already have a couple folks we know going up there next year.
We have not made any plans yet for next summer, taking long looks at maybe just tooling around instead. But Crazy Horse is in the back of our minds, maybe not this year, but I think we may end up going back for a summer somewhere in the future, guess that sort of sums it up.
Funny side note, the only week I did not enjoy was bike week, I realized that for the most part the crowd is just too much. Riding up there outside bikeweek is absolutely wonderful, then the crowd hits and everything is such a hassle. I would recommend going outside that week, as that is what I will do from now on for sure.
Also, we had 3 or 4 major hail storms while there. Several thousands of dollars in damage. Insurance covered it all, was a hassle for sure, but all new stuff on the rv roof, and new fenders for the bike, new hood and fenders for the jeep, so with the new stuff everything looks brand new. But be prepared and have insurance up to date if you spend a summer up there.

jetboater454
Explorer
Explorer
Not even any info on workcampers site either.I searched back a few years and no luck.:h
2011 Toyota Tundra DC Long Bed
2001 Harley Dyna Lowrider

Horsedoc
Explorer II
Explorer II
@ chestnut3333 > I don't know what size rig you have, but the sites at Sylvan Lake CG are pretty small. Make sure you confirm before you get there and find out that you cannot turn around or get in. It is cooler up in the Spires in the summer, but the CG seems more suited for smaller RVs.
We managed a couple of CGs on Stockade Lake and loved to drive up to Sylvan and goof off on our days off.
horsedoc
2008 Damon Essence
2013 Jeep Sahara Unlimited
Blue Ox tow

cman60
Explorer
Explorer
chestnut3333 wrote:
Hi there,

I'm new here....But, We are going to Custer SP, Also this summer.....
anyone out there have any tips?
This trip will be Me,and Hubby. (Older) We have already made reservations for our camsite @ Sylvan SP. How are the bugs in July?
Also we would like to try some local foods, Any suggestions?

Thank you for the chance to be part of tis forum....I will try to behave!

We have camped in the Black Hills the last 20+ years in late July. early August, bugs have never been a problem.
Every day is a good day to ride, just some better than others.
1997 Fleetwood Flair
Towing either a 24 or 14 ft trailer full of motorcycles

chestnut3333
Explorer
Explorer
Hi there,

I'm new here....But, We are going to Custer SP, Also this summer.....
anyone out there have any tips?
This trip will be Me,and Hubby. (Older) We have already made reservations for our camsite @ Sylvan SP. How are the bugs in July?
Also we would like to try some local foods, Any suggestions?

Thank you for the chance to be part of tis forum....I will try to behave!

RandandDoug
Explorer
Explorer
Cheddarhead wrote:
Hot days and cool nights up there. It's an inspiring place. Been there a few times while out at the Sturgis rally. Cost $5.00 to get in on the scooter while Mt. Rushmore was $11.00. I know that they had some campers working the gates. I would consider working there after retirement.

http://crazyhorsememorial.org/employment-information/


Like you, we have been there several times, both for the rally, and just while traveling through. We always stay in Hill City or Custer, after 10-15 trips to Sturgis, doing the Buffalo Chip, Sturgis, and Rapid City thing, we figured out we liked being up in elevation, and out of the way during the rally. Last year we only went into Sturgis one afternoon out of the ten days we were there.
We actually said last year it was our last Sturgis, but had already started making plans to go up there either before or right after the rally. Then we found out about this position and thought we would give it a try. I think we will really enjoy it, although we will miss Montana and Wyoming for a summer.
Thanks for the replies, I know alot of workampers have worked at Crazy Horse, but none on this forum I guess. We will update about the experience towards the end of summer.
Doug

ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Explorer
crabbin cabin wrote:
Based on 'replies' so far it seems no one has answered your basic question about work camping at that place. So it seems you are on your own. Enjoy your summer!


X-2 what CC said (above).

Here's another "bump" to hope you can get your question answered..:W

.

Cheddarhead
Explorer
Explorer
Hot days and cool nights up there. It's an inspiring place. Been there a few times while out at the Sturgis rally. Cost $5.00 to get in on the scooter while Mt. Rushmore was $11.00. I know that they had some campers working the gates. I would consider working there after retirement.

http://crazyhorsememorial.org/employment-information/
2006 Chevy 2500HD EC/SB 4x4 Duramax/Allison

2018 Forest River 24MK


Some of our trip Pics

RandandDoug
Explorer
Explorer
Hi all,
I am just bumping this to the first page to see if anyone has worked or been part of the Crazy Horse memorial.
I will only bump it once. Hope moving it up once does not offend anyone.
Safe travels,
Doug

jnes
Explorer
Explorer
I don't know how working there is, but I regularly work at a camp about a mile away. We go to CH often. I love the crafts way in the back. You will be able to pick up some very nice stuff. Make sure you get off the beaten path while in the Black Hills. Custer is a small town but very nice. Enjoy.

RandandDoug
Explorer
Explorer
RandandDoug maybe I will see you there I will be at Custer SP and we may come over to your place for a little visit.

Sounds great, we love the area, and hopefully can have a chance to come see you guys as well. My wife jokingly names the animals in Custer SP, and we have to go say hi every year. hehehe
Lets keep in touch!
I believe we will be camping behind the fort, near the Dept. of Interior office just south of Crazy Horse, I may be wrong about that.

Community Alumni
Not applicable
RandandDoug wrote:
Has anyone work camped at the Crazy Horse Monument in South Dakota. Looks like we will be there next summer, just wondering if anyone had any previous experience there. We are excited, mostly because it is in an area we really love stopping through. And we can't wait to really get some extended time up there to learn the area and Custer park.


RandandDoug maybe I will see you there I will be at Custer SP and we may come over to your place for a little visit.

JimR

newk
Explorer
Explorer
Pangaea Ron wrote:
Crazy Horse Monument is over-priced, but fascinating. I'd do it again.



It does seem a little high priced, but consider whatever you spend there a donation to a good cause and it's not so bad. Can you imagine what it would cost if it was government financed, like the Faces were? Whew! Better this way!

Enjoy your workamping trip. It's a nice area in the summertime. I love Custer SP.

Pangaea_Ron
Explorer
Explorer
Crazy Horse Monument is over-priced, but fascinating. I'd do it again.
2008 Itasca SunCruiser 35L
2014 Honda AWD CR-V EX-L