Mount Rushmore in Late Sept

usmcshepherd wrote:
All,

Just a quick inquiry to the all knowing and experienced TCs who have spent anytime around Mount Rushmore...we are not going to have a ton of time but would appreciate any recommendations on places to stay or avoid?!? We can boondock or go with a full hookup facility. Going to be coming from our farm in IL on the way back to Denver. Thanks in advance!

usmcshepherd

There's several USFS campground through out the black hills behind Mt. Rushmore, I stayed in Keystone at an RV park that was part of a Travelodge (wasn't half bad for hook ups and a nights sleep near the mountain).

There,s a few campgrounds on the highway that runs by jewel caves, no hookups but the price is right. We were there this summer and it only cost if I remember $14 or $15, we only stayed 1 night but nice place. Also jewel cave is really nice but its a lot of up and down stairs but well worth the walk.

Dave

Endless choices at that time of the year, from Rafter J, which is probably the nicest local privately operated CG, to multiple CGs in Custer State Park. Great time to be in the hills. Warm days, cool nights, and the crowds are gone. Have a great trip.

When we were out there in 2011 we stayed at what I believe was a KOA that offered an evening shuttle to Mt Rushmore so we didn't have to break camp to see it at night. As long as you're in the area be sure to save time for the Crazy Horse complex. We actually enjoyed that stop as much or more.

There's a famcamp on the air force base. Very nice place. A small air museum just outside the gate.

I believe there's a buffalo roundup in Custer SP in late September. Therefore, I might suggest checking with CGs in the Hills to see if they have availability - and probably making a reservation. Rafter J Bar is our favorite, but have heard good reports of several others (KOAs, Horse Thief, etc.)

The evening lighting ceremony is worth seeing, and the hike around to the various other things on the site away from the main promenade is nice.

The $10.00 also buys you a years worth of access to the park, not just one visit.

JoeChiOhki wrote:
The evening lighting ceremony is worth seeing, and the hike around to the various other things on the site away from the main promenade is nice.

The $10.00 also buys you a years worth of access to the park, not just one visit.

^ This.
We visited in the evening and stayed through the presentation and flag lowering. Was very impactful on the whole family. Bunch of NF campgrounds nearby that looked very nice. We were there mid summer this year and they were all full but you should have better luck. Ended up at the KOA resort for the night. Not exactly camping......

The parking was built and is operated by a non-profit group that has raised, and spent, tens of millions of dollars on improving the area surrounding the monument. The area looks nothing like a midway carnival, it is tastefully done to include an Avenue of flags, mounted on granite columns. The avenue leads to the carving, where it ends at a huge granite stadium, concealed below your sight lines, when visitors can watch fireworks. There are not multiple gifts shops as you claim, nor is there any "junkie stuff" on the grounds. There is a gift shop and restaurant with tall glass walls overlooking the carving, and a well done museum with a theater. Given the fact that congress refuses to spend enough to maintain and upgrade our national parks, this is as good as it gets. I was there before the Memorial Society really stepped up and got things going. The grounds were a disaster, and looked like some third rate, backwoods state monument, that was failing from neglect. There was about a 1/4 of the amount of parking actually needed for the crowds, and you looked at the monument while standing on old, rickety wooden decks, it was a disgrace.

Personally , my Rushmore visit was very positive, emotional and satisfying. Well worth my time. Custer State Park is close and exceptional if you have the time. Theres a couple of scenic drives, in the park ,difficult with the TC on but spectacular.
Enjoy your visit.