Community Forums

Maddawg46 · 07-09-2019, 12:50 AM

Anybody been there in late September or October? Was thinking of taking my Baystar there this fall. Weather could be iffy. Any RV parks to recommend?

Skip426 · 07-09-2019, 01:33 AM

We were through the first week of Oct. a number of years back . The RV park we stayed at, in Rapid City, was already shutting down for the winter , 2/3 of the sites had no water, that was ok because there were only 5 RVs in the park. Full closure was set for the 15th. .
Mt.Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument were busy , but getting around was easy enough. Weather was great , but the locals were in full prep for winter mode.

guardrail53 · 07-09-2019, 02:16 AM

We were there for two weeks last Aug. 11th thru the 25th, at Beaver Lake CG in Custer, and it was already getting cool at night! Think a jacket sitting around the campfire in the evenings! Most of the CG's are closing up at the end of Aug./Sept/ for sure by Oct.! Best to call ahead and see when they plan on closing for the year! Each year is different, so best to call! Rail!

Melvo · 07-09-2019, 08:54 AM

Lived in Rapid City for four years and during that time we only didn't have snow in one Month - July. Weather varies greatly. Generally you can depend on May - August but about anything can happen we even had an usual storm that caused a flood that killed a lot of folks, probably never happen again. In October bring some warm stuff and rain gear just in case.

Unplanned Tourist · 07-09-2019, 09:14 AM

Hart Ranch RV was our saving grace last October! We had snow and wind when we arrived, so we were so happy to get hooked up and have heat from a couple of small electric heaters and also the furnace to keep the basement from freezing.
We just used the Ranger, our toad to drive up to Rushmore and Crazy Horse.
It was -8C one morning with a good dusting of snow.
Happy Glamping.

BobGed · 07-09-2019, 09:15 AM

Mount Rushmore Construction

rk911 · 07-09-2019, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maddawg46

Anybody been there in late September or October? Was thinking of taking my Baystar there this fall. Weather could be iffy. Any RV parks to recommend?

yup....beautiful time of year but be aware that some parks and CG start shutting down in October. two park recommendations:

- Game Lodge campground in Custer State Park
- Custer’s Gulch RV Park just outside the entrance to Custer State Park.

if you go do not miss the annual buffalo roundup. awesome! google for dates and info.

Maddawg46 · 07-09-2019, 03:58 PM

Thanks for park recommendations. May have to rethink my time to go.

twogypsies · 07-09-2019, 06:17 PM

The Buffalo Roundup happens at Custer State Park the end of every September so be sure to get reservations early. It's a very popular time to be there.

https://gfp.sd.gov/buffalo-roundup/

rk911 · 07-09-2019, 06:22 PM

oh...and avoid the entire area during the Sturgis motorcycle rally, usually early august...unless you want to party with 500,000 bikers.

GCSuper · 07-11-2019, 07:00 PM

Were staying at Elkhorn Ridge the third week of September. Taking our motorcycle and riding the black hills. If it's a little cooler, that's great after a long Texas summer.

TXTiger · 07-11-2019, 11:17 PM

I was a volunteer at Custer State Park for the summers of 2014, 2015 and 2016. The Buffalo Round Up is always the last Friday in Sept and I would stay until the first week of Oct. In 2014 we got a good snow storm right after Labor Day but by the end of Sept it was nice and warm again. In 2016 it was cold but no snow. I heard from friends that last year 2018 (I wasn’t there) it was real bad weather, cold, rain and wind. The campgrounds in the State Park remain open but are booked for the Roundup well in advance.

RickNC · 07-12-2019, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

The Buffalo Roundup happens at Custer State Park the end of every September so be sure to get reservations early. It's a very popular time to be there.

https://gfp.sd.gov/buffalo-roundup/

There is one that goes to the top of my list! I have been there, but never knew about the roundup!

rk911 · 07-12-2019, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickNC

There is one that goes to the top of my list! I have been there, but never knew about the roundup!

it is awesome but be prepared to get to the viewing spots early...very early. after the roundup plan to visit the pens to watch the vets administer shots and start the selection process. there will be a large tent with food.