How to Visit: South Dakota's National Parks

Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park

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The rugged and otherworldly beauty of the Badlands makes it unique. The striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. While I would not consider this park a "hiker's destination," the scenic drive and few short trails make this park worthwhile.

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Trails

Notch Trailhead

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Notch Trail: 1.5 miles (moderate) You start by walking through a canyon, then you climb a log ladder that follows a ledge to “the Notch” for a dramatic view of the White River Valley. The trail begins at the south end of the Door and Window parking area. Not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights.

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Medicine Root Trailhead

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Medicine Root and Castle Trail Loop: 4.0 miles (easy) Fun hike that takes you up and down the Badlands, then follows a loop through different grassy plains and rocky areas.

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Saddle Pass Trailhead

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Saddle Pass Trail: 0.7 miles (moderate) A steep climb to the top of a rock feature, which promises stunning views of the park

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Things to Do

Badlands Loop Road (Hwy 240)

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Badlands Loop Road (SD 240) is the perfect way to see the North Unit of Badlands National Park. This two-lane paved road is appropriate for all motor vehicles, but it does include a few steep passes so drive carefully. Badlands Loop Road features a number of overlooks and pull-offs to park safely and enjoy the view. From east to west, these include: Big Badlands Overlook White River Valley Overlook Bigfoot Pass Overlook (includes a picnic area) Panorama Point Prairie Wind Overlook Burns Basin Overlook Homestead Overlook Conata Basin Overlook Yellow Mounds Overlook Conata Picnic Area Ancient Hunters Overlook Pinnacles Overlook

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Places to Stay

Hotel Options

Comfort

Americas Best Value Inn Wall

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Located off of Interstate 90 in Wall, South Dakota, this hotel features an outdoor pool. Free WiFi is provided. Badlands National Park is 7.6 mi away. A cable TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, a microwave and a refrigerator are included in each room at Americas Best Value Inn Wall. Each room also includes a private bathroom. A free hot breakfast is served each morning and a business center is also available on site.

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Budget

Badlands Hotel & Campground

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Providing free WiFi, a sun terrace with a swimming pool and barbecue facilities, Badlands Hotel & Campground is located in Interior. There's a restaurant serving American cuisine, and free private parking is available. At the motel, rooms are equipped with a desk. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a bath or shower and free toiletries, guest rooms at Badlands Hotel & Campground have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and some rooms are equipped with a balcony. At the accommodation each room is equipped with bed linen and towels. Guests at Badlands Hotel & Campground can enjoy an American breakfast.

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Campgrounds

Cedar Pass Campground

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Located near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, the Cedar Pass Campground has 96 level sites with scenic views of the badlands formations. The campground is open year-round with limited availability in the winter season. Due to fire danger, campfires are not permitted in this campground and collection of wood is prohibited. However, camp stoves or contained charcoal grills can be used in campgrounds and picnic areas.

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Dispersed Camping

Located just outside the Pinnacles Entrance (on the way to Wall), this stunner of a campsite is accessible to most rigs.  Drive down a gravel road along the ridgeline with dozens of pull-off sites.  You will be treated to beautiful views of the badlands and an awe-inspiring sunset.  Make sure you stick around for the stars, if you are there on a clear night.

GPS: 43.8925, -102.228

Custer State Park

Custer State Park

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With beauty that rivals some of the most populat National Parks, Custer State Park is a must-see when road tripping through South Dakota. Encompassing over 71,000 acres in the Black Hills, Custer State Park is the place to find abundant wildlife and adventure. Whether you enjoy camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, or just relaxing by the lake, there is something here for everyone!

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Trails

Black Elk Peak Trailhead

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Black Elk Peak Loop: 7.1 miles (moderate) Black Elk Peak via Little Devils Tower Trailhead: 6.4 (moderate) Black Elk Peak Loop takes hikers to the highest point in South Dakota and offers an incredible view of the Black Hills. With a summit of 7,242 ft, you will have uninterrupted views of the area. This trail starts in Custer State Park and travels into Black Elk Wilderness area. There is a historic stone fire tower at the top that is no longer in use but is open to the public for viewing.

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Cathedral Spires Trailhead

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Cathedral Spires Trail: 1.6 miles (moderate) This short trail will take you to great views of the spires, which the Black Hills Wilderness area is known for.

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Sylvan Lake Shore Trailhead

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Lake Sylvan is one of the most popular hangout spots in Custer State Park. This is a popular walk around the lake with great views. There is a bit of rock scramble on the north end, but it is well worth it for the views.

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Lovers Leap Trailhead

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Lovers Leap Trail: 4.2 miles (moderate) At the halfway point, you will come to a wooden sign with a verse from poet Badger Clark. This is lover’s leap, but it is not marked. Climb the rocks next to the sign for some amazing views.

