South Dakota

5 posts in Youtube Videos

South Dakota came in two halves for us. First the Badlands, where we boondocked for free on the rim near Wall after a 600 mile travel day, got through a 105 degree day on solar power, and hiked the Notch Trail.

Then we moved to Black Hawk Creek RV Park outside Rapid City and spent our days in the Black Hills. We tried to fit Wind Cave National Park and Crazy Horse into one day, with no reservations and a bison herd that decided when we could move. At Custer State Park we added Sunday Gulch Trail to what was supposed to be an easy day, hiked it backwards, and ran out of water.

Destinations

Sunday Gulch Trail: We Hiked It Backwards With One Bottle of Water

Published on Sep 12, 2026

The plan was a scenic drive and a flat loop by the lake. Then we added a four mile trail we knew nothing about, went down it backwards, and ran out of water.

Destinations

Wind Cave National Park and Crazy Horse: Can You Do Two Caves in One Day?

Published on Sep 5, 2026

Two caves in one day was the plan. We had no reservations, a back road Google Maps swore was faster, and a bison herd that decided when we were allowed to move.

Destinations

We Finally Hiked the Notch Trail (And a Storm Beat Us Home)

Published on Sep 1, 2026

The ladder on the Notch Trail, a herd of cattle that moved in around the rig, a storm we did not see coming, and the two roommates we found on the last morning.

Destinations

105 Degrees in the Badlands: Can Solar Actually Run an RV Air Conditioner?

Published on Aug 28, 2026

Day one of free boondocking on the Badlands rim, with a heat advisory, a 105 degree forecast, and nothing but solar panels and batteries between us and a very hot RV.

Travel Days

Our Longest Travel Day Yet: 600 Miles to the Badlands With No Reservation

Published on Aug 21, 2026

Almost 600 miles from Des Moines to The Wall, nine hours in 104 degree heat, no reservation waiting for us, and an RV door that kept popping open on the interstate.