Exploring South Dakota in an RV: A Guide to Must-See Places

South Dakota, with its expansive prairies, towering monuments, and rich history, is a dream destination for RV travelers seeking a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and historical insights. Whether you’re drawn to its iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore or you’re intrigued by its hidden gems in the Badlands, this state offers an unforgettable experience. Traveling by RV gives you the flexibility to take in all the scenic beauty while offering a comfortable home on the road. In this guide, we’ll explore the top must-see destinations, as well as some off-the-beaten-path stops, to make your RV trip through South Dakota one for the books.

1. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

No trip to South Dakota is complete without visiting Mount Rushmore, the massive granite sculpture featuring the faces of four U.S. Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in the country and a must-see for any traveler.

RV Access: The memorial is easily accessible by RV, with parking available specifically for large vehicles. It’s recommended to visit early in the morning or later in the day to avoid crowds. Don’t forget to catch the nightly lighting ceremony, a moving tribute to the history and legacy of the monument.

Nearby Camping: For an authentic South Dakota camping experience, consider staying at the Black Hills National Forest campground. The area provides many dispersed camping options with proximity to Mount Rushmore and surrounding attractions.

2. Badlands National ParkWith its otherworldly landscape of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires, the Badlands is a geological wonder that will make you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet. The park is also a hotbed of fossil discoveries, with fossils of ancient mammals, like the saber-toothed cat, found here.

RV Access: The Badlands Loop Scenic Byway is an easy drive for RVs and provides multiple pull-off points where you can admire the landscape, snap some photos, or take short hikes. There’s plenty of parking at popular trailheads and viewpoints.

Nearby Camping: The park has two campgrounds, Cedar Pass and Sage Creek, both of which accommodate RVs. Cedar Pass is the more developed of the two, with RV hookups, while Sage Creek offers a more rustic experience in the middle of bison country.

3. Custer State Park

Custer State Park is a sprawling 71,000-acre park home to a large population of free-roaming bison, bighorn sheep, elk, and antelope. The park is known for its scenic drives, wildlife sightings, and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing. The Needles Highway is a highlight, with its narrow, winding roads cutting through towering granite spires.

RV Access: Custer State Park is very RV-friendly, with several campgrounds that accommodate all types of rigs. Some of the roads, like the Needles Highway, may be tight for larger RVs, so you may want to explore those in your tow vehicle or by renting a smaller vehicle.

Nearby Camping: Custer has several campgrounds that are perfect for RVs, including Sylvan Lake Campground and Game Lodge Campground. These spots put you right in the heart of the action with easy access to lakes, trails, and wildlife viewing.

4. Crazy Horse Memorial

Not far from Mount Rushmore, you’ll find the Crazy Horse Memorial, an ongoing project dedicated to Native American history and culture. When completed, it will be the largest mountain carving in the world, depicting the Lakota leader Crazy Horse riding a horse and pointing toward his tribal lands.

RV Access: The memorial has a large parking lot that can easily accommodate RVs. Inside, you’ll find an impressive visitor center, museum, and opportunities to learn about Native American history and the legacy of Crazy Horse.

Nearby Camping: Stay at one of the many RV parks in the Black Hills area, like the Crazy Horse Campground, which offers amenities for larger RVs and is located close to the memorial.

5. Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park is known for its intricate and unique cave system, featuring boxwork formations that are found nowhere else in such concentration. Above ground, the park is home to mixed-grass prairie, ponderosa pine forests, and diverse wildlife.

RV Access: The visitor center is RV accessible, and the park offers guided cave tours for different skill levels. Above ground, there are several trails where you can enjoy the landscape and possibly spot bison or elk.

Nearby Camping: Wind Cave offers limited camping options for RVs, but nearby Elk Mountain Campground is a great place to set up camp. It’s more primitive, without hookups, but provides an excellent base for exploring both Wind Cave and the surrounding Black Hills.

6. The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs

If you have a fascination with prehistoric life, make a stop at The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, home to the world’s largest concentration of Columbian mammoth remains. This active paleontological dig site is both an educational experience and a chance to see ancient history come to life.

