Planning a family vacation to Black Hills, June, 2021. Would like to stay in a state park. Travel trailers (2) and tents. Custer campgrounds look to be filled already but others are reservable 90 days out. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
There are other nice parks in the area, but we really enjoyed Rafter J Bar Ranch. They used to have nice pancake breakfasts in the morning, don't know if they still do. We camped in "the island" area. https://www.campgroundreviews.com/r...l-city/rafter-j-bar-ranch-camping-resort-2577
I have always stayed in one of the Custer SP campgrounds. You might try Wind Cave NP to see if there is a vacancy. It has no hookups at all (i.e. no electric). A good circle tour from Custer SP is to go north on Iron Mountain road (US-16A) to Mt Rushmore. The tunnels on Iron Mountain road frame Mt Rushmore in the distance. Return to Custer SP via SD-244 west to the Needles Highway (SD-87). The tunnel at the Needles is very narrow. A truck will fit but you may want to fold in your tow mirrors to give you extra room. If you go east on US-16A you will complete the tour. You can pickup the circle but it best to go counter clockwise to get the best views.
In June 2019 all of the Custer SP campgrounds were full so we stayed at Big Pine Campground in Custer. While it's a private park it seems like a state park large sites, lots of shade trees and wildlife. Nice laundry room, playground, and on site pizza delivery from pizza hut. Without a doubt the best internet ever! We stayed 7 nights and got one night free. Easily visited Custer SP, Wind Cave, Jewell Cave, Sioux City, and Mt. Rushmore.
