Community Forums

flintsters · 04-19-2018, 08:06 AM

It looks like if we were going to visit the Custer State Park area for 3-4 days it would be right in the middle of the bike rally. Is this going to be too zoo-like for our family of 5 (assuming we already have reservations) or will we be fine? I keep reading to avoid the area during this time, but also want to check the area out. Thoughts?

lenkerb · 04-19-2018, 08:40 AM

If during the rally then it will be crazy...other things/places nearby: Deadwood, Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devils Tower,,,,

flintsters · 04-19-2018, 09:02 AM

We are not planning to actually visit Sturgis, but will the surrounding area be equally crazy/packed? We will probably be staying at the Stockade North Campground and visit the normal tourist spots (Rushmore, etc).

wildcatter · 04-19-2018, 09:12 AM

Yes, it will be crazy, those are all the great riding spots around that area, we go pre-Sturgis week and it can be crazy that week as well, but actual Sturgis week will be nuts, Deadwood, keystone, Iron Mountain, Needles HWY is going to be nuts, a lot bikes out and about.

MrWzrd · 04-19-2018, 09:16 AM

In a word....don't.

The entire area is overrun with bikers and many, too many, should not be on bikes. (my assessment from teaching motorcycle safety and logging close to a million miles on 2 wheels)

I will not go near the area from a week prior to a week after Sturgis.

momdoc · 04-19-2018, 09:19 AM

Think of the entire area as a zoo and the animals are not in cages. We avoid that area like the plague at that time of year. Last year we were there a full 10 days before bike week and it was already getting crazy.

Stripe34 · 04-19-2018, 09:20 AM

Way too crazy for a family. Loud bikes, traffic jams, over-stressed services (gas, rest areas, restaurants) etc for hundreds of miles in every direction.

Stripe34 · 04-19-2018, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flintsters

We are not planning to actually visit Sturgis, but will the surrounding area be equally crazy/packed? We will probably be staying at the Stockade North Campground and visit the normal tourist spots (Rushmore, etc).

Yes. Lines everywhere. Prices are jacked up for everything from food to gas to ______.

Doughydman · 04-19-2018, 09:22 AM

Been going for years both on a bike and rv. I tell people sturgis is great if your idea of fun is being hot and standing in long lines. That being said if you avoid the immediate area of sturgis you’ll be fine. They’ll be long lines at all the popular destinations but there always is during tourist season. Don’t let this keep you from enjoying your vacation. Don’t miss needles highway. Don’t try pulling your trailer through this.

BillJinOR · 04-19-2018, 09:23 AM

Yes you will find bikers and others packed in all the tourist venues in the area. traffic on the scenic drives heavy. Whatever park you are at in the general area will be filled to capacity. The experience of my brother in law 4 years ago.... the park he was in had installed “tough sheds” and were renting them out as bunkhouses.
I think the experience of sturges is great if your a motorcyclist however the entire area is heavily taken over and “busy”. Can you do it since you have reservations ? Sure
Oh and kids will get a opportunity to ask about the woman on the back of the bike ahead .. a teaching moment I’m sure ! Good luck !

doublechevy · 04-19-2018, 09:24 AM

Expect to see thousands of motorcyclist looking to see the same attractions you may plan to visit. Most attractions will be packed during bike week as will the roads leading to the most visited sites. Mt Rushmore, Devils tower, Crazy Horse, Deadwood and many more. Expect delays and wait lines to most attractions.

lenkerb · 04-19-2018, 09:26 AM

We visited Sturgis in October and it was a ghost town!

dons2346 · 04-19-2018, 09:35 AM

As long as you have a spot to park the coach, go. If you don't have a spot yet, forget about it. Lots of beautiful bikes ridden by school teachers, dentists, doctors. lawyers. They are there to ride and ride they do. Go and join the fun.

FlatsixV2 · 04-19-2018, 10:49 AM

This year will be my 26th in a row. I happen to enjoy the place. The Black Hills are totally Awesome in my opinion. I've had the entire family along 2 times of the 26. My son and youngest daughter have gone numerous other times also. Every year I see more and more grand parents pushing their grandkids around in strollers on Main Street of Sturgis along with your garden variety tourists (bermuda shorts, new white sneakers and a camera around the neck). Life is good!

I would encourage you to make the trip. Do Spearfish Canyon as it also is a marvelous piece of asphalt. Do Main Street in Sturgis in the afternoon and buy a new T shirt.

There is so much to enjoy in the Black Hills that doesn't involve the monkey business that goes along with the Bike Week image. Also, there is more law enforcement (both uniform and plain cloths) thank you could count.

Bonus...when you and your family get home you will be the hit of the next party with all your stories!

Go for it!