Leave a Comment
Most people hit the road in their RVs to get away from city life, but one city just earned national attention for being worth the drive.
RVTrader.com has named Rapid City, South Dakota, as “RV City U.S.A. 2025.” They described it as a place that represents what road travel is all about: open highways, friendly people, and easy access to some of America’s most memorable sights.
Why Rapid City Took the Title
Located in South Dakota’s Black Hills, Rapid City gives travelers a base surrounded by some of the country’s best-known destinations. Mount Rushmore is about 25 minutes away, Custer State Park sits 40 minutes to the south, and Badlands National Park is roughly an hour to the east. Its location makes it easy to plan day trips without long drives between stops.
The area has plenty of campgrounds suited for RV travelers, including Rushmore Shadows Resort, Rapid City RV Park & Campground, and Lake Park Campground & Cottages. Sites offer full hookups, room to maneuver, and convenient access to town.
A City That Welcomes Travelers
Tourism has always been part of Rapid City’s economy, and the city’s layout really shows that. Roads are wide, parking is manageable, and most services sit close together. Visitors can pick up supplies, refuel, or eat out without having to leave the city center.
Downtown combines small-town friendliness with practical amenities. Local shops are set up next to national retailers, and restaurants serve everything from burgers to locally sourced bison steak. The overall setup makes it easy for travelers to settle in and enjoy their stay.
Downtown Rapid City features bronze statues of every U.S. president, giving the city its nickname, the “City of Presidents.” The Journey Museum connects the area’s Lakota and pioneer history, while the South Dakota Air & Space Museum highlights its aviation background.
During summer, Main Street Square becomes a community hub with outdoor concerts, food trucks, and family-friendly events. It gives visitors a sense of local life that goes beyond sightseeing.
Rapid City sits at the center of several of the country’s most scenic routes. Travelers can head out on highways that curve through the Black Hills, drive the wildlife loop at Custer State Park (I highly recommend doing one of the off-road Jeep tours there), or visit Deadwood, a historic town known for its Old West character. The region’s open roads and well-kept routes make it ideal for RV travel.
For anyone planning a summer trip through the northern plains or the Midwest, Rapid City is worth putting on the list.
If You Go
Best time to visit: Late May through mid-September offers full access to campgrounds and attractions, as many close down in the off-season (though they will be busier this time of year), while early May and mid-September through early October bring lighter crowds and comfortable weather.
Top campgrounds nearby:
- Rushmore Shadows Resort: Full hookups, pool, and quick access to Highway 16.
- Rapid City RV Park & Campground: Minutes from downtown with pull-through sites and laundry facilities.
- Lake Park Campground & Cottages: Shaded sites near Canyon Lake and a quiet setting close to local trails.
Nearby attractions:
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial – 25 minutes
- Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road – 40 minutes
- Badlands National Park – about an hour east
- Deadwood – 50 minutes northwest
Write a comment