Adventure through Wyoming & South Dakota – August 18‑27, 2025

Day 1: August 18 – Arrival at Devils Tower/Black Hills KOA

Morning: Depart Deerwood, MN early and drive through the scenic plains of Minnesota and South Dakota, stopping for fuel and snacks. Devils Tower National Monument looms on the horizon as you approach the campsite.

Afternoon: Arrive at the Black Hills KOA Journey Campground and set up your tent or RV, making sure to register at the ranger station. Take a short walk around the campground to stretch your legs.

Evening: Relax by the fire pit, enjoy a sunset view of Devils Tower silhouetted against the horizon, and enjoy a simple campsite dinner.

Day 2: August 19 – Travel to Flagg Ranch

Morning: Pack up the campsite, break camp, and head north along U.S. 20 toward the Jackson Hole valley. The drive offers breathtaking views of the Teton Range.

Afternoon: Check‑in at Headwaters Campground, Flagg Ranch and settle into your site. Take a quick dip in the nearby river to cool off.

Evening: Enjoy a campfire dinner and stroll around the Rendezvous Park to see the famous trolls, then retire early for an exciting day ahead.

Day 3: August 20 – Jenny Lake & Hidden Falls

Morning: Hike the Jenny Lake trail and follow it to the enchanting Hidden Falls, a perfect spot for a photo break. The trail is well‑marked and takes about 3‑4 hours round‑trip.

Afternoon: After lunch, head to Phelps Lake for a refreshing swim and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a cliff jump off the designated ledge.

Evening: Return to the campground for a hearty dinner; the evening sky over the Tetons offers spectacular stargazing.

Day 4: August 21 – Cascade Canyon & Delta Lake

Morning: Venture into Cascade Canyon, following the creek through towering cliffs and alpine meadows. Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially bighorn sheep.

Afternoon: Drive a short distance to Delta Lake, where you can both swim in the turquoise waters and hike the gentle trail that loops around the lake.