Black Hills National Forest RV Trip

This over-the-top park offers a splash pad, climbing tower, waterslide, jumping pillow, and two pools.

Walk the Presidential Trail, which takes visitors along a number of scenic viewpoints and ends near the Sculptor’s Studio—a museum dedicated to Gutzon Borglum, the artist who designed and carved the memorial. Other noteworthy amenities include the Mount Rushmore Audio Tour, the Memorial Ice Cream Shop, and the Mount Rushmore Bookstore. There is also a parking garage on-site that offers RV parking.

The Badlands Loop Road makes it easy to catch the scenery on a day trip.

Tour some of the largest explored caves in the world, see unusual boxwork formations, and learn about the unique wildlife that call these caverns home.

The 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road is great for spotting some of the 1,500 bison who call the park home. Head to the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail for the easy one-mile hike around the entire lake, often referred to as the “crown jewel” of Custer State Park.

Those who want to camp right in Custer State Park can pick from ten campgrounds, with a mixture of camping styles and amenities. Natural beauty abounds, and RVers will have easy access to the state park.

Venture to the top of Black Elk Peak—the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains. On a clear day up on the summit, you can see the four surrounding states: South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Nebraska.

Rafter J Bar Ranch offers large, scenic campsites. Amenities include full hookups, a swimming pool, and direct access to the George S. Mickelson Trail, a 109-mile rail-to-trail conversion.

Conceived as an homage to the Lakota warrior by the same name. And while the carving is still a work in progress, a visit to Crazy Horse is a great way to learn more about local Native American history. There are multiple museums on the property: Indian Museum of North America and the adjoining Welcome Center and Native American Educational and Cultural Center.

Located on the western edge of the Black Hills National Forest, Spearfish Canyon is notable for its supreme scenery, deep gorge, countless waterfalls, and 1,000-foot canyon walls.