Before You Go

It is always possible to find rooms in the hills, with the possible exception of the Northern Hills [1] during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally [2]. If you desire to stay in the Custer State Park cabins or lodges [3] during peak summer season, however, reservations are recommended—particularly if your heart is set on a particular lodge.

It’s a good idea to check the websites of the governmental agencies that manage the public lands in the Black Hills [4]. The National Park Service (www.nps.gov [5]), the U.S. Forest Service (www.fs.fed.us [6]), and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (www.sdgfp.info [7]) each sponsor summer activities and generally post information on summer happenings beginning in late spring.

If you happen to be here during a full moon, for example, you might not want to miss a midnight hike in the Badlands [8]. For more website resources on the Black Hills, see the Internet Resources [9] section.

Getting around the hills is not difficult, but if you didn’t arrive by car, plan on renting one. There are many tour companies that provide day trips into each region of the hills but more options are available if you drive. There are many small airports in the region, but the only commercial airport is in Rapid City [10].