Drippin
Dripping Springs, TX
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Joined: 08/09/2005
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OK. I would like your inputs/advice on a 2 week family trip that we are planning for July next summer. Yes, I know it is a bit early to think about this but we are only able to do one good trip a year so it is something we look forward to and I enjoy the planning. We prefer state and national parks, never been much for RV resorts. We have a 30' TT and a good generator.
We are starting just outside of Austin TX. There are 3 of us myself, DW and DS who will be 11. We are trying to limit the number of long travel days as this is supposed to be an adventure but also relaxing if at all possible.
Here is what we are thinking:
- Leave after work on Friday with an overnight in North Texas, near Denton or Gainesville. (I got a suggestion for Dave's RV Park)
- Next night - Hall County Park, Grand Island NE.
- 2 nights at Cedar Pass CG in Badlands NP.
- 4 nights at Grace Coolidge or Game Lodge CG in Custer SP.
- 1 night at the campground at Devils Tower NM
- 2 nights at Curt Gowdy SP outside Cheyenne, WY. With one full day at Frontier Days.
- 3 nights at Glacier Basin CG in Rocky Mountain NP
- 1 night in Amarillo TX on the way back. (Maybe stay at Overnight RV Park?)
- Then a day of rest prior to back to the grind on Monday.
This is about 3K miles and only 4 long days of driving. Looks like there is a lot to do in the Black Hills and I've always wanted to see The Badlands NP and also Devils Tower, every since seeing Close Encounters. In addition to seeing the sights we would like to go hiking, horseback riding, white water rafting (if this is available), etc.
Please post your comments on things to see, alternative CGs, best routes, good side trips, etc.
Thanks,
Alex
A man, his wife, a son and Cody the Goldendoodle.
2008 Laredo 284BHS, 2001 Chevy Sliverado 2500HD 4X4 4.10, Equal-i-zer, Primus, Subaru RG4300iS
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Lauren
Sahuarita, AZ (or on the road!)
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IMHO, this is not too early to plan. In fact, in places like RMNP you best get reservations early or you may not get in. This is based on past but who knows about 2009. Either Glacier or Moraine in Rocky is fine. You might find generator limitations in some of these places.
Lauren - DW Barbara - "Aussie" Terrier, Sadie
2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3 with TrailAir
2006 Chev 3500 3LT Ext Cab 4x4 360HP Dmax 6 Spd Allie
www.laurenbarbara.com
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Drippin
Dripping Springs, TX
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With 3 nights at Rocky Mtn we may only need to run the generator once for a couple hours if at all. The one we have is quite. If I do not run it when we are there I may have to when I go to pull in the slide.
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Joined: 12/01/2005
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6 nights in badlands/custer seems excessive to me. but what do you plan on doing there?
bumpy
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Drippin
Dripping Springs, TX
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Bumpy,
I figure that we will get in to Badlands NP mid afternoon on the first day. Spend the 2nd day in the NP. On the 3 day leave early see the Minuteman site, Wall? and hed over to Custer.
In Custer, I figure 1 day for hiking/exploring the park, 1/2 day to Rushmore, 1/2 day Wind Cave, 1/2 horseback riding, 1 day Gold Mine / Deadwood. Maybe see a show at the playhouse.
So it looks like there is about 1 or 2 extra days there. Not sure how much time we really should plan for Badlands NP. It looks big but not very accessible. I would like to hear what others suggest near Custer.
I was also concerned about how much time to set aside for Rocky Mtn NP. If we pull a couple of days out of the schedule we could add another stop. Any suggesstions?
Alex
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newk
Gillette, WY
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I think you could knock out one of the nights at the Badlands without missing much. Add it the the Black Hills or RMNP. Devils Tower is nice, especially if you dry camp inside the monument. If you wanted to add a day there, you could take a short drive to Cook Lake, but I really think you'd be happier spending the extra day in the Black Hills. There's plenty there to keep you busy for a week.
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Drippin
Dripping Springs, TX
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Thanks newk. It is starting to sound that way.
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coloradodave
Colorado Springs, CO, US
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There is also a campground at Wind Cave NP I believe although no hookups, Jewel Cave and Mt. Rushmore do not have one.
You will definently need the gen, or hookups in Badlands, as it will be very hot there in July. Nice ice cream shop in nearby Wall, Wall Drug.
Lots to see/do in the Rapid city area. PM if you want some other ideas for this area. I would recommend a night time visit to Mt. Rushmore. They light it up at night, really cool.
I believe the KOA outside of Devils Tower shows Close encounters, or there is a campground inside the park, but I don't believe it has any hookups.
Glacier or Moraine Park in RMNP are nice, but do get reservations.
'04 Coachmen Mirada 300QB
DH & DW
DS & DD
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kevinbti
st louis
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Just thought I would suggest a campground in Gainesville the outlet mall has a great place to camp. Also we really enjoyed the Koa at Devils Tower its where they filmed Close in Encounters of the third kind . The campground shows it nightly. Also they have great BBQ and I believe they have hook ups. We stayed there and I would remember if they did not have electric as it was hot and we ran the ac. Also the badlands Koa is a great place as is the Palmer Gulch Koa Not a big fan of koa's but two these two were worth the stop so my daughter could swim. Also check out Alpine Inn Resturant when there great food and cheap!
Kevin Tierney
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Horsedoc
Dixie --- N. Georgia
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Just my opinion here, but if you get to the Badlands the middle of the afternoon and spend that touring then go out early the next AM you will probably see all you want to. While pretty spectacular in some respects, there is not a lot of variety to see there. I might try to make Grace Coolidge by dark the second day. It will not be dark until late that time of year. July in the Badlands is going to be HOT! In CSP you will have electric at Grace and will need it, even there. One day is not nearly enough for Custer and area.
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