Tag Archives: Badlands

Journey through the Badlands: A Camper’s Guide

03 Friday Mar 2017

Posted by in Travel Destinations

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

badlands-south-dakotaSouth Dakota’s Badlands National Park is a treasure trove of green prairies, rich fossil beds, and a variety of wildlife. There are plenty of great activities to discover in the area surrounding the park, so set up camp at Sage Creek Campground, and get ready to explore. At Sage Creek Campground in South Dakota’s Badlands National Park you’ll awaken to herds of buffalo, view breathtaking sunsets over waves of grassy prairies, visit historic homesteads and embark on incredible hikes.

1880 Town

1880 Town is an attraction for all ages, featuring 30 buildings, all of which were built between the 1880s and the 1920s. The town has authentic furniture and relics from the past; a museum dedicated to Casey Tibbs, the nine-time World Champion Rodeo Cowboy (yeehaw!); and even props from the movie “Dances with Wolves”. We can’t guarantee that you’ll be dancing with any wolves, but we do know that you’re in for a good time. The site even offers costume rentals so you can fit right in with your surroundings.1880-town

Prairie Homestead

Built in 1909 by the Brown Family, the Prairie Homestead is one of the last remaining sod homes in the United States. Take a tour of the home, find some great souvenirs in the new gift shop, or get the whole family to dress up in period clothing (perfect for funny photo shoots). Make sure to check out their adorable prairie dogs, too. Bonus: Children under nine are able to go in free!

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site was founded in 1999 in order to show Americans how close our country was to WWIII. The site is one of the only places that you’re able to view a real nuclear missile that was set up for use during the Cold War. A guided tour of the site includes silos as well as the control room. You’ll probably leave thinking that this place is… the bomb!minuteman-missile-national-historic-site

Castle Trailhead

Castle Trail is the longest trail in Badlands National Park, spanning approximately 10 miles. Used far less than many of the other trails in the park, peaceful Castle Trail provides many opportunities for you to view the wildlife of the park. The trail also winds right by the Fossil Exhibit Trail, where you can view and read about fossil replicas.

Two Bit Saloon & Steakhouse

During your trip, stop by Two Bit Saloon & Steakhouse for a local experience—and some of the best burgers in South Dakota. Make sure to visit on a Friday or Saturday, as those are the only days that they serve their full menu. On weekends, the place is packed with locals, and that’s always a good sign.two-bit-saloon-and-steakhouse

Wall Drug Store

Wall Drug Store is an attraction not to be missed in South Dakota. The store grew famous for going from being a small drug store offering free ice water in the 1930s to growing into a massive tourist attraction. The store offers an old-fashioned soda fountain, five-cent coffee, and a variety of kitschy gifts for everyone in its labyrinthine complex of shops and restaurants. And don’t miss the 80-foot-tall dinosaur!

Sage Creek Campground

At Sage Creek Campground, you’ll get to camp out surrounded by Badlands beauty and native wildlife. This campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, but camping here is completely FREE! Keep in mind that the campground does not offer water, hookups, or bathroom facilities, but who needs those things when you’ve got cute prairie dogs and a beautiful sunrise?sage-creek-campground

Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park is truly a divine demonstration of geologic beauty. Featuring a 60-mile multicolored wall of sediment layers, the park is also home to a whole host of buffalo, prairie dogs, and antelope. There’s even an opportunity to gaze at the ancient fossils of extinct creatures. The park is a treasure for all ages.

Rushmore Cave

We all have heard of Mount Rushmore, but how about Rushmore Cave? Wind your way through narrow passageways and view rare geological formations in South Dakota’s ninth largest cave. The guided tours are fun for the whole family, and you even can upgrade your ticket to include a ride on their famed zip-line. Kids also can pick out and crack open their own geodes. It’s a rockin’ time!rushmore-cave

A haven for earth and animal lovers alike, Badlands National Park offers a unique experience in the wild prairies of South Dakota. Get ready to camp under the stars and wake up next to buffalo on your next adventure of a lifetime.

RV Protect

Aww Shucks!

Doreen T. ~ Well Coach-Net saves the day again. All I can say that we will be life-long members. The staff is wonderful and the service is top notch. They don’t rest until your problem is solved and ours was a challenge. Thank you Coach-Net!! We will pass on the accolades.”

Horse Thief Resort is the perfect Black Hills escape

08 Friday Jul 2016

Posted by in Travel Destinations

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Badlands SDThe Badlands of South Dakota make for some epic road tripping. From iconic road trip stops like Mount Rushmore to the rugged beauty of the region’s many parks (including one seriously underrated National Park), there’s tons to see and do here. Set up camp at South Dakota’s Horse Thief Campground and Resort and get ready to explore!

Mount Rushmore and road trips pretty much go hand-in-hand— the American icon has been a stop-off for vacationing Mt Rushmorefamilies since it was completed in 1941. Located in South Dakota’s gorgeous Badlands, it’s prime road trip country… and if you’re traveling in an RV, you’ll probably need a place to pull off for the night.

Thankfully, the closest RV park to Mount Rushmore is the awesome Horse Thief Campground and Resort. Located in the Black Hills National Forest and only 12 short miles away from the imposing glory of Mount Rushmore, this campground is exceptional. Spacious sites that come with fire rings and picnic tables, a heated pool, laundry and squeaky-clean bath house facilities, and Wi-Fi access take this site above and beyond most RV camping spots.

Then there’s the location. It’s bordered by the lovely Custer State Park, which features 71,000 acres of pure Black Hills beauty. Search for bison, burros, and prairie dogs, hike Harney Peak and take in the view, or just cruise one of the park’s scenic drives and appreciate its wild beauty.

One of America’s most underrated National Parks is right nearby as well: Wind Cave National Park. The massive underground complex features tons of different tour options, ranging from short and sweet to strenuous candlelight adventures that should appeal to anyone and everyone. Crazy horse Mountain MemorialIt’s the densest cave system in the world, with the most explorable passages per cubic mile, and features all kinds of stone and ice formations!

And if you still have time before heading back to Horsethief Lake, stop by the monumental Crazy Horse Mountain Memorial. This controversial carving will be the world’s largest statue…if it’s ever completed. Meant to be even more massive than the heads of Mount Rushmore, it’s been in the works since 1939… and they’re far from complete, although you can still check out the masterpiece-in-progress.

And once you’ve gotten a taste of all the roadside awesomeness offered by the Badlands, head back to camp and cozy up by the campfire— the perfect way to end a day of adventure.

Hazard Protect

Blush2Lorene R. SD.~ “The Technician was wonderful, fast diagnosis and went above and beyond to make it perfect for us. We were on the road in less then two hours. Thank you Coach Net!”