The Black Hills, located in western South Dakota, is a small mountain range set off from the Rockies. Along with the Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills National Forest is a popular destination for tourists. Many people who visit the area come in the summer, choosing to camp out rather than stay in a motel.
Summer is Prime Season
The best time to visit the Black Hills National Forest and its surrounding towns is the summer when the days are sunny and warm and the nights are cool and crisp. According to Black Hills Tourist Info, temperatures range from the upper 70s to the early 80s in the day during summer months, dipping down into the 50s and 40s at night, so bring something warm to sleep in.
Camping Options Abound
There are numerous camping options in and around the Black Hills. Many towns, such as Rapid City and Deadwood, are located in the National Forest and offer more upscale camping options and RV parks. However, in the more remote parts of the National Forest, options exist for more secluded and primitive camping.
Amenities
While amenities range from swimming pools and wireless Internet access at some of the more upscale camping resorts, most of the campsites in the National Forest itself offer little more than toilets and water, according to GORP.com. There is no electricity or sewer hooks-ups for RVs. You also cannot have open fires in the Black Hills National Forest since the risk of wildfire is high, but you can have them in grates or designated area.
Activities
Once you've established your campsite, it is time to set off and enjoy the area. There are numerous hiking opportunities in the National Forest that will keep you away from the hordes visiting Mount Rushmore. For example, the Flume Trail is a 14-mile hike that follows an old log flume while the challenging Crow Peak Trail offers a panoramic view of the area. If you are into mountain biking or horseback riding, there are also numerous trails in the area that will cater to your interests.
Considerations
While some of the Black Hills campsites may be remote, this is a region used to catering to tourists in the summer. If you forget something or run out of supplies, it will be quite easy to find what you're looking for in Rapid City or one of the other towns in the region.
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