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The Lost Trails Lower Loop Trailhead

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The Lost Trails: 3.0 miles (moderate) Fun hike with steep elevation gain to the overlook, which provided stunning views of the area. Bonus: we had service at the top!

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Scenic Drives

Wildlife Loop Road

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The Wildlife Loop Road is a scenic drive that winds through the park's picturesque landscapes, offering visitors an exceptional opportunity to observe a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. This 18-mile road is one of the most popular drives in the park and is known for its abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities. Here's what to expect: Scenery: The road traverses diverse terrain, including rolling hills, open grasslands, and stands of pine trees. The landscape changes throughout the drive, providing stunning vistas and panoramic views of the surrounding Black Hills. Abundant Wildlife: As the name suggests, the primary allure of the Wildlife Loop Road is the chance to see a range of wildlife up close. Visitors commonly encounter bison herds grazing in the meadows or crossing the road. These iconic animals are often seen along the route, sometimes coming right up to the car. Apart from bison, the area is also home to pronghorn antelope, deer, elk, prairie dogs, wild turkeys, and a variety of bird species. The road is suitable for most vehicles, including cars and RVs. However, visitors should be cautious and drive slowly, especially when encountering wildlife on or near the road.

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Needles Highway

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The Needles Highway is a scenic 14-mile drive known for its stunning rock formations, narrow tunnels, and breathtaking views. Here's what to expect: Scenic Beauty: The Needles Highway is renowned for its captivating and unique natural beauty. It winds through a landscape of granite spires, towering rock formations, and lush pine forests, offering picturesque views at every turn. Needles Eye Tunnel: One of the most iconic features of the highway is the Needles Eye Tunnel, a narrow tunnel blasted through the rock that frames a stunning view of the surrounding Needles rock formations. The tunnel is especially captivating due to its size and the picturesque rock formations that it perfectly frames. Granite Spires: The highway gets its name from the granite spires, which resemble needles, rising from the earth. The spires are often surrounded by pine trees and set against a backdrop of the Black Hills, providing a surreal and beautiful landscape. Twisting Roads: The highway consists of narrow, winding roads that curve and twist through the rock formations. Drivers can expect sharp turns and some sections with steep drop-offs, adding to the thrilling and adventurous aspect of the drive. Wildlife and Nature: Along the route, visitors might also encounter wildlife such as deer, elk, and various bird species. The scenic beauty and the chance to witness wildlife make the Needles Highway a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers. The road is open seasonally, typically from late spring to early fall, as it can be impassable during the winter due to snow and ice. Some portions of the road have restrictions on vehicle size due to narrow tunnels and tight curves. Large vehicles, RVs, and trailers might have limitations on certain parts of the highway.

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Iron Mountain Road

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The Iron Mountain Road is a 17-mile stretch that connects Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, and the town of Keystone. This road is famous for its stunning views, engineering marvels, and unique features. Here's what to expect: Spectacular Scenic Views: Iron Mountain Road offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including granite cliffs, forests, and distant peaks. The road is intentionally designed to showcase the natural beauty of the Black Hills, with carefully planned tunnels and pigtail bridges that frame the stunning vistas. Pigtail Bridges: One of the most distinctive features of the Iron Mountain Road is its series of pigtail bridges. These bridges loop around and under themselves to allow the road to gain elevation quickly in a small space. These bridges not only serve as engineering marvels but also provide fantastic viewpoints of the surrounding landscape. Tunnels: Similar to Needles Highway, the Iron Mountain Road features narrow tunnels that are strategically aligned to frame views of Mount Rushmore. These tunnels perfectly frame the presidential faces, creating a picturesque and iconic view of the monument in the distance. Like Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road might be closed during the winter months due to snow and icy conditions. It's typically open from late spring to early fall, weather permitting. The road, with its curves and turns, is known for being both a challenging and exhilarating drive. It winds through the landscape, providing drivers with an adventure that's both scenic and engaging.

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Places to Stay

Hotel Options

Comfort

Lodge at Palmer Gulch

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Located in Hill City, 6.2 miles from Mount Rushmore, Lodge at Palmer Gulch provides accommodations with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar. A hot tub and a bicycle rental service are available for guests. The property features a sauna, evening entertainment and an ATM. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, guest rooms at the hotel have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms contain a terrace. At Lodge at Palmer Gulch each room includes bed linen and towels. The accommodation has a playground. You can play table tennis and minigolf at this 3-star hotel, and the area is popular for hiking and cycling.

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Budget

Comfort Inn & Suites Mt. Rushmore

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Featuring a shared lounge, the 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The hotel has an indoor pool, hot tub and a 24-hour front desk. At the hotel, every room has a desk and a flat-screen TV. At Comfort Inn & Suites Mt Rushmore the rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. The daily breakfast offers American, vegetarian or gluten-free options. Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Keystone, like hiking, skiing and cycling.

