Trip through the Black HIlls
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
We've been in the Black Hills several times and there's a lot of beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Only "camped' twice but I would advise anyone planning to do so to be prepared for the chances of rapidly changing weather!
I've seen some very high winds, hard rain, and hail!
It always a good idea to keep some clothes (at least underwear and socks) in plastic bags.
Only "camped' twice but I would advise anyone planning to do so to be prepared for the chances of rapidly changing weather!
I've seen some very high winds, hard rain, and hail!
It always a good idea to keep some clothes (at least underwear and socks) in plastic bags.
Advanced
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 98
Likes: 2
From: Iowa
I stayed in Custer back in 10. Did the Wildlife loop, needles highway, and keystone the first day. The second day we rode Spearfish Canyon and Devils Tower. Day 3 was the Badlands. Day 4 was Deadwood and Sturgis. Going to do it again the 22nd of this month. Have fun and ride safe.
Duty2, what's your preferred route?
To the OP Jeff, there are lots of cabins or cottages to stay at. We are staying in a couple cabins at Sheridan Lake this year, last year we stayed at Canyon Lake just on the southwest side of Rapid City. Prices are reasonable at non/Sturgis times, and it's nice to have the kitchen/bed/bath areas. Do a Google search and find a nice place to base out of, you can't see it all in a day or two.
Last edited by dtfly; Jun 8, 2013 at 07:33 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Northern Iowa
We always stay in Custer when we ride in the Hills. It is close to all of the good riding. If camping we stay at Custer's Gulch Campground. It is about 3 miles east of town. Nice place and the owner has Iowa roots. When we motel it, we stay in the Chief Motel in Custer, also great people.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 553
Likes: 49
From: illinois
As are we, leaving the 22nd, from eastern Iowa. We are riding 18 through Iowa, then hitting 44 through SD. Staying in the Black Hills for 3 days, then on to Yellowstone. We did the Hills last September, and can't wait to do it again! Custer Park, Needles, Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood, Devil's Tower, just to name a few...
Duty2, what's your preferred route?
To the OP Jeff, there are lots of cabins or cottages to stay at. We are staying in a couple cabins at Sheridan Lake this year, last year we stayed at Canyon Lake just on the southwest side of Rapid City. Prices are reasonable at non/Sturgis times, and it's nice to have the kitchen/bed/bath areas. Do a Google search and find a nice place to base out of, you can't see it all in a day or two.
Duty2, what's your preferred route?
To the OP Jeff, there are lots of cabins or cottages to stay at. We are staying in a couple cabins at Sheridan Lake this year, last year we stayed at Canyon Lake just on the southwest side of Rapid City. Prices are reasonable at non/Sturgis times, and it's nice to have the kitchen/bed/bath areas. Do a Google search and find a nice place to base out of, you can't see it all in a day or two.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 253
Likes: 4
From: Central Indiana
If you are really set on camping - here is a place that I stayed at that I highly recommend. They were really nice and had good clean showers. It was really convenient to Crazy Horse / Rushmore.
http://www.rafterj.com
http://www.rafterj.com
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 627
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
My wife and I usually go out there every few years usually around the 4th, Its not too crowded and if you get up early you can have the needles and iron mountain road to yourself. We stay in Custer at the mile high motel which is a good mom and pop place. Also Custer has a pretty neat fireworks show that echos of the mountains, There is also one at Lead they blast out of the mine. Either one is worth it.
