Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, and South Dakota Adventure (August 18‑26)

Day 1: August 18 – Arrival & Camp Setup

Morning: Depart home early and drive to the scenic Flagg Ranch Campground in the Grand Tetons, arriving by early afternoon.

Afternoon: Set up camp and relax while exploring the nearby Jackson Hole town center, strolling through local shops and the famous Town Square.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset walk along the Snake River trail before checking in at 7 pm and settling into the campsite.

Day 2: August 19 – Snow King Mountain & Rendezvous Park

Morning: Drive to Snow King Mountain for a thrilling ride on the historic mountain coaster.

Afternoon: Visit the whimsical Trolls at Rendezvous Park and capture fun photos with the iconic sculptures.

Evening: Return to camp for a relaxed dinner and stargazing by the campfire.

Day 3: August 20 – Jenny Lake & Hidden Falls

Morning: Hike the scenic Jenny Lake loop, enjoying stunning alpine views.

Afternoon: Continue to the hidden Hidden Falls, a short trek from the lake with a stunning waterfall reveal.

Evening: Picnic by the lake, then return to the campsite for a quiet evening.

Day 4: August 21 – Yellowstone Highlights

Morning: Drive into Yellowstone to see the iconic Morning Glory Pool and the erupting Old Faithful geyser.

Afternoon: Explore the vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring and admire the majestic Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Evening: Spot wildlife in Cascade Canyon before heading back to the campsite for dinner.

Day 5: August 22 – Checkout, Travel to South Dakota, Camp Arrival

Morning: Pack up at the campground and enjoy a quick swim and cliff jump at Phelps Lake (or a leisurely swim at Delta Lake).

Afternoon: Depart the Grand Tetons, drive across Wyoming and into South Dakota, arriving at Custer Crazy Horse Campground by evening.

Evening: Set up camp, have a quick dinner, and plan the next day's itinerary.

Day 6: August 22 – Arrival & Camp Setup (South Dakota)

Morning: Rest and relax after the drive, set up camp at Custer Crazy Horse Campground.

Afternoon: Short exploration of the surrounding area, enjoying the prairie scenery.

Evening: Campfire dinner and early rest for tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 7: August 23 – Devils Tower & Badlands

Morning: Drive to Devils Tower for a quick hike and photo session at the iconic monolith.

Afternoon: Continue to the Badlands for breathtaking geological formations and a scenic drive.

Evening: Return to the campground, enjoy stargazing on the expansive prairie.

Day 8: August 24 – Mount Rushmore & Custer State Park

Morning: Visit the iconic Mount Rushmore and explore the surrounding park.

Afternoon: Explore Custer State Park with a drive through Needles Highway and a visit to Sylvan Lake for a relaxing lakeside walk.

Evening: Return to camp for a relaxing evening.

Day 9: August 25 – Elk Peak Hike & Scenic Drives

Morning: Hike to Elk Peak for panoramic views of the Black Hills.

Afternoon: Drive the scenic Needles Highway again to appreciate its towering granite spires.

Evening: Celebrate the final night with a celebratory dinner at camp.

Day 10: August 26 – Departure Home

Morning: Pack up camp, check out, and begin the drive home.

Afternoon: Stop for a quick lunch along the route.

Evening: Arrive home with wonderful memories and photos.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Jackson Hole – 2 hrs – $0 (free to explore)
• Snow King Mountain (mountain coaster) – 2 hrs – $25
• Rendezvous Park Trolls – 1 hr – $0
• Jenny Lake & Hidden Falls – 3 hrs – $0 (parking $10)
• Phelps/Delta Lake swimming – 2 hrs – $0
• Morning Glory Pool – 1 hr – $0
• Old Faithful – 1 hr – $0
• Grand Prismatic Spring – 1 hr – $0
• Grand Canyon of Yellowstone – 2 hrs – $0
• Cascade Canyon wildlife – 2 hrs – $0
• Devils Tower – 2 hrs – $30 (park fee)
• Badlands – 3 hrs – $25 (park fee)
• Mount Rushmore – 2 hrs – $30 (park fee)
• Custer State Park (driving) – 3 hrs – $25 (park fee)
• Sylvan Lake – 1 hr – $0
• Needles Highway – 2 hrs – $0
• Elk Peak hike – 4 hrs – $0
• Campgrounds (Grand Tetons 4 nights) – 4 nights – $240
• Campground (Custer 3 nights) – 3 nights – $180
• Overall Estimated Cost – $808

Tips

If you’d like a shorter trip, skip the Phelps/Delta Lake swim and the Badlands segment, saving a day and reducing costs. For an extended vacation (up to August 28), consider adding a full day at Yellowstone to explore the Lamar Valley for more wildlife, or spend an extra day hiking additional trails in the Black Hills, such as the Iron Mountain trail, and enjoy an extra night at the campsite for a more relaxed pace.