How far in advance do tours need to be booked?

We are starting our Black Hills vacation August 16th and will have about 7 days. I have booked lodging and car but nothing else. I am interested in the chuck wagon dinner, Custer jeep tour, a cave tour, junior ranger tours, and meals at some popular places like Alpine Inn and the State lodges.

Do I need to make advance bookings for these types of activities? I have a list of things to do but would like some flexibility based on weather or energy level of everyone that particular day. If I need advance bookings - how far in advance?

Thanks for the help!

How far in advance do tours need to be booked?

The Junior Ranger program is done on your own, no need to make reservations. Each National Park has a booklet that you get and answer questions. Some activities may require you to listed to a Ranger Talk, take a hike somewhere or a tour.

Cave tours usually can be made the day you arrive, but if you want a specific time or tour best to make reservations. We got same day tours when we visited.

Reservations for Jewel Cave: nps.gov/jeca/…feesandreservations.htm

Wind Cave: nps.gov/wica/…feesandreservations.htm

How far in advance do tours need to be booked?

For the jeep tour and chuck wagon dinner, you might want to call now and ask thier oppinion on how soon to make reservations. By mid August things are just beginning to slow down but these things may still be booked full by the day of.

If you miss one or two of the things on your list, there are plenty of alternatives that don%26#39;t require reservations.

Once your car and lodging is booked, you really don%26#39;t need to worry too much until the week of your visit for anything else you list.

The Alpine Inn doesn%26#39;t take dinner reservations. You should be OK making dinner reservations at the state park lodges a day or so in advance.

In August the cave tours could probably be booked a day in advance. It depends on your group size--if you have a big group, the tougher it is to find an opening.

I don%26#39;t think you have to get too crazy on the Jeep tour or chuck wagon dinner. I think they have a lot of walk-up business but a reservation can%26#39;t hurt.