By Jeremy Puglisi
South Dakota’s main attractions are sometimes overshadowed by points further west, like Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Glacier National Park in Montana. Many RV owners spend a day at Mount Rushmore and then jump back on the highway toward locations that they feel are more deserving of their time. Simply put, this is a crying shame.
South Dakota may not have any one location that can top Yellowstone or Glacier for grandeur, but taken collectively, attractions like Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and the entire Black Hills region can be stacked up and compared favorably to any state in the West. Wise travelers plan South Dakota as its own trip, or build in at least a week to take in the state’s wild and kitschy wonders.
Many RV owners blow past Sioux Falls on their way in or out of South Dakota, but it’s definitely worth an overnight stop. The most popular destination in the area is Falls Park. Here you will find scenic waterfalls that delight photographers and rock scrambling opportunities for kids and adventurous adults. There’s also an observation tower, gift shop, and cafe. After exploring the falls we recommend heading to Minerva’s, a classy and cozy downtown steakhouse, for a western style dinner you will never forget. The food is phenomenal, and the legendary salad bar lives up to the hype.
With stunning, scenic views of the Badlands, Cedar Pass Campground puts you right in the heart of this amazing national park. You can step outside your door and walk over to the iconic natural formations. While not quite as rugged as the landscape, this concessionaire-run campground is definitely not an RV resort. But there’s nothing quite like the experience of staying right at the heart of a national park, and watching a Badlands sunrise or sunset right from your campsite is an incomparable experience. It’s like camping on the moon. (If you’re looking for something with more amenities, you may want to check out the Badlands/White River KOA up the road.)
Badlands National Park is best explored by heading out on one of several short trails that are all clustered together near the Northeast Entrance. The 0.75-mile Door Trail offers some classic Badlands photo opportunities. The 0.25-mile Window Trail is more of a fun scramble than a hike. Adults and kids alike have a blast climbing on the rock structures and peering out through the “windows” to the hills in the distance.
The 1.5-mile Notch Trail is more physically challenging, but it will be an absolute highlight if you are up for adventure. There’s a fairly steep ladder that you’ll have to climb to complete the hike. Folks with fears of heights might struggle a bit coming down the ladder as well. If you are physically and mentally able, do not miss this amazing hiking experience.
Don’t miss the chuckwagon dinner show while in Custer State Park. The Hayride & Chuckwagon Cookout departs right from the Blue Bell Lodge, which is great for those staying at the Blue Bell Campground, located just a few steps away. Participants get a corny cowboy hat and bandana, and then enjoy a 45-minute wagon ride hosted by a guitar-playing, sing-a-long-leading cowboy. Tickets aren't cheap, but the price of admission includes live music, dancing, and really delicious food.
Rafter J Bar Ranch is just minutes away from Mount Rushmore, and the perfect basecamp for your trip to the Black Hills region. What makes Rafter J so special? It has a unique way of offering a state park atmosphere with resort-style amenities. The most notable thing about Rafter J (besides the natural beauty) is the size. It’s a huge campground. However, the owners haven't crowded in as many sites as possible. Instead, they’ve created different “camps” with large wooded areas or fields in between each distinct area. The campground is peppered with towering Ponderosa Pines, and campers have views of the scenic granite hills in the distance.
Eventually Needles Highway will drop you at Sylvan Lake, which is picture-book pretty and the perfect place to enjoy a hike or a chilly and rejuvenating swim in Custer State Park.
Banner Photo Credit: Flickr/Char