RV Access: There’s ample parking available for RVs. The Mammoth Site offers guided tours that allow visitors to learn about the excavation process and the history of the area.

Nearby Camping: Consider staying at the Hot Springs KOA for RV-friendly camping with amenities like full hookups and Wi-Fi. The site is close to both The Mammoth Site and the town’s historic mineral springs.

7. Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

For a scenic drive through lush forests and towering limestone cliffs, Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is a must. The area is particularly stunning in the fall when the trees turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. Along the route, you’ll find waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls, both of which offer short trails for hiking.

RV Access: The byway is accessible to RVs, though some of the more popular parking areas for hikes can be limited in size, so it’s worth planning your stops ahead of time.

Nearby Camping: Spearfish City Campground is a popular option, offering full hookups and a central location near the entrance to the canyon. It’s a great base for exploring both the canyon and the nearby town of Spearfish.

8. Deadwood

Step back in time in the historic town of Deadwood, famous for its Gold Rush history and colorful past. Once a lawless Wild West town, Deadwood is now a National Historic Landmark, where you can learn about famous figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.

RV Access: Deadwood has several RV parks nearby that cater to larger vehicles, and the town itself is compact enough to explore on foot. If you’re a history buff or enjoy a bit of gambling, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained.

Nearby Camping: The Deadwood KOA and Whistler Gulch Campground are two excellent options for RV travelers. Both offer full hookups, Wi-Fi, and easy access to the town’s main attractions.

9. The Corn Palace in Mitchell

A quirky and iconic roadside stop, The Corn Palace in Mitchell is a tribute to South Dakota’s agricultural heritage. The building is decorated annually with thousands of bushels of corn, grains, and native grasses arranged into colorful murals. It’s a unique stop that offers a bit of fun and a chance to stretch your legs.

RV Access: There’s ample RV parking available near the Corn Palace, and the surrounding town offers a glimpse into small-town life in South Dakota.

Nearby Camping: The Mitchell KOA Journey is a convenient stop for RV travelers, offering full hookups, a pool, and easy access to downtown Mitchell.

10. De Smet – Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes

Literature lovers and history buffs will want to make a stop in De Smet, the childhood home of Laura Ingalls Wilder. You can tour the original Ingalls homestead, visit the family’s dugout, and learn more about the life of the famous author of the Little House on the Prairie series.

RV Access: The site is accessible to RVs, with ample parking available at the homestead.

Nearby Camping: The Ingalls Homestead Campground offers RV spaces, so you can stay right on the property and immerse yourself in the prairie landscape that inspired Wilder’s books.

11. Missouri River and Lewis & Clark Recreation Area

If water-based activities are on your list, head to the Missouri River and Lewis & Clark Recreation Area. Located near Yankton, this area offers boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking along the scenic riverbanks.

RV Access: The recreation area is very RV-friendly, with multiple campgrounds offering everything from basic to full-service hookups.

Nearby Camping: Chief White Crane Recreation Area is a top choice for RV travelers, with spacious campsites, modern amenities, and easy access to the water.

12. Wall Drug

Perhaps one of the most famous roadside attractions in America, Wall Drug is both a kitschy tourist stop and a historical landmark. Located near the Badlands, it started as a small drugstore in the 1930s and has grown into a sprawling complex of shops, cafes, and quirky attractions.

RV Access: Wall Drug has a large parking lot specifically designed to accommodate RVs, making it an easy stop on your journey.

Nearby Camping: Sleepy Hollow Campground in Wall is a great option for RV travelers looking to stay close to Wall Drug and the Badlands

South Dakota offers a captivating mix of history, natural beauty, and cultural landmarks, making it a fantastic destination for RV travelers. From the towering granite faces of Mount Rushmore to the surreal landscapes of the Badlands and the rich Native American heritage celebrated at the Crazy Horse Memorial, every stop is an opportunity for adventure and discovery. Whether you’re seeking outdoor thrills, quiet scenic drives, or quirky roadside attractions, this state has something for every kind of traveler. As you embark on your RV journey through South Dakota, prepare to be amazed at the diversity and beauty of the places you’ll see, and remember that the freedom of traveling by RV allows you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders this great state has to offer. Safe travels, and enjoy the open road!