Black Hills South Dakota Trip Report

[Fishnmagician]

We have not used the TC for 3 years now, the seasonal spot at the lake have taken priority. Feeling guilty for not using it, I planned a trip to the Black Hills. This was our 1st, long trip with it in 7 years of owning it, all trips up till this have been 250 miles or less. Over all, I was very pleased with how well the truck handled the 3800lb TC.

I ended up working a half day, the day I planned to leave. We got 250 miles in and stopped for the night at Cabela's in Owatonna, MN. They have a nice lot for RV's to stop for the night.





We got a early start the next morning, and made it to Mitchel, SD, home of the Corn Palace, it was under construction, so we didn't spend a lot of time there.







We crossed the Missouri river in Chamberlain, and Abigail wanted to swim, so we got a hotel with a swimming pool for the night. The next day was a stop at Wall Drug. Abigail made friends with some of the locals.





From there we made it to Hill City, where we spotted our 1st big horn sheep.



Shortly after, we made it Custer, where Big Pine Campground is. We picked it because it is close to all the attractions we wanted to see. Most all the sites are shaded, level, and spacious. Our site was $37 a night, with full hookups. We unloaded the TC, had dinner, and turned in early after a long day of driving.



We woke up all ready to go see the sights when Abigail looks at us and says, "Mom and Dad, I don't feel good." Needless to say, we didn't leave the camper for the next two days. She had come down with a stomach virus. By the 3rd day she was ready to go! We started off by driving the Needles Highway.











Next stop was Crazy horse Monument, still a lot of work to do.





Next day sights.







Next was the petting zoo, Abigail got a big kick out this!





Next drive was the Iron Mountain road, and at the top is a MUST stop! The Peter Norbeck over look, the views are stunning, these pics don't do it justice.







On the way back to the campground we went through the wild-life loop at Custer State Park.









After 3 days of driving past this place, Abigail got her wish, Ice Cream!





Our last day, Cathy wanted to shop at some of the towns, she shopped in Hill City, Keystone, and Custer. We had a few hours left, so we stopped at the Four Mile ghost town, quite interesting, we all enjoyed it. Being a surveyor, I liked the surveyor shack, Cathy being a teacher, she liked the school house.







9 days and 1900 miles later, we still love the TC.

[dadwolf2]

Nice trip/photos. Last time we went it was in September and the buffalo were rounded up and gone, it snowed on us and campgrounds were closing. Living in the Las Vegas valley gave me an incorrect picture of the changing season there.

[realter]

The Hills are a great place to visit, but evidently not a good place to live. I had number of high school classmates move there, and they have now passed away. I always wondered why. Your report brought back good memories. We live so close, but for some reason have only been there twice. I need to add that to my truck camping bucket list. There is so much to see and do in that area.

[GoinThisAway]

Now I'll bet you're asking yourself why it took you so long to take that TC out on a real trip. It's obvious you all had a great time. Thanks for sharing!

[WA7NDD]

When in the Black Hills it is not a long trip to see truly spectacular location, the original Fort Laramie. Fort Laramie is a living fort manned by people in period clothing. All of the original building are there when fighting the Indian wars on the Bozeman Trail, and the first sign of civilization after crossing the planes. I found the fort the highlight of the Black Hills trip.

[exhaustipated]

Very nice trip report and awesome pictures. That is a splendid area of the country you visited with quaint little towns such as Custer, Hill City and Keystone. Those spectacular drives along the Iron Mountain and Needles highways are just awesome. The wife and I loved going there a couple of years ago just to see the beauty of that region. I am glad that you re-discovered just how much fun it is to go truck camping and hope that now you will use it more often.

[Oldtymeflyr]

Nice report. Thanks!

Rick

[Uppercrust]

Awesome pictures! My daughter & I leave next Thursday for a 10 day trip that way. First weekend is in Wyoming at Cheyenne Days and then 51/2 days in Custer. Staying in a cabin at Blue Bell campground. So excited especially after seeing those pictures.

[anitajeff]

Thanks for posting all the pictures. We are leaving middle of August from San Diego and heading to South Dakota. Glad you liked the campgrounds. I made reservations there a few days ago. Looking forward to seeing the area. Looks beautiful.

[nycsteve]

Thanks for the report and pictures. Its a beautiful area. This destination was also my longest trip from home to date.

[ace44]

Awesome pics, thanks for sharing. Always love the black hills, probably kind of partial since I lived there for 4 years back in the 90's. Been back a few times visiting, always enjoy the area.

[sabconsulting]

Looks like a lovely trip, thanks for sharing it with us - hopefully you'll use the camper more now you've re-discovered how good it is.

Steve.

[Camp__Forrest__]

I just got back from a month in the Black Hills a couple of months ago. We also discovered the Purple Pie Place. We chatted with the owner and he was so nice that we bought a whole mumble berry pie. We froze it and it was just as good at home.

If anyone is in Custer, I recommend it. Their daughter also owns a restaurant in town called Baker's Bakery which has delicious cinnamon or pecan rolls.

[Katman1100]

Beautiful area of the country. I was there at the same time you were. In fact the picture you have on needles highway with your dashboard and a white Toyota van is actually my van believe it or not!! I know because of the decals on the back window. We stayed at beaver creek campground in custard and would highly recommend it!

[jmtandem]

Nice job! Thanks.