I plan on going to Sturgis this year, from Ontario. I plan on using Motels all the way there and camping once I get there. I would like to buy a tent when I get there, Is this reasonable or do lots of people do this. If so how far out from sturgis will I have stop to buy a tent?

 

I do not have an answer for you, but have a comment. Many camp grounds let you UPS your gear to and from. Its there when you get there and you ship it home when you leave.

 

You could get a decent tent in Rapid City (30 miles). Also, the Dakota Mart on Lazelle Street in Downtown Sturgis carries a lot of camping gear during the rally. I would call them and see if they have tents.

 

I second this^^. By shipping your own gear out there you know what you'll have when you arrive. Rapid City has Wal Marts and other outdoor type stores if you want to chance they'll have what you want when you get there. Remember that rally season in the Black Hills is when they make there big cash so prices will be higher.

 

If you're staying at the Buffalo Chip, there's a camp store there where you can buy a tent, also, they have "easy camp", they set up a tent for you with cots and sleeping bags.

 

There is a Cabela's in Rapid City.

 

Rapid City has:

Cabela's
Scheels
WalMart

 

You can order it from Walmart and pick it up at the Sperfish or rapid city store

 

It sure would suck to get there and not have a tent due to some unforeseen circumstance.

 

Spearfish and Rapid City both have Wal-Mart. They are well stocked in anticipation of the Rally. They also have bungee cords so you can strap all the stuff to your bike.
Here's a tip for you, buy one each of those large packs of underwear and socks, change daily and throw the dirty ones away, that way you don't have to pack dirty underwear back to Canada. Good personal hygiene will go a long way with Sturgis wimmens.