Railroad Butte

We thought we’d stay in Rapid City when passing through but there must be a law or something because Walmart and Cabela’s was not allowed. This was a big parking lot but only three parties were there. We were out early enough that the atv noise wasn’t an issue. I was pleasantly surprised that the bathroom was immaculate given probably heavy use by riders.

We came here on memorial day and the parking area was packed with off-roaders. we opted to stay further down the road off a small turn out near some trees and a muddy creek. Moderate ATV noise throughout most days but nothing we didn't expect since it is specifically an OHV area. after the weekend it cleared out and there weren't any other campers besides us, but every day a few trucks would pull in and unload their dirt bikes for the day. It is very picturesque here and the OHV trails provide lots of nice walking opportunities.

I will recommend camping in the front parking area or in the dirt area behind it, next to the hill. The spot we were in was gorgeous and more private, but we got stuck getting out as the road is steeply and sharply banked, and we ended up having to back out onto the road (almost didn't make it) . A van or car wouldn't have trouble, but I think any size RV or trailer would end up bottoming out like we did.

We had the whole place to ourselves -- parked near the few trees in the area. BTW, this is a National Grassland *not* National Forest -- so don't expect many trees. It's also a very popular spot for dirt bikes and ATVs -- especially on summer weekends. And if it rains while you're here, you may not be going anywhere until the mud dries out . . . it's the infamous gumbo . . . we tied plastic bags over our shoes to get from the fifth wheel to the truck. :o)

Where you turn south off of Hwy 44, there is a country store with gas/diesel and minor provisions -- we got our drinking water (two gallons at a time) there and they didn't seem to mind. West of the country store on Hwy 44 in Caputa (pronounced ca-pew-ta) there is an awesome bar they call the Caputa store -- cool old building has been there since 1904. They have fabulous 1/2 pound hamburgers (we split one) and if you like dark micro-brews, the 'Buffalo Sweat' on tap is a good one. "Saddle Bronc' is good as well . . . and they do allow samples before you make your choice. They also have robust (and FREE!) WiFi there.

We found this to be a good spot for day trips to the Badlands -- which is a National Park and, therefore, FREE if you have your $10 Senior Pass. Aside from the daytime NOISE of all these wreckreation types, the mosquitoes and the no-see-ums (we burn a candle after lights out to finish 'em off), we enjoyed the location. If you venture further south on the main dirt road, you can go through a large steel gate (close it behind you) and see a smaller portion of the Badlands. There was nobody else there when we scoped it out mid-August. We also tried to find the other two free campgrounds in this area, saw the cell towers off to the left as you approach the North entrance but there was a chain around the gate post. Unfortunately we didn't delay long enough to see if there was a lock on the chain or not. At this site we had zero signal for Tmobile but we're kinda' used to that in rural areas.
JIM & ANNIE
sailingondryland.com