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Note: see hotel options in Custer below (under Jewel Cave heading)

Campgrounds

Campgrounds in Custer State Park

gfp.sd.gov

Most of the campgrounds require a reservation, but Center Lake is one of the few first-come, first-serve campgrounds in the area.

Center Lake Campground

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Center Lake Campground is located just above Center Lake with sites shaded by ponderosa pines. This campground can accommodate smaller RV’s and tents and all sites are available by same-day reservations. Camping Type: Same-day reservations Campsites: $19 per night per unit 71 site - no electricity Sanitation and Water: Vault toilets and showers

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Jewel Cave National Monument

Jewel Cave National Monument

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Jewel Cave National Monument is one of the world's most impressive cave systems and a notable attraction for visitors interested in geology, natural history, and exploration. Here's what to expect: Geological Significance: Jewel Cave is renowned for its stunning array of calcite crystals, which give the cave its name due to their sparkling appearance, resembling jewels. It's recognized as the third longest cave in the world, with over 200 miles of explored passageways, and it's still being actively explored and mapped. Tours: The monument offers several guided tours that allow visitors to explore different sections of the cave. Tours range in duration and difficulty, from easy walks along well-lit pathways to more challenging adventures involving climbing and crawling through narrow passages. Each tour provides a unique perspective on the cave's formations and history. Diverse Cave Formations: Inside Jewel Cave, visitors can marvel at a variety of unique formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, draperies, and boxwork, which is a rare and delicate mineral formation found in the cave. Surface Activities: In addition to exploring the cave, visitors can enjoy the surrounding area with nature trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the Black Hills. There are opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing in the above-ground portions of the national monument.

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Trails

Canyons Trailhead

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Canyons Trail: 3.5 miles (moderate) As the only hiking trail in the immediate area, it is a good way to explore the surface before taking an underground tour. But if you don't have time to add a hike to your day, don't feel too bad about missing this one.

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Things to Do

We opted for the Historic Lantern Tour, which is an adventurous tour into Jewel Cave.

This tour grants you the opportunity to step back into the past. Led by a Park Ranger dressed in a 1930s-style uniform, this tour gives you a sense of what it was like to see the cave in earlier days. Visitors enter and leave the cave through the historic entrance using an unpaved trail. The only light is provided by a lantern most tour participants carry along the route.

The tour route is about 1/2 miles long, and goes through low, narrow passages that includes roughly 500 steep wooden steps (ladder-like stairs). This tour requires some bending and stooping along an unpaved, rocky trail.

This tour is considered strenuous and lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes. 

Guided Tours - Jewel Cave National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

Places to Stay

Hotel Options

Luxury

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Custer, an IHG Hotel

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Located in Custer and with Mount Rushmore reachable within 20 miles, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Custer-Mt Rushmore provides a fitness center, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared lounge. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. The hotel features a hot tub and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. At Holiday Inn Express & Suites Custer-Mt Rushmore all rooms come with bed linen and towels.

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EO Bungalows

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Located in Custer and within 20 miles of Mount Rushmore, EO Bungalows, Black Hills has a garden, allergy-free rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property. This 4-star hotel offers a concierge service. Guests can enjoy mountain views. At the hotel rooms have air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a kitchenette, a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Rooms include a coffee machine, while certain rooms contain a patio and others also feature city views. The rooms will provide guests with a fridge.

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Comfort

Comfort Inn & Suites

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Featuring a year-round heated indoor pool and a hot tub, Comfort Inn & Suites Near Custer State Park and Mt Rushmore is 30 minutes' drive from Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property. Crazy Horse Memorial is 5.9 mi away. Each air-conditioned room features a satellite TV and a coffee maker at Comfort Inn & Suites Near Custer State Park and Mt Rushmore. A private bathroom is also included. Guests can take advantage of a fitness center and a daily hot breakfast at Comfort Inn & Suites Near Custer State Park and Mt Rushmore. An electric car charging station is available. Laundry facilities are onsite. Custer State Park is 10 minutes' drive from the property. Wind Cave National Park is 17 mi away.

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Budget

Rocket Motel

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Featuring a covered pavilion with barbecue facilities and a fire pit, Rocket Motel is located in Custer. Free WiFi access is available. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is 30 minutes’ drive from the motel. A flat-screen cable TV, a microwave and a small refrigerator are offered in each air-conditioned room at Rocket Motel Custer. An private bathroom with a hairdryer is included. Guests can enjoy views of the Black Hills National Forest. A 6-person hot tub and a 24-hour front desk are available at Custer Rocket Motel. Other facilities offered at the property include a vending machine with drinks. The property provides free parking.

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Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park

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Wind Cave National Park is known for its unique cave system, diverse wildlife, and stunning prairie landscapes. Here's what to expect: Wind Cave: The park is named after the notable Wind Cave, one of the world's longest and most complex caves, recognized for its distinctive calcite formations called "boxwork," a rare honeycomb-like pattern found on cave walls and ceilings. Wind Cave is recognized for its extensive network of passages and chambers. It's also famous for its strong air currents, where it both inhales and exhales air, creating a wind at the cave entrance. Cave Tours: The park offers a variety of guided tours of Wind Cave, showcasing different sections of the cave system. These tours provide insights into the unique geology, boxwork formations, and the history of exploration in the cave. Visitors can choose tours based on their interests and physical abilities. Surface Features: Above ground, Wind Cave National Park boasts a diverse landscape of mixed-grass prairie, pine forests, and rolling hills. The park provides numerous hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the Black Hills. Wildlife such as bison, elk, pronghorns, deer, and various bird species can be observed in the park. Bison Herd: The park is home to a significant herd of American bison. Visitors have opportunities to witness these iconic animals as they roam and graze within the park. The bison serve as a representation of efforts to preserve and protect native wildlife and the natural ecosystem.

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Trails

Rankin Ridge Trail

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Rankin Ridge Trail: 1.0 miles (moderate) This loop is a short hike to the top of a ridge with expansive views of the surrounding landscape. At the top, there is an old lookout tower.

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Lookout Point Trail

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Lookout Point Trai and Centennial Trail Loop: 4.8 miles (moderate) This trail follows a portion of the 111-mile Centennial Trail which runs from Bear Butte to Wind Cave National Park. It ranges from easy prairie walking to treacherous rocky inclines and descents. It showcases beautiful views of the Black Hills. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including bison along this loop.

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Things to Do

The park offers a variety of guided tours of Wind Cave, showcasing different sections of the cave system. These tours provide insights into the unique geology, boxwork formations, and the history of exploration in the cave.  Tickets can be reserved in advanced, but some are available for walk-ups as well.

Unfortunately, the elevator in/out of the cave system was undergoing maintenance when we visited Wind Cave.  So, we were unable to experience any of the tours.

Guided Tours - Wind Cave National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

Places to Stay

Note: see hotel options in Custer above (under Jewel Cave heading)

Campgrounds

Elk Mountain Campground

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This 62-site campground is open year-round. Sites can be reserved at www.recreation.gov late May through September, and are first-come, first-served at all other times.

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Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping is allowed only in the northwest area of the park.

Wind Cave is an open hike park and visitors are welcome to hike off designated trails. A free permit is required for all backcountry camping. Permits are issued at the visitor center and help monitor use.   

Backcountry Camping at Wind Cave (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

An Anecdote

After backcountry camping in Wind Cave National Park, Anna and I packed up our tent and hiked back to the car.  We saw weird markings in the caked dirt along the sides of the car - almost like someone tried to clean it, but gave up after a few swipes.  We shrugged it off and drove to Hot Springs to get gas and plan our day.

As I was pumping gas, four Harley motorcycles with giant American flags cascading off the back, pulled up in the stall next to us.  Anna, who is German, was amazed, but this was a sight I had grown accustomed to in this area.

One of the motorcyclists looked at my car and said, "looks like the bison had a nice snack."  I looked at him and asked what he meant.  He said that the marks on my car were from bison licking the salt!  I laughed and told him that it must have happened while we were camping.  I asked him if he had any recommendations for things to do in the area and his buddy looked me over and said, "do you have long pants and closed-toed shoes?"  Since we had been hiking the last few days, I assumed he was going to give us a recommendation for a trail nearby.  I nodded and he said that we were welcome to come for a ride with them.

I immediately turned to Anna and she nodded enthusiastically.  We quickly changed, parked my car, and hopped on the back of two Harleys with men we just met.

For the next six hours, we rode around with the Iron Horse Clan, back through the winding roads of Custer State Park, seeing everything from an entirely new perspective.  We learned about the veteran community in Hot Springs, South Dakota, as well as the individual stories of some of the members.  We agreed that we all had different opinions on many current issues, but we were able to talk openly and freely about our differences.

As the hours flew by, we ended up back at the gas station when the leader of the group casually asked where we were staying that night.  We shrugged and said we would look for a campsite outside of town.  He shook his head and offered to house us for the night.  So, we accompanied the group back to his house, where he gave us access to a loft above their garage.  We showered and joined the guys for Sunday supper, before going for a sunset drive and collapsing into our beds for the night.

This is one of my favorite moments from the trip because it was so unexpected.  I was constantly reminded that there are good people in this world and the guys from the Iron Horse Clan are some of the best.