suggestion for lodging/how far to Devils Tower

We are coming mid-July and plan to spend a few days in the Badlands before heading to Mt Rushmore/Custer Area. Any suggestions for central lodging for the area. Also can you make it up to Devils Tower and back for the night or should we plan on staying up north for the night. How bad is the traffic during July-will it take longer than we think to get around?What about weather?? How hot is it in July?? We were in Yellowstone 2 yrs ago and it was warm during the day and then cooled down at night--it is similiar here??? Thanks!!!

suggestion for lodging/how far to Devils Tower

Unless you plan on extensive hiking or have other specific plans, you probably won%26#39;t need ';a few days'; in the Badlands. If you%26#39;re coming from St. Joe, I%26#39;d say stay over night in the Badlands or somewhere along I-90 (see other posts about Badlands lodging). Then spend up to a day in the Badlands and then head for the Black Hills that evening.

You can make a day trip out of Devils Tower from the Mount Rushmore area. However, with Spearfish Canyon and Deadwood in the northern Black Hills, you might consider a night or two in the Deadwood or Spearfish area.

You might go straight from the Badlands to somewhere like Spearfish or Deadwood. See Devils Tower the next day and then go to the Mount Rushmore area. This will make for the least backtracking.

July is a busy time but traffic is rarely a problem in the area (except for during the Sturgis Rally in August).

It will be hot in the Badlands. 90-100 is common in July.

You will find more mountain-like weather in the Black Hills. Highs in the 80s are likely. It will cool down at night--always bring a jacket and at least one pair of long pants for a Black Hills summer visit. Temps won%26#39;t be as cool as Yellowstone, though, because the altitude isn%26#39;t as high.

suggestion for lodging/how far to Devils Tower

I agree with Accomodator that an overnight is probably enough for the Badlands.

When we visited the area, we stayed in the northern hills for two nights to see Deadwood, Spearfish Canyon, and Devil%26#39;s Tower. We were glad we did this,but you can really do a daytrip if you wish. Some people don%26#39;t like moving around on vacation, so that can be your call.

Central towns for lodging include Keystone, Hill City %26amp; Custer. Any of these will put you in close proximity of major attractions. The nice thing about the area is that just about everything is within a 2 hour or less drive.

Enjoy your trip.