Read All About

Life on the Bus

Dakota Badlands and Black Hills Basecamp

Dakota Badlands and Black Hills Basecamp Tour

Our Dakota Badlands and Black Hills Basecamp tour features Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, Crazy Horse Monument and more!

Confirm all dates with Adventure Bus before booking any flights or pre-trip accommodations.


Dates: Returning in 2026

Trip Details

Arrival & Departure

Departs and returns to Rapid City, SD

Transportation

This tour features a passenger van.

Accommodations

This tour features basecamp tenting with an option for a cot. You'll need to rent or bring a sleeping bag. Contact us for helpful hints on accommodations and flights before and after your tour.

Weather

Warm to hot days and cool to chilly nights are typical on this tour.

Food

Our meals are geared to provide you with the fuel you need to get through your active days, and yet still extremely tasty. We can accommodate all dietary needs. Click here for sample recipes.

Hikes & Difficulty

The hikes featured on this tour vary in length, technicality, and difficulty. 1-7+ miles. Each location has various hiking options, so there is always something for everyone!

What to Expect

After you make a reservation, a confirmation packet will be sent to you with more detailed information. Check out our FAQs.

Pricing

Price per person: $1575
Returning guests: $1525

$500 deposit required

Itinerary

Dakota Badlands and Black Hills Basecamp

Day 1

Depart Rapid City 9:00 AM...

We’ll pick up you and your fellow adventures in Rapid City at 9AM. A short ride takes us right in to Badlands National Park . This unique landscape comes out of nowhere and is like no other. We'll do some short hikes and end our day at our Basecamp in Custer State Park.

1
Dakota Badlands and Black Hills Basecamp
Dakota Badlands Black Hills Basecamp

Day 2

Custer State Park

Our first day in Custer State Park features the Sylvan Lake area. Hike up Black Elk Peak, the highest peak in South Dakota for views reaching as far as the Badlands! Hike around beautiful Sylvan Lake or take a dip in its refreshing waters. This area is full of unique granite formations and wildflowers. Before returning to our basecamp, we'll head into the historic town of Custer, SD.

2
Dakota Badlands Black Hills Basecamp
Devils Tower.

Day 3

Devils Tower National Monument...

Devils Tower was the world's first national monument due to its geological uniqueness and spiritual significance. Hike around the tower through forests and meadows and learn about its importance to the Lakota people.

3
Devils Tower.
Dakota Badlands Black Hills Basecamp

Day 4

Crazy Horse Monument and Mount Rushmore

We’ll spend the morning at Crazy Horse Monument. You’ll be inspired by the monument and the stories behind the making of it. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Mount Rushmore.

4
Dakota Badlands Black Hills Basecamp
Dakota Badlands Black Hills Basecamp

Day 5

Custer State Park

A second day in Custer State Park takes us through the incredible Needles Highway. We'll take in the Custer Visitor Center and a hike to Lover's Leap. Bison traffic jams are likely!

5
Dakota Badlands Black Hills Basecamp
Dakota Badlands Black Hills Basecamp

Day 6

Wind Cave

Explore Wind Cave on an underground cave tour. See the rare boxwork formations and learn about how this cave was discovered. In the afternoon we will take the Wildlife Loop Road to see bison, burros, mountain goats and more!

6
Dakota Badlands Black Hills Basecamp
Badlands South Dakota

Day 7

Return to Rapid City

We'll roll back into Rapid City between 10-12 noon.
"Don't cry because it's over... Smile because it happened." Dr Seuss

7
Badlands South Dakota