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crazylev · 04-03-2012, 10:30 AM

Greetings.

We are heading out to the Badlands NP in a few weeks. I know that the drive for us will be mostly I-90 from the Chicago area, and should be fairly flat except around La Cross, WI. We spoke to the folks at the park and asked how the road is from 90 to the park. It looks like we come in at 240, but when I asked if the road was steep, curvey or scary they said that there is a part that goes down hill during the 9 mile road to the park. We'll be at the Cedar Pass CG.

Anyone know what we should be in for? We have a 19' AS being towed by a VW Eurovan. This road, 240, is really my only concern for the trip.

Thanks.

RickDavis · 04-03-2012, 10:55 AM

WE have gone out I 90 and looped through the badlands several times. Camping in the park. It has been a while but I don't remember anything that was a concern.

crispyboy · 04-03-2012, 11:28 AM

Driven through that area several times. You won't have any issues. Enjoy the scenery.

Here is the short/steep part of Rt. 240
Google Maps

The park campground has a bit to be desired but is very close the badlands.
Google Maps

A friend of family owns this campground and it has nice broad view of the badlands. It is just south of the park.
Welcome to the Badlands Budgethost Motel and Campground

Here is a map.
Google Maps

If your going onto the Black Hills area take Highway 44 into Rapid City as it is shorter but more scenic than I-90.

crazylev · 04-03-2012, 12:03 PM

Rick and Crispy.

Thanks of that info. That google earth thing is amazing! Our plan is to leave the mother ship in the campground and take some overnight trips to wind cave, Custer. Our plan was to take 44.

polarlyse · 04-04-2012, 04:01 PM

Don't forget ( as if you could ) to stop in Wall, SD. There's plenty of signs to remind you but it's quite a novelty to visit. We were not towing when we were there a few years ago but we took a cross country trip after Badlands NP enroute to Mt. Rushmore. We were tent camping and stayed at a campgrounds nearby Mt.R. It was a nice place but can't remember just where it is or the name. I'm sure you'll find places equally as nice. I don't recall any roads that would have kept me from towing our trailer. Some were gravel though.

ENJOY the trip

Wayne&Sam · 04-04-2012, 04:47 PM

240 is not an issue. These are from last August:

n2916s · 04-04-2012, 06:10 PM

While at Badlands don't miss the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site.

mike

Schools Out · 04-04-2012, 06:44 PM

South Dakota does a great job of assisting travelers at the Visiter Welcome Center. If I remember correctly, it's the 1st rest area (off 90) upon entering SD. We took our 1st trip to the Badlands, Black Hills, Rapid City area last fall. A very helpful worker, at the visiter center, gave us maps with tons of advice on the best routes for the motorhome. (he also noted some roads that we should avoid)
And, if you're looking for a CG along the way...Vermillion State Park is very nice. (best shower of any state park, ever)

Beaker63 · 04-04-2012, 08:02 PM

o. Hey Crazylev
We stayed at the Badlands campground last September on our trip to the b
ison roundup at Custer state park. The hills at La Crosse will not be a problem nor will the roads in the park. On the way west we usually stay at Blue Mounds state park in Laverne Mn its very nice and about 6 hours from the Badlands
Tim

mojo · 04-04-2012, 09:59 PM

Heading that way end of August so will be interested to hear your travel report. Does anybody know good campgrounds in Custer State Park?

crazylev · 04-05-2012, 09:00 AM

Thanks everyone for your replies. I really appreciate that!

polarlyse- We were in Wall several years ago on a cross country trip sans Airstream. It's quite the tourist spot. The lots were filled with gigantic motorhomes trying to move about.

n2916s- the silos and wind cave are on our list of day trips.

dowpells- We stayed at Vermillion on our giant road trip a few years back. That was our first stop after leaving Chicago. Next day we had to stop at the Corn Palace to check that out, in Mitchell, I believe.

Wayne&Sam- Great photos. I looks like the best time to "see" things is either very early AM or sunset.

Beaker63- We may stay at Blue Mounds if it is open. Many of the CG's don't open until a little later in the season, so stoping someplace over night might be a very slight challenge.

Jonathan

Beaker63 · 04-08-2012, 07:23 PM

Hey Mojo
We have stayed at both Grace Coolidge (nice wooded sites back by the creek) and at Stockade Lake ( close to the city of Custer). Both were clean and well kept. After doing a drive through I would try to get a site at Sylvan Lake. We will probably be stopping at Custer on our way to Boulder Co. Have a great trip.
Tim

Waipio Rim · 04-08-2012, 07:29 PM

We had no problems with the road last spring, but the wind on the highway east of the park was strong enough to rip the curbside awning off of the motorhome. Check the weather...

Splitrock · 04-08-2012, 09:14 PM

I hear there is construction on I-90 at the river at Chamberlain-Oacoma. Have a safe trip.
I've never seen a hill in South Dakota east of Rapid City. There might be some though. I-90 from Chamberlain-Oacoma to Rapid is ascending.

North Dakota has badlands too. In fact the badlands in North Dakota are much worse than the badlands in South Dakota. Actually, I've heard the badlands in North Dakota are called the terrible lands. The food is good in North Dakota and the women are pretty. I might go there again someday.

ND10CentCan · 04-08-2012, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Splitrock

I hear there is construction on I-90 at the river at Chamberlain-Oacoma. Have a safe trip.
I've never seen a hill in South Dakota east of Rapid City. There might be some though. I-90 from Chamberlain-Oacoma to Rapid is ascending.

North Dakota has badlands too. In fact the badlands in North Dakota are much worse than the badlands in South Dakota. Actually, I've heard the badlands in North Dakota are called the terrible lands. The food is good in North Dakota and the women are pretty. I might go there again someday.

We do have some awesome Badlands and some great spots to visit. Right now the oil boom has caused ND to have some growing pains so some cities in western ND are difficult to find all the different services such as motel rooms, houses, places to eat, etc. They are still great cities but much busier than before. Even Bismarck is getting more and more activity as a spill over from the oil boom west of here.

I agree 100% with Splitrock....the food is good and the women are not too bad really! Come visit ND....Legendary as they say.
Sandy