Community Forums

rbr · 07-12-2014, 01:39 PM

We're heading to Yellowstone from Cincinnati in August. Would like to go across SD and visit Wall, Badlands NP, Custer, and Mt. Rushmore. We would hit that area on the Wednesday (13th-16th) after the end of the Sturgis Bike Rally on Sunday (Aug. 10th).

I don't have anything against bikers, but I don't want to get into a big traffic mess or hassle trying to find camping. Anyone have a feel how fast the crowd clears out of that area after the "official" end of the Rally?

Thanks,

missourijan · 07-12-2014, 02:52 PM

We have been through there just before and after the rally. They pretty much clear out within a day or two of the rally ending. They have to get back to their jobs! We usually stay at Three Flaggs rv in Black Hawk, SD. It's close to everything you want to see, right off I 90, full hookups, which you will need, it's HOT. A great area to visit.

raceday · 07-14-2014, 05:31 AM

Thats a good trip enjoy.

Bigd9 · 07-14-2014, 06:57 AM

Hi Ron, looks like we will be traveling almost side by side. We are leaving from Lexington, Ky around the 13th heading into the same general areas as you! I'm glad you asked the question about traffic, because were wondering the same thing.

Have a safe and happy trip, and if you should see a Discovery pulling a Honda CRV give us a toot and a friendly wave!

Melvo · 07-14-2014, 07:10 AM

Did some missile baby sitting near Sturgis years ago when the rally was a few hunderd bikes. Went throught last year a week before and a week after the rally. The week before was really awful and congested all over not just Sturgis but all over the Black Hills, Fortunateally we got into overflow at the Ellsworth fam camp. We gave up trying to see anything after spending a whole day most, of it sitting in traffic. It was a lot better when we came back on the Tuesday after but still a lot of bikes around by not bad. Heard the estimates was between 4-5 hundred tousand.

rbr · 07-14-2014, 10:05 AM

Thanks folks - I think I will try it if I can confirm a campsite reservation.

oakcreekeric · 07-14-2014, 10:10 AM

The past two years we've gone to that area the week before Sturgis... there were A TON of bikes.. but nothing I thought was particularly bad...

From my experience the past two years, the bikers that are there prior to the rally are the more responsible and courteous ones.. They're the ones who can afford the proper amount of time to enjoy the area and the rally.. There was some traffic, but nothing major... we did all the main attractions and everything seemed to flow nicely.. They've been doing this rally for a number of years, I think they know how to handle things to make it enjoyable for everyone..

As for the bikers.. I'm from Milwaukee.. so, while there were a lot of bikes.. not as many as we've had here at any given time..

Enjoy your trip..

doc · 07-14-2014, 12:13 PM

Isn't this something like the 75th anniversary? Chances are for a larger crowd but over the past few years (when we were there) the larger than usual law enforcement presence downtown has kept the really raunchy stuff off the streets and on private property.
It will actually begin clearing a day or so before the rally actually ends, but conversely the crowds will begin arriving a week or so before the stated start.

oakcreekeric · 07-14-2014, 01:09 PM

Next year is the 75th Anniversary... I'm already making plans..

I've started a thread asking for all veteran rally goers to let me know of some good places to stay, without the 24 hour party patrol in town..

I intend to do "Sturgis lite"... I enjoy my peace and quiet at night...

PanJH · 07-16-2014, 06:52 AM

We've been to the rally several times, 2 years ago was the last time. We got there a week early and it was pretty crowded, by the end of the rally , on Saturday, many of the other campers had moved out, on Sunday, we were one of the few still there at our CG