Black Hills Weather in May?

[FloraBama]

What weather cvan I expect in the South Dakota Back Hills around May 1st? Should I be concerned about the driving conditions?

I've checked and see that Custer State Park campground is closed until late May so I'm also looking for recommendations on where to stay fro 4 or 5 days.

Would like something scenic, maybe between Rapid City and Deadwood. We're in a 34' motorhome.

Thanks.

[wkdwitch]

Weather averages:
Average Weather for Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, SD - Temperature and Precipitation

RVpark reviews is a good source, Sturgis has 6 listed and is between Rapid City and Deadwood:
RV Park Reviews :: Sturgis, South Dakota ( SD ) - RV Parks and Campground Reviews

Don't have all the fun, we are headed that way in late May

[scenic route]

Can't really add to what the weather will be like...we stayed in Hermosa(Hwy 79) for the 7 days we were in the area and the log states: 79 degs.(June 21, '10)

We stayed at Heartland RV (clean, full H-Us and nice people),because of the central location to Badlands NP, Wind Cave NP, Custer SP, Needles Hwy., Iron Mountain Rd and don't miss Crazy Woman Canyon(hwy 33...ask the locals for directions) and of course, Mt. Rushmore.

The CG and Hermosa for that matter, isn't much to write home about but boy, is it in the middle of all the attractions. We stayed two extra days to travel (toad)all the roads in both directions and could have stayed longer. Very interesting area.

Saw most of our buffalo at Wind Cave NP on a SE back door dirt road into the park...we were lost and had no idea how we got there. We did end up at the cave and found it refreshing from the hot sun. The whole time we were in the park, I thought "I had been born two hundred years too late"...it's beautiful and hope to revisit sometime. You'll want to spend as much time in the area as possible. Have a great time. Bob

[Our Time]

In the Black Hills the weather can swing from 75 one day to 20 the next. Watch the forecast and you will be OK, but expect cool evenings requiring a jacket/coat and windy conditions on your way across South Dakota. Enjoy!

[doc]

We worked at Custer for a couple of seasons and saw snow up around Sylvan Lake into June. In 09 up until the Sturgis Rally started, we had heat in the mornings and A/C during the day. Also had hail the completely covered the ground in about 10 minutes. NOT FUN!!

[FloraBama]

Thanks for the postings. I'm getting the MH ready for the windy trek across S D.
Anyone have experience with Rafter J RV resort in Hill City? Looks good on the Internet and I even called to inquire and they were helpful.

[Our Time]

We stay at Rafter J every year. One of the best campgrounds in the Black Hills area. Easy access and a good supply store, heated pool, although you may be a bit early for that. You will enjoy your time there. Take the 1880 train ride in Hill City.

[sparkydog]

We stayed at Rafter J CG just south of Hill City. Great location to all the sights. staff courteous and friendly. When we go back we will stay there again.

[Roy W.]

I can't speak for the weather, but last September we stayed at Mount Rushmore KOA which was very nice and convenient to both Mt. Rushmore and Custer State Park. DO NOT follow the directions on a Garmin GPS if going to Mt. Rushmore KOA. They are VERY wrong and will direct you a almost impassible dirt service road that enters the rear of the campground. The KOA website gives very easy to follow directions.

[Hipshot]

We stayed at Hart Ranch RV park first week in June last year. They had a special 3 nights for $39, great rv park. It is between the black hills and Rapid City. The weather was in the upper 70's to low 80's, nights mid to upper 30's. 3 nights was not enough, we plan on stopping there on our trip to Canada in July. Early May should be very good. Have fun.