In the 11th episode of Off The Beaten Path but Not Lost, we discuss things to do in the Black Hills, South Dakota, with your family.
To claim a state, we have to stay in the state and actually do something. It also has to be a state we visited after we started our full-time Journey. Of the 17 states, we are claiming – South Dakota sits at the top.
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We spent time in South Dakota for two weeks in July and then came in September and spent another two weeks.
Where we stayed
We stayed outside Custer State Park at Heartland RV Park & Cabins
- We talked about this park in our campground review last week
- It’s located in Hermosa, SD
- 9 miles from Custer park
We also stayed at Three Flags RV Park in Blackhawk
- North of Rapid City
- Forty-five minutes to Custer but closer to Sturgis, Deadwood, Spearfish, Devils Tower.
Custer State Park
- Scenic byways
- Needles Highway
- Iron Mountain Road
- The highway connects Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
- The kid’s chapter book we talk about – The Face at Mount Rushmore
- Wildlife Loop Road
- Mount Coolidge Fire Tower
- Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival
- Nine campgrounds with 341 campsites and 50 camping cabins, horse camp
- Nearest Town: Custer, Rapid City, Hill City, Keystone
Black Hills
- Black Hills National Forest is 1.2 million acres and extends into Wyoming
- Jeep Trails
- Campgrounds
Signing up is always free. No credit card is required.
Badlands National Park
Directions & Fees
- Directions: located 75 miles east of Rapid City, South Dakota.
- Private Vehicle Fee – $30.00
- Motorcycle Fee – $25.00
- Per person – $15.00
- They also take America the Beautiful annual pass.
Things to see or do at the park
- Ben Reifel Visitor Center – North Unit
- White River Visitor Center – South Unit
- Drive Sage Creek Rim Road
- Badlands Loop Road (Hwy 240)
- Visit the Fossil Preparation Lab
Where to stay
- Sage Creek Campground
- Cedar Pass Campground
- Cedar Pass Lodge
Can’t Miss
Don’t miss this great spot in Texas! Dinosaur Valley State Park
Directions & Fees
- $7 per day, per person 13 and older.
Where to stay
- The campground at the state park
- Lake Whitney Thousand Trails Campground
Things to see or do at the park
- Hikes
- Dinosaur Tracks
- Swimming
