Community Forums

baraff · 09-03-2017, 07:45 AM

Never been to this area, and would like to go in the off season. But, wondering what the weather would be like in early to mid October. Has anyone had any experience with camping near Devils Tower or the Blacks Hills during this time frame?

Busskipper · 09-03-2017, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baraff

Never been to this area, and would like to go in the off season. But, wondering what the weather would be like in early to mid October. Has anyone had any experience with camping near Devils Tower or the Blacks Hills during this time frame?

We tend to travel in the Off Season and this would be Considered Perfect - Climate Custer - South Dakota and Weather averages Custer -

IMHO, Labor day through Thanksgiving is the best time to Travel/Explore.

But We also enjoyed Zion(70)/Bryce(28, with snow) - in December - So my likes might not be the same as most.

Think you will be fine, just be filled with Propane for heat at night.

Best week we ever had in YNP was October/November - Just Perfect.

Best of Luck

TJFogelberg · 09-03-2017, 06:11 PM

Absolutely beautiful this time of year...very cool evenings/mornings but shouldn't have to worry about freezing. Beats the heat and crowds of mid summer.

baraff · 09-04-2017, 10:03 AM

Thanks for the info guys, we've never been to that part of the country. Weather can happen anywhere/anytime of course but it's always a good idea to have an idea of what to expect.

Skip426 · 09-04-2017, 10:08 AM

Passed through the area in mid Oct. 2010.
Rapid City RV parks were shutting down , winterizing water systems etc.
Be ready to boondock.

kotz · 09-08-2017, 07:30 PM

Highs should top out in the upper 70's and lows down to freezing or a bit below.
Currently 85 here now and we'll be in the upper 80's through next Thursday.

CharlesinGA · 09-09-2017, 02:09 PM

I would push the trip up to as soon as possible. Yes, stuff starts closing Oct 1st, things start scaling back. I was just out there about three weeks ago and saw Oct 1 or thereabouts dates on a number of things that indicated that campsites would be limited, shower buildings closed, museum hours cut back, etc.

I stayed at Spearfish and rented a car to do my touring, it was well worth the extra expense, as I could get around much easier and faster.

On the way west on I-90 spent the night at Left Spillway COE campground at Fort Thomson/Chamberlin SD on the Missouri River (I do mean, in the MIDDLE of the river) after having visited the Mitchell SD Corn Palace. Next day drove thru the Badlands and ended up in Spearfish, where I stayed in the City campground for four nights.

Saw Rushmore and Crazy Horse and drive the Custer SP wildlife loop and drove Iron Mtn highway first full day with car. Next day drove Spearfish canyon road, took the steam train from Hill City to Keystone and back, drove the Needles highway, and checked out a few other overlooks and views, plus checked out a couple of Federal campgrounds in the area. Third day I did Devils Tower, the Vore Buffalo Jump and made a long scenic ride of it. Turned in the car and poked around Spearfish park, greenspace and National Fish hatchery and turned in the car. Day four was laundry, leaving the CG and stopping at WalMart and going to Rapid City to go thru the "Journey" a museum well worth seeing. Met my brother who drove in from Fargo for the eclipse, and had dinner, and hot footed it to the Hot Springs KOA for the night. Day five saw Hot Springs, the Mammoth Site, and the Museum of the Fur Trade at Chadron, NE. and relocated to Alliance and found a place to park for the night with three other MHs of the same make/model (weird chance of that). Day six saw the eclipse with my brother who drove down in the morning, and then headed east for home.

Charles