Just east of the mighty Rockies and west of America's flowing grasslands there are magnificent forested mountains known as The Black Hills. While the Lakota Sioux saw them as black, and the pioneers later viewed them as gold and silver, their true cast is iridescent. The Black Hills of South Dakota are so rich with the vivid colors of nature that at times they do appear as black! Nature has created a wonderland for outdoors enjoyment; the camping is fantastic, and there is an abundance of things to see and do. During our two camping trips here, the Black Hills touched my heart (and spirit) and infused me with the desire to return.
The Four Presidents
Mount Rushmore National Monument (elev. 5,725 ft.) is the main tourist attraction to the Black Hills, and is, of itself, worth a trip here to view. The colossal sculpture faces southeast so as to catch most of the day's sunlight and is especially spectacular during the nightly lighting ceremonies. The memorial is framed by the beautiful Black Hills National Forest and is located about 25 miles south of Rapid City, South Dakota, off of U.S. 16. Tours of the sculptor's studio are provided during the camping season. Campgrounds are plentiful throughout the Black Hills area; and, as magnificent as this memorial is, it is but one of the many exciting spectacles and adventures available in the region.
Private Campgrounds and Resorts
Your camping preferences and outdoors interests will determine which campground or resort you select. We stayed at the Rafter J Bar Ranch Campground during both our visits to the Black Hills, once tent camping and once in a tent-trailer. We loved it there! It is centrally located on U.S. 16, three miles from Mount Rushmore and five miles from the Crazy Horse Memorial. The Rafter J Bar advertises "Deluxe facilities in a rustic setting," and that describes it well. It has a National Park air, yet has all sorts of amenities.
There are three KOAs in the area. The Custer Crazy Horse KOA is located in Custer, and the Custer/Mt. Rushmore KOA and Mt. Rushmore/Hill City KOA are in those respective areas. Also, the Horse Thief Campground and Resort is located in Hill City, and the Battle Creek Campground is in Keystone,to name but a few. Let's not forget the many excellent private parks in nearby Rapid City, South Dakota.
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