Im leaving Michigan on the 7th and heading out to Wyoming for the start of my 9k mile roadtrip. Im gonna be heading straight through Sturgis for sure but was wondering if its worth staying the night or not. I have never been and am riding solo. I know it would be a hell of a time to go with some buddies and stay a few days but since im going solo I wont be doing much partying.

What do you guys think? Can I get a good taste by just hanging around for a few hours or should I find a place to camp?

 

if you're worried about being unable to find a place to camp, don't. There's always someplace to camp, I'd stop and take a look around then decide. I get my fill after a day or two nowadays, rather spend my time riding than sitting in traffic in sturgis. Just make sure you ride the Needles Hwy and Iron Mountain Road if you do nothing else. Have a good trip, leaving on the 5th myself headed that direction.

 

Last time I was there, the Needles hwy was crawling so slow it really wasn't worth it. I always thought I'd like to come back in July when it's not bumper to bumper everywhere you go.

 

I would say stay. I just plain like going to the Black Hills even if the Rally is not going. Do a evening trip though Sturgis and hang out at Full Throttle to watch the Bull Riding.

 

On west bound I-90 at exit 37 is Elkview campgrounds. They always have room for tent campers at $20/night/person.

This is my and my son's set up last year in the middle of the week. You can see there is room for many many more.

 

You should spend at least a few hours just to say you've been. I only went once and that was 25 years ago, it was a hell of party then.

I'll be stopping there briefly myself this year but don't plan on being there for any longer than it takes me to do what I have to do and get the hell out.

 

Yep if i'm just staying a night or two I stay at Elk View, nice showers and they have food. Check out main street if you've never been, but I would avoid Full Throttle, wrong side of town and bumper to bumper traffic in the evenings. It's a cool place just not worth the hassle.

 

I don't know, man...everybody pretty much ignores it these days. It's just a glorified bike night. Scenery sucks, nothing much to see or do, you'd probably just get bored. I say skip it.

 

Thanks for all the input. I think I'm just gonna hang around for a few hours then play it by ear if I want to crash there for the night. I plan on hitting all the roads out there and am camping at Badlands National the night before so I'm sure ill get my scenery in.

Thanks again