Badlands, Mount Rushmore, caves and so much more are waiting for you in the Black Hills of South Dakota. But how do you get go there in the cheapest way so that you can enjoy the sites without breaking the bank? Camping is truly the cheapest way to stay in the Black Hills and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. This will save you money and keep you out of the tourist traps.
Driving in the Black Hills in bad weather can be treacherous. With over 40 campgrounds in the area, you have many to choose from. For as little as $15 a day for tent camping and $50 for RVs, this is the cheapest way to sleep in the Black Hills, and although you may be longing for you TV, most campgrounds offer entertainment and recreation activities.
Mount Rushmore--Visit Mount Rushmore for free; the only cost is a parking fee.
Devils Tower--2.5 hours from Mount Rushmore, this is another free site to visit.
Storybook Island--This park in Rapid City is free and a kid-pleaser.
Jewel Cave and Wind Cave--Free but does have a parking fee.
Custer State Park--$12 per car good for seven days; drive through and see the wildlife.
Museums (pay by donations only)--Adams Museum in Deadwood, Keystone Historical Museum, the Journey Museum, School of Mines Museum of Geology.
Wall Drug (on the way to Rapid City)--novelty town costs nothing to visit.
Deadwood (Old West town)--free to visit.
Whether you want to spring $20 for a Chuckwagon dinner or eat fast food, the budget-conscious may want to bring some food with them on their trip. Chuckwagon dinners are offered for around $20 a person but provide entertainment for the evening too, so it maybe worth it. If you're looking for dining deals, try the casinos of Deadwood. The Silverado offers a 50-cent breakfast, or the "Two Coiner," and a prime rib buffet for $12.95 on weekdays.
Remember that in the Black Hills area, there are trails, paths and other natural beauty areas to enjoy, so you don't need to spend money. Go hiking, or bring or rent bikes to explore the area. Visit the area towns that offer historical sites. If you do decide to splurge, you may want to check out the waterpark in Rapid City or Evans Plunge, the water park with the water provided by a natural warm spring about 1.5 hours from Rapid City.
