2020 Mt. Rushmore

[rrosson67]

Looking at taking in Mt Rushmore this Memorial Day weekend and wanted to see what peoples opinions of campgrounds surrounding Mt Rushmore were this past camping season.

[Chascin]

When we visited in 2017 we stayed in Game Lodge campground in the park ( electric only ). Water was near and dump just outside the campground. Use the search function looking for Black Hills camping. There was a recent thread about campgrounds in the area. I would be looking to make reservations soon so as to have more of a selection.

[Capt Kidd]

We stayed at Rafter J Bar over 4th of July several years ago and had a really good time.

[Hatchdog]

Originally Posted by Chascin

When we visited in 2017 we stayed in Game Lodge campground in the park ( electric only ). Water was near and dump just outside the campground. Use the search function looking for Black Hills camping. There was a recent thread about campgrounds in the area. I would be looking to make reservations soon so as to have more of a selection.

Here’s a link to the post Chascin mentioned. I have digested this post throughly as we too are planning a trip late May early June to Rushmore. I’m liking the Rafter J Bar for the Rushmore portion of our trip and I need to get off my lazy rear and get some reservations made. We’re trying to figure out our return trip through Montana to take in some ghost towns.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ns-199963.html

[MtBiker]

Custer State Park. Beautiful and actually more interesting than Mt. Rushmore.

[Jo Ellen]

We stayed at Rafter J Bar last year. It was in a good location to see the sights of the Black Hills.

[Hatchdog]

OK, we have our trip all planned out. Leaving Spokane and spending two nights in Bozeman Montana to visit the Dinosaur Museum and other local attractions, staying at the Sunrise Campground.

Then two nights near Billings for the Custer Battlefield and other attractions, staying at the 7th Ranch RV Camp.

Then four nights at the Rafter J Bar Ranch campground for Rushmore and all other attractions in this area.

Then three nights at the Deadwood/Black Hills KOA for the Deadwood area.

Then heading home, two longs days of driving and I’ll figure out where we will stop later. All reservations are made, via web for the Deadwood KOA and the 7th Ranch RV Camp. Via phone with Rafter J Bar and Sunrise, both conversations were great. If the camps are as good as the folks I spoke with we are in great hands.

I’m not the OP on this thread but I thought I would share my trip plans for others.

Now, on to our Montana Ghost Town trip planning for September.

[OldGal3]

Stayed at 7th Ranch a couple (three maybe?) years ago and enjoyed it very much.
I don't think there's a bad RV space in the whole place. Hardin is the nearest place for groceries, so come stocked with necessities. Custer Battlefield Trading Post was a decent place to eat. After visiting the main building and listening to the Ranger presentation, I drove the road above the battle fields - lots of diagrams and information at several pull outs/stops. Enjoy your stay in the area.

[Jfkmk]

Originally Posted by MtBiker

Custer State Park. Beautiful and actually more interesting than Mt. Rushmore.

Agree 100%!

[Capt. Mike]

X 2 on Rafter J Bar

[DougW]

Originally Posted by MtBiker

Custer State Park. Beautiful and actually more interesting than Mt. Rushmore.

More to do in Custer for sure, It has a lot more area with animals and scenery just about anyplace you look. At Rushmore you can walk the trail up to the base of the mountain, take in the briefing at the sculptors office ( or whatever they called it) where Borglund had his scale model. Have some lunch and, of course, take a bunch of pictures. In reality a couple of hours on site should be good. Be sure to go up to Rushmore via the needles highway, it is a very interesting road.

[BarabooBob]

They are doing a lot of reconstruction of the entire complex. We were there in September and they said that the work will not be done until midyear 2020.

[waybeck2018]

Originally Posted by MtBiker

Custer State Park. Beautiful and actually more interesting than Mt. Rushmore.

Totally agree with this. Rushmore is neat to see of course but does not compare with Custer State Park. Be sure and take carrots for the donkeys there.

[Mooney 78865]

Originally Posted by waybeck2018

Totally agree with this. Rushmore is neat to see of course but does not compare with Custer State Park. Be sure and take carrots for the donkeys there.

I agree with everyone about Custer state park. We were there this past September for two weeks staying in Rapid City KOA. We actually spent a lot of time in the Custer area, But there is a lot to take in, especially if you have a "toad". And definitely bring carrots for the donkeys!

[Craig and Carol]

Do drive through Custer to have pie and ice cream at the Bobkat's Old Fashion Purple Pie Place: homemade and absolutely delicious. Just be careful if driving into town from the north...there is a hill and the speed limit changes quickly, said he who was given a warning by a very nice officer.

[67L48]

Been twice over the past decade. First time we stayed in Stockade Lake South in a popup trailer. Second time we stayed in Stockade Lake North in our current trailer.

Stockade Lake is nice because:

1. It is very convenient to major thoroughfares to the various sites and towns.
2. It has power.
3. It is in Custer State Park ... so it's super pretty and quite inexpensive.
4. Convenient to the wildlife loop.
5. Quiet
6. Wildlife everywhere. Constantly visited by deer.

There are some other CSP campgrounds that are really pretty, too. Sylvan Lake, e.g., is so picturesque that it was featured in the movie National Treasure 2. But, it's off the Needles Highway, which could get a bit daunting to drive every day. I like the Stockade Lake cgs because they're on the western border of the massive CSP. Easy to get in and out.

The photos with the PUP are from South in 2014. The photos with the trailer are from North in 2018.

[bundy71]

Wow! I’m glad I found this thread. We are planning to visit Rushmore, Crazyhorse, and CSP in September, 2021! A long time away, but just working on it now. Awesome post! Thanks for all of the info everyone.

[Boomerweps]

Drove out to Mt. Rushmore a couple years back, we took my grandson. Didn't camp, it was on that trip we decided to buy our TT
Strongly concur Custer State Park is a MUST SEE and was far more interesting than Rushmore. Do not confuse the Custer battlefield site with the state park.

[rbq]

Another vote for Stockade Lake campground in Custer State Park. Stayed there when we visited. Campground was clean & facilities well kept up. Lot of things to do there at Custer state park. If you are into caves be sure & go to Jewell Cave & Wind Cave. Make sure & use the bathroom at Jewell One thing we did when we visited Mt. Rushmore is they had a musical group perform several nights in the amphitheater. It was nice & Mt. Rushmore under lights is special to see.

[SailorSam20500]

We stayed at Fort Welikit Family Campground and were happy with it. We weren't interested in lots of amenities, just wanted FHU. We got what we needed. It was an easy drive to Mt. Rushmore and is almost walking distance to Crazy Hourse.

A couple of restaurant recommendations:
1. Skogen Kitchen We got lucky and got a couple of seats here. Place is usually fully reserved. VERY good food. A bit on the expensive side.
2. Baker's Bakery & Cafe. You'll love their buns.... We had breakfast here, again very good.