Find a place to stay. Make reservations. Do this NOW! Getting a hotel room anywhere near Sturgis at this (curiously) late date, may be difficult if not impossible. If you are camping, you may have a bit more time if you're flexible, but my recommendation would essentially be the same. I've been several times and have always riden to and from Stugis and I've always camped at a private (and relatively quiet) campground outside of Deadwood.

 

So true Larry! I've had many say they're going in January only to bail come July. FLSTFI Dave hit the nail on the head, all of these rides are a must in the area. Plan ahead for reservations whether you are camping or staying in a motel. I've done both, each being an enjoyable experience.

 

We booked in a campground yesterday called no Rushmore. It's three miles outside Sturgis. We planned for a ten day trip. Most of us are riding out of Myrtle Beach SC which is about 1850 miles. We're planning on at least three days there and back. We also are talking about visiting Yellowstone which I believe is about six hours. Talked about this for years so should be a great time. Thanks for the replies

 

I’m also planning to go for my first time this year. I was talking to a guy at the bar about it last week and he recommended Hog Heaven so I’m going to look into that. I figure for 3 Days ride there and back. Most likely will be going by myself. It’s going to be a crazy time to leave work for 2 weeks but I’m going to do it no matter what.

Garrett

 

We go in Sept. There is no traffic, no lodging difficulties, and the weather is cooler. The riding is spectacular and at our age we appreciate not contending with too many riders when we're out. I know some will say we miss so much. But it's just another way of enjoying the hills.

 

I did the trip back in 2012 with two other friends from CT and we did it in three and half days which included coming into sturgis via The Badlands. What I can tell you is if you ride as we did be prepared for the cross winds coming across the plains...On the third day we had 40 mph winds that took our baggers and leaned them over....felt like I was riding a snowmobile down the highway. We camped at a new place at the time that had its own bar/restaurant which was nice if you wanted to just hang out at end of you riding day. We did all the hot spots like MT Washington and Crazy Horse, needles highway as well as devils tower, deadwood. Now downtown is another story. Be prepared to ride in slow traffic....All in all there is so much riding to do that you will never cover the same roads everyday...so much to experience. Good luck and have fun.

 

I stayed there in ‘07. Was in a motorhome so I can't comment on the tent area and bathrooms, but it was a great place to stay. Had vendors and bars and tattooers right on site at Hog Heaven too. Only did the downtown scene one day, the rest was all about riding and seeing other areas like devils tower, hulett, spearfish canyon, etc. Seemed like every night we somehow wound up in deadwood...felt like every road led us there

 

If you're not choosy, you can sleep in someone's yard a block away from the downtown action (for a small fee) like I did this past year. If that doesn't look comfy or warm enough (high 30s for the lows at night) you better find a place to stay and nail it down quick. Break out that wallet because everything is expensive at any rally, especially Sturgis.

 

don't be surprised if they drop the speed limit on the interstate down to 55 all the way to rapid and if ye don't put both feet down at a stop sign you'll get a ticket and searched

 

55 is the speed limit on the interstate and both feet down at a stop sign or get searched