I am flying into Rapid City from East Coast will probably arrive about 1:00pm I was thinking of driving right to badlands and stay in that area overnight then continue on to Mt rushmore Crazy Horse and stay next three nights in Custer State Park. I have been reading a lot of posts and not sure if I should definately include Badlands National Park on my trip or not. After staying in Custer area will be heading to Yellowstone. On route will be passing near Devils Tower and don't know if I should take the time to see that too. Would it be a mistake not to do Badlands and Devils Tower.

I would defintely take time for Devil's Tower. Not so sure about the Badlands.

Since you are spending so much time in that area, IMO, I would definitely see Badlands and Devil's Tower.

I would include Badlands. Either on that first night like you mentioned or as a day trip from Custer.

I would also make the side trip to Devils Tower. It's to far to drive from Rapid City to Yellowstone without spending the night on the road, so you might as well make the short detour to Devil's Tower.

Utahtea

I'd suggest staying at the cabins in the Badlands that first night (Cedar Pass Lodge). And I definitely think Devil's Tower is well worth seeing.

In my opinion you should at least see the badlands! You don't have to stay overnight there, just do a day trip from Custer or even just a scenic drive and stop at the scenic overviews.

If fact I think it makes more sense to stay in Custer the three nights so you don't won't have to get resituated. You have to see the bandland since you will be so close! It's unlike anthing else. Kind of like the grand canyon without the canyon.

you may as well see Devil's tower since it is on route, but I wouldn't travel to far out of my way to see it. It is kinda fun to see but wouldn't travel far out of my way to see it.

Here is another vote for the Badlands. See it for sure! We loved it.
You don't have to spend a lot of time there, but even if you do a short hike or two and drive the route through the park, it will be very worthwhile.

Ditto to kodi. At least do a drive through of the badlands, as you will see alot. Devils Tower is a bit off 90 but also worth a stop. You'll also pass a massive groundhog 'village' so be sure to stop and take a peek.

Actually, it's prairie dogs near Devil's Tower. The reason I suggested staying right in the Badlands is because you mentioned staying in that area the first night and then staying three nights in Custer State Park (a great choice, by the way). I've stayed in one of the cabins in the Badlands twice, once in '84 and again three years ago. It's not somewhere I would want to spend a lot of time. There's not enough to do in the area. But for a night or two, I think it's a wonderful experience. It's so extremely peaceful. Again, I think Devil's Tower is well worth the extra time. When we were trying to make that decision, a co-worker convinced me that we should make the detour. I was so glad she had!

mmouse

I think it depends on your traveling companions. Are there younger children involved? If so, they may not be enamoured with the Badlands. 8 year old and up may like it. Given your time frame it probably would be a good idea to go and spend the night at the Badlands. You will have plenty of time to get back to Custer and spend the better part of that day there.

My family was a huge fan of Devils Tower. Again may not be as cool for very young kids. 7 or 8 and up would like it alot.

In my mind, the Badlands are unlike anything else you're likely to see - almost mystical, or certainly "other-worldly." I think it'd be a shame for you to be right in the area...and miss it. So I vote with everyone else that you make time for the Badlands! (And also, the Black Hills and Spearfish Canyon - though you didn't ask.)

Definitely go to Devils Tower. It was one of the highlights of our trip and the drive there is also pretty. I wasn't as crazy about the Badlands, but my husband was. We did it on a day trip from Custer State Park--probably took us about 2 hours to get there. Loved Custer State Park--hope you have your reservations.

Given that you're flying into Rapid City at 1 and the time it will take to get luggage and rental car, your idea to go to the Badlands and spend the night sounds like a good one. By the time you get there and tour around, you'll probably be ready to stop for the night.

Thanks everyone for your advice. I will definately include badlands probably will go right from airport and stay there overnight. I do have reservations for Custer Park at Slyvan Lake. I will also make a point of stopping at Devils tower on way to Yellowstone.

One more thing, if you're going to stay at Cedar Pass Lodge in the Badlands, I'd strongly suggest that you make your reservation soon. Just to be on the safe side. We also stayed at Sylvan Lake (but in the cabins, not the lodge). We really liked it. What we saw of the lodge was very nice. And we enjoyed the restaurant. Sounds like you've got a great vacation planned!