Campgrounds in Custer State Park, SD

[tlhdoc]

The mom and her kid were in the Needles area. One goat was right in the tunnel licking salt from the rock wall of the tunnel.
 
We also saw several goats right at Mt. Rushmore!
 
 
 
 
 
One warning: If you have a National Parks Pass, don't expect to see the National Monument at Mt. Rushmore for free. The National Park Service has outsourced the parking at this National Monument to a private contractor. Even though you are going to be seeing a National Monument operated by the National Park Service, your National Park Pass will not get you free parking. Oh, admission to the monument is free; but it's free for everyone. The money you paid for your National Park Pass won't help here.

Thanks for the information.  I do have a NP Pass.  That is kind of a rip off charging you to park.  I guess the NPS is getting sneaky.  When we were in the Great Smokey Mts. NP this summer it was and will be FREE for all.  It free because when the park was created there was a clause in the agreement that it would always be free.  A road comes though the park and on state or the other (I don't remember which) wanted to make sure the road would remain free.

[Kavoom]

>>Were there any sites in Legion Lake campground that were shaded? Were you able to swim in the lake? If so how was it? Was there much of an insect problem when you were there? We are going toward the end of July into the beginning of August. <<

Hi, I'm a newbie here but Legion Lake is not my recommendation.  I think there are a couple of shaded site (two toward the front but close to the road).  The lake is wonderful though and the restaurant is a good place for breakfast.  There is a swimming area and beach as I remember and the trail around the lake is worth walking.  So stop in the morning take a look or to swim later but there are better campgrounds.  Both the Stockade campgrounds are excellent.  

And they are close to Custer (the town).  You can head out and there is a nice highway that goes to the monument areas fast...

Kavoom

[tlhdoc]

Kavoom thank you.  I am leaning toward Stockade North Campground, but some people clam it is noisy and very busy.  They either recommend Blue Bell or Silvan Lake campgrounds.  Do you know anything about either of them?  Are there any sites at Stockade N that you could recommend?  We don't need to be near the bathrooms.  The more private the site the better I like it.

[maromeo]

If you are going to be there during the Sturgis ralley, all areas will be noisy (motorcycle noise). We were in site 16 at Legion Lake. We were only there for 2 days. It was partially shaded and toward the back end of the CG, it was a back in spot and open to the back. The resturant at the Lodge was nice and the Lake was also a nice area for walking. We did not swim in the lake. I don't recall any problem with bugs in the area.

The one problem you will have is, Sturgis people will pack as many tents and cycles they can in a spot. Just be prepared. We took highway 87 to 753 from Legion Lake to get to the monument. The road was not as crowded and the wildlife near and on the road was awesome. We actually had a buffalo right by our vehicle.

We drove in from the west and came through Custer, it took us 1/2 hour to get through town because of all the bikes. They were parked up and down both sides of the highway and double rowed parked in the center. It was a little nerve racking pulling the PU.  We just took our time.

It is true about charging for parking. It cost $8.00 to park but the entrance to the monument was free. Don't forget there is also the Crazy Horse monument which is also interesting. Hope this helps.

Mary Romeo

[tlhdoc]

We will be home before the Sturgis Rally really begins, but I know that there will be a lot of bikes around anyhow.  Thanks for the information.

[Kavoom]

I don't think 10 days is too much.  Figure three for Badlands, Devils Tower, and Wind Cave area.  We spent two 9 day trips there (four total traveling) and figure we saw it all.  

Also there is a Wild Mustang Ranch down south (day trip) that is worth going to (a bunch of movies have been made there) and along the way is a natural springs out in the middle of nowhere and the kids can swim there.  My DG has the brochure.

Rushmore, Crazy Horse and doing the Needles Highway is a couple of days.  Custer itself is a couple if you like the scenery maybe a hike or two.  You are really quickly getting up there in the days and I didn't even count shopping or some of the wierd museums.

[tlhdoc]

Also there is a Wild Mustang Ranch down south (day trip) that is worth going to (a bunch of movies have been made there) and along the way is a natural springs out in the middle of nowhere and the kids can swim there. My DG has the brochure.

Any idea where the spring and Mustang ranch are?  They sound like a good day trip.

[Kavoom]

I will get the info from my DG.  She has it,

I found two websites. http://www.gwtc.net/~iram/VisittheSanctuary.htm

http://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/wildhorse/default.asp
Has good directions that Highland Road thing is important as I remember off 71.  

And we got pictures just like the ones on that second website with little colts and everything...

Directions (The Springs are on the way off 71 and all you see from the road is a little state roadside pull off with a bathroom.  The springs are down in a gully...) The roads are not marked all that well for getting to the santuary and you get to a point where you begin to wonder and then you get there...

Wild Horse Sanctuary
12 miles South of Hot Springs, SD, off Highway 71.
Reservations: 1-800-252-6652 (For 2 hour bus tour)
PO Box 998
Hot Springs, SD 57747

[tlhdoc]

Kavoom thank you again:) .