Looking to come over from the UK for a 3 week trip in 2025 and going to Sturgis for a few days. Any help/advice on where to stay and how to book up accommodation in Sturgis much appreciated. Everything on booking.com etc is stupid prices!

Thanks in advance

 

It depends on a few things. Where will you fly into? How much riding you plan to do? And do you want to stay in the middle of things? Or stay somewhere a little out where the better riding is? Personally, I'd plan on arriving a week or two ahead or after of the Sturgis Rally so you can really enjoy the area. BUt, I've been there many times so there is not much there that is new to me.

The prices during Sturgis week are crazy, and require booking early so you are getting a head start. If you want to be in the middle of things, stay at one of the campgrounds in the Sturgis (I've done that and don't plan on doing it again. Too much crazyness) area as some have basic cabins. If you want to be further out away from the madness, I'd stay in Deadwood or Spearfish although it is very crowded there too. But a little more sane.

If you are happy to be out a little further, checkout Hill City several decent hotels and campsites, groceries and restaurants (about 40 miles from Deadwood and 50 to Sturgis). The prices are better and you are closer to things like Mt. Rushmore, Momument to Crazy Horse and Needles Highway. Spearfish Canyon is a nice ride too. But then you are further from Devils Tower and Yellowstone etc.

Be prepared for any kind of weather, from hot to cold with rain or hail etc. Avoid riding at night because there are lots of animals on the roads at night and there are lots of unfamiliar curves. I'd also suggest not drinking if you are riding, want until you get back to your hotel or campsite. There is a no tolerance attitude from law enforcement, and that is no way to spend your time here.

Check out the area on Google Maps so you can get an idea of the layout of the cities and plan ahead where you want to ride and consider not staying at the same place if you intend to ride long distances because some things are not a day trip, and again, you want to avoid riding at night. You can find hotels of your suiting on Google Maps as well as routes to things you want to see.

Link to a map from the Blacklands Visitor web site.

https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/maps

Paul

 

Prices are stupidly high regardless of booking time. Good luck

 

everyone is going to go next year,

Actually I have had luck getting motels last minute good prices. Last time in deadwood we decided to stay an extra night, just had to move to a different room. I like deadwood myself close enough and lots of action. I stayed one town, and on sunday they stopped selling booze cause of some town law at certain time.

I never found Strugis to be that bad of price. $.50-1 a beer more. Scheme of things what is an extra $50? You will get a beet quicker there than local bar.

My advice is go now, next year never comes. I realize coming from UK, not so easy.

 

I’ve always camped at Hog Heaven, just outside Sturgis. I can afford to stay wherever I like but for motorcycle rallies..I like tent camping. I don’t have much to add to response #2. Paul did a good job of summarizing the event conditions. I’ll add to his recommendation to prepare for about ANYTHING weather-wise. Before I ever went, looking at friends pictures, it became apparent that they used all the riding gear they owned: gear for Hot, Cold and WET was all used. Be prepared. If I were coming from overseas I would seriously consider going to the WalMart in Sturgis, buying a basic cheap camping kit ( tent, air mattress, sheets and a pillow for example) and not worry about taking it home. I believe you’ll be dollars ahead compared to motel accommodations during the rally.
Again… like Paul said… don’t be riding out in the country side at dusk or full night. Too many critters. Lost a friend that way..🙁🙏

 

I have stayed at the Bear Butte Campground (rented a trailer) 2010, I rented a Motel in Deadwood 2019. I rented an Airbnb in Spearfish 2023. Best trip by far for location was Deadwood and it wasn't the most expensive of the three. Give Glencoe, Bear Butte, and The Chip a pass. Why? To get anywhere you pretty much have to go back thru Sturgis every time. Lots of bumper to bumper. Staying outside of Sturgis proper is the way to go. I liked Deadwood the best. Close enough to Sturgis, yet far enough away. Plenty of action and things to do in Deadwood and it was a decent starting point for our rides. Come to Sturgis and have a ball. Ride hard, ride safe. I will also tell you to come over to the Laconia Bike Week Rally some day too. It's not as big and grand as Sturgis but the riding is almost as good.

 

I wasn't as direct as binarym, but yes I'd skip the the big camp grounds like the Buffalo Chip, Glencoe (especially), and Steel Pony. Been there, done that. Too much crazy for my taste. The Chip and Steel Pony have limited access areas during the day you can enter without a wrist band to see a bike show or things like that if you feel the need. But again, I'd avoid drinking and be back at my camp or hotel before dusk.

If I wanted to be somewhat close to Sturgis (but not in), Deadwood or Spearfish is where I would look, with a focus on Deadwood. Deadwood is nice with many good hotels and restaurants. You can take 14A to Spearfish through the Spearfish Canyon and pickup I90 west, or 385 south through Hill City to places like Rushmore, Crazyhorse, Devils Tower or places further west. In Alzada, MT there is an old bar (Stoneville Saloon) that gets a little crazy, but not out of control. Spearfish is also nice and a little closer to Wyoming and Devils Tower or places further west. These are all places than be done in a day ride.

Another thing to consider or at least confirm (since you are coming from overseas), is if you can cancel your reservation is it refundable / prorated etc. None of the campgrounds I have experience with offer any cancelation. So once you buy your wristband for access to the property, it is non-refundable. At least some of the hotels in Deadwood have a cancelation policy. So if that could be part of your calculations, ask before reserving your space.

One of the best things I've been to in Sturgis (the city) is the HD Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. The downtown area can be fun for an hour or so, but I don't think it is worth the trouble of stop and go traffic and finding a place to park. Although most of the parking in downtown Sturgis is reserved for motorcycles.

https://sturgismuseum.com/

Paul

 

Am staying in Hill City this year, is around 60 min from Sturgis, close to a number of great rides and more reasonable priced. Deadwood is great but crazy expensive during rally week.

 

Rode from NC to the west coast and back maybe 3 years ago. Went through Sturgis and Deadwood a couple weeks after the rally. I'm sure I missed a fun rally. Being a loner rider any way, I surely enjoyed the scenery in relative peace and quiet. I don't remember much about prices, but I did not have trouble finding camp sites and motels. My avatar pic was made somewhere on the route.

 

I hate crowd but I like the rally. As long as you avoiding riding through town it moves fast. Bars are stocked up serve you fast. You will wait longer for a beer at bar back home. I enjoyed looking at everything,

I like seeing as more and more bikes appear on I90. By the time I get Sioux Falls it is hopping.