Personal recommendation of where to camp in S.D.
Nov 18th, 2002, 04:22 PM
#1
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Personal recommendation of where to camp in S.D.
I have read all the postings on S.D.and am really excited about going next June or late August. I am looking for a campground that is spacious, scenic, peaceful, has wildlife and privacy. We would also like CLEAN warm showers and flush toilets. It can be private or public. I have looked into Custer SP on the internet and can't find out much info. Has anyone camped at a place that fits the above? I am looking at Mystery Mtn in Rapid City, Rafter J BAr, Hill City or Custer SP. Suggestions??? Also, is the temperature really in the 70's that time of year?
Nov 21st, 2002, 10:58 AM
#2
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Hi Deb - I can recommend a place called The Roost Resort, in Custer. It's actually between the town of Custer and the west entrance to Custer state park, about 2 miles from each.
There are about 8 small cabins, and about 10 campsites. The campground is nice and spread out. The showerhouse is very clean. The owners are very nice people. We've stayed there for the past three years. This past year we were treated to the sight of deer in the meadow each day, and the sound of coyotes yipping each night. There is also a pretty view of some granite outcroppings- I think one is named Calamity Peak. Very quiet and peaceful.
What's also nice is Custer is a good central location for exploring the Black Hills.
Custer State Park does have campgrounds but I think the hook-ups may be limited (if you have an RV). Here is their website:
http://www.custerstatepark.info/Index.htm
Also, here is The Roost's website:
http://www.blackhills.com/roost/
And for other campground reviews, visit this message board and use the search function- many great reviews by the actual campers:
http://www.rv.net/cforum/index.cfm?site=tld
When you're out there, be sure you do the Needles Highway drive and the Iron Mountain Road (aka Peter Norbeck Scenic Highway) drive. During the Needles Highway drive, be sure to stop at Sylvan Lake and take the hiking path around the lake- it's well marked and starts at the parking lot. Spectacular!!
Also, when on the Iron Mountain road, be sure to start from the south, and as you drive north and approach Keystone, you'll be rewarded with several neat views of Mt. Rushmore. One of my most favorite places on earth (no kidding!) is the Peter Norbeck Scenic Overlook- watch for it as you near Keystone. You'll feel like you're on top of the world.
We've been there in late June and also late August, and when you are in the mountains (Custer, Hill City, Keystone) the temps do indeed stay in the 70's. When you go to lower elevations (Rapid City, Hot Springs) it is in the 80's or even 90's.
There are about 8 small cabins, and about 10 campsites. The campground is nice and spread out. The showerhouse is very clean. The owners are very nice people. We've stayed there for the past three years. This past year we were treated to the sight of deer in the meadow each day, and the sound of coyotes yipping each night. There is also a pretty view of some granite outcroppings- I think one is named Calamity Peak. Very quiet and peaceful.
What's also nice is Custer is a good central location for exploring the Black Hills.
Custer State Park does have campgrounds but I think the hook-ups may be limited (if you have an RV). Here is their website:
http://www.custerstatepark.info/Index.htm
Also, here is The Roost's website:
http://www.blackhills.com/roost/
And for other campground reviews, visit this message board and use the search function- many great reviews by the actual campers:
http://www.rv.net/cforum/index.cfm?site=tld
When you're out there, be sure you do the Needles Highway drive and the Iron Mountain Road (aka Peter Norbeck Scenic Highway) drive. During the Needles Highway drive, be sure to stop at Sylvan Lake and take the hiking path around the lake- it's well marked and starts at the parking lot. Spectacular!!
Also, when on the Iron Mountain road, be sure to start from the south, and as you drive north and approach Keystone, you'll be rewarded with several neat views of Mt. Rushmore. One of my most favorite places on earth (no kidding!) is the Peter Norbeck Scenic Overlook- watch for it as you near Keystone. You'll feel like you're on top of the world.
We've been there in late June and also late August, and when you are in the mountains (Custer, Hill City, Keystone) the temps do indeed stay in the 70's. When you go to lower elevations (Rapid City, Hot Springs) it is in the 80's or even 90's.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 05:22 AM
#4
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Deb,
We stayed at the Blue Bell campground in Custer SP. I remember it being clean, but for the most part very similar to other campgrounds. What set it apart from the others is you can take horse trail rides of the SP from there. They have a stable which makes it convient.
We have also stayed at Sylvan, but rented a cabin instead of staying at the campground. This area is very scenic.
Have fun - Phil
We stayed at the Blue Bell campground in Custer SP. I remember it being clean, but for the most part very similar to other campgrounds. What set it apart from the others is you can take horse trail rides of the SP from there. They have a stable which makes it convient.
We have also stayed at Sylvan, but rented a cabin instead of staying at the campground. This area is very scenic.
Have fun - Phil
Dec 2nd, 2002, 06:02 AM
#5
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Deb,
It sounds like Black Hills National Forest might be what you're looking for. I really wish I could remember the name of the particular area that we camped in--units are spread out and the area itself is scenic and peaceful. From our campsite we walked down a path to a small, secluded lake. The outhouses were extremely clean and the personnel friendly and helpful. In fact, now that I think about it, I called ahead and asked for recommendations on where to camp after telling them what we were looking for (privacy, etc.). They could also tell you about the showers/restrooms. The campground was close to Custer State Park--we went to the Sylvan area one day and swam in the lake (that also has a small beach). We've also camped in Custer State Park--that would be my second choice--the campsites are much closer together, though. Take jeans and sweatshirts--once the sun goes down, you'll need them, although it can be hot during the day.
It sounds like Black Hills National Forest might be what you're looking for. I really wish I could remember the name of the particular area that we camped in--units are spread out and the area itself is scenic and peaceful. From our campsite we walked down a path to a small, secluded lake. The outhouses were extremely clean and the personnel friendly and helpful. In fact, now that I think about it, I called ahead and asked for recommendations on where to camp after telling them what we were looking for (privacy, etc.). They could also tell you about the showers/restrooms. The campground was close to Custer State Park--we went to the Sylvan area one day and swam in the lake (that also has a small beach). We've also camped in Custer State Park--that would be my second choice--the campsites are much closer together, though. Take jeans and sweatshirts--once the sun goes down, you'll need them, although it can be hot during the day.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 09:37 AM
#6
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Deb: Have you checked out www.travelsd.com? That is South Dakota's official tourism website. Yes, the temperature can be in the 70's during the day in June and August. Even if it is warmer during the day, it will get very cool in the Hills at night so bring jackets and sweaters. Make your reservations early (even for campsites) because places book very fast. You may also want to look at camping in the northern Hills, near Lead, Deadwood or Sturgis. Avoid traveling to the Hills during the Sturgis Bike Rally (first week of August). There are wall-to-wall bikers driving around and staying in all parts of the Hills.
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