Belvidere East / Exit 170 KOA

The Great Outdoors

While in the southern part of South Dakota, you can turn your motorhome camping trip into an unforgettable adventure in no time. Badlands National Park can be the first destination on your journey, a place of rugged beauty that feels out of this world. Colorful rock formations soar to the sky, creating an impressive landscape. Hikers can choose from easy walks through the prairie to challenging climbs, rewarding them with panoramic views of the park. Whether you camp in your RV rental or decide to explore the backcountry, you are in for an exciting experience. Curious visitors will enjoy studying the fossils of ancient mammals and admiring the animals that live in the park today, such as bison, black-footed ferrets, and bighorn sheep.When you search for an RV in Haakon County, you will be thrilled to find that the Black Hills and their untouched beauty are only a couple of hours' drive away. One of the best places to explore them is their namesake - Black Hills National Forest. Over a million acres of untouched wilderness will make you get out of your RV rental near Belvidere East / Exit 170 KOA and set off on a hiking trip. Nicknamed "Island in the Plains," it is an oasis of lush pines, tranquil lakes, and abundant wildlife. The iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial is adjacent to the forest, another must-visit place in the southwestern corner of the state.A jewel of the Black Hills, Custer State Park should definitely find a spot on your itinerary. The landscape of interchanging granite rock formations and rolling meadows is best seen from Black Elk Peak, one of the highest points in the state. The variety of wildlife is another thing that makes the park special, with buffalo being at the center of attention. The Buffalo Roundup is an annual event taking place in the park, making it even more attractive to visitors. Sylvan Lake is one of the highlights of the park, a prime spot for swimming and boating, as well as rock climbing on the surrounding cliffs. If you are looking for something out-of-the-ordinary, find your way to the Needles, a forest of granite pillars soaring to the sky.

Exploring the Area

Renting an RV doesn’t have to be all about nature – there are also human-made attractions in the area definitely worth exploring. One of them is within walking distance of Belvidere East / Exit 17 KOA, and its name is 1880 Town. Travel back through time as you explore over 30 buildings with original furniture dating back to the late 19th and early 20th century. The Casey Tibbs Museum is also located on-site, welcoming all rodeo enthusiasts. Have a taste of the Old West at this unique attraction just off I-90.One of the least populated capitals in the country, Pierre is home to South Dakota State Capitol, a magnificent building close to the Missouri River. It is said that 66 Italian artists worked on the flooring, and each got a blue tile to put in instead of their signature. Visitors can also see wonderful artwork in the rotunda and the House of Representatives and the Senate in session from the viewing galleries.A visit to South Dakota wouldn’t be complete without going to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the place that has earned the state its nickname. Featuring the heads of four famous American presidents carved into the mountain, it is a monument skillfully incorporated into the magnificent landscape of the Black Hills. The Visitor Center, the Lincoln Borglum Museum, and the Hall of Records are located on-site, further adding to the whole experience.Camp in an RV near Belvidere and find yourself away from big cities, enjoying the best that South Dakota has in store.