The DW and I are planning a trip from Virginia to the Black Hills in South Dakota, with a short stop in
Indiana to visit the in and outlaws soon. Most of the traveling will be by interstate.
We just got a 2005 Coachmen Mirada 340MBS and plan on taking some trips.
By the time we are ready for this trip, we will have taken it to Fl a couple of times.
My question is: What are the roads like in the Black Hills? I understand that there is a climb after Rapid City into the hills.
Any tips or suggestions?
Is that a Class C?" If so, be sure to watch the signs for tunnels. A number of the real pretty roads have tunnels I would not try to take a truck thru. There are no turnarounds on some, and you would not enjoy backing up several miles. Never saw a road that didn't have excellent warning signs at start. Also you can ask at Custer State Park entrance, they will be glad to help.
Great place to visit, we go every few years.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
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2003 Wanderer 187TB Toybox (3620# UVW, 4800# loaded) Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories. I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
if you're wanting to stay down in Custer State Park (highly recommended), take highway 79 south at Rapid City, to enter the park from the east.
then, heading back north from the town of Custer, take 385 up to Deadwood and then I-90.
Some of the scenic byways in the Black Hills are not for large vehicles.
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You will be fine with your Class A Mirada. Just stay away from the needles you will not make that road with any RV. Nice Nice Nice scenic drive. There are other sice drives you will not fit into. I suggest you stay on major routs and make sure to follow warnig signs.
There is a pretty good climb out of Rapid City. Its a 4 lane road, but not a freeway. There is a traffic light at the bottom, so you are starting from a dead stop. You may be a little slow, but so what, its only one hill and people can get around you. I didn't have any trouble, but that's not a fair comparison.
Plan to spend the night in the Badlands Sate park. The campgrounds are somewhat primative, but its cheap and it will allow you to see the Badlands at dusk and in the daylight.
If you are towing a 4WD check out Custer Peak. You can do it in a 2WD but the road is a bit rough. Take a ride on the 1880s train.
Oh, there is another steep hill on the way going into Chamberlain. My brother said if I couldn't hold 80 all the way to the top, I was a wimp. I exited the hill at 78.8 mph.
Dave
FMCA F298817
'83 Revcon Prince 31' FWD
502 w/Howell/Edelbrock MPFI, Thorley's & Magnaflows,
Koni FSD, Class A built for gear heads ?????? Revconeers Forum
There is nothing compassionate about taking someone elses money and giving to the poor.
The roads in the hills are very good and the hills should be no problem for you. If you take exit 63 (Flying J exit) you will by-pass the long pull out of Rapid City, Just follow the Mount Rushmore signs. The Campground mentioned earlier is Rafter J Bar Ranch which is south of Hill City 2 or 3 miles (west side of road), Custer State Park is also excellent, they now have sites with electric hook-ups and there are several good commercial campgrounds around
Custer (Big Pine is a nice one about 2 miles west of Custer). There are also some Forest Service campgrouns which are primitive.
If you don't have a dingy you will be limited on some roads. Must see's include the Needles Highway, Iron Mountain road, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse (don't miss the laser show after dark), Spearfish Canyon (northern hills), Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, The 1880 Train, Wildlife loop (Custer State Park), Deadwood and Lead, Homestake mine (Lead), Hot Springs Mamoth site and wild horse sanctuaray.
We live near Custer so if you have any more questions PM me. -- Chuck
Located it the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. Proud owner of a 36' 1997 Country Coach Allure. 2005 CR-V AWD toad with Ready Brute/Ready Brake tow system and Blue Ox base plate.
We second Daveinet's suggestion to visit the Badlands National Park. The CG has no hookups, but it is a wonderful place to visit. We stayed there a couple of nights in late May and did without hookups just fine. Have a great trip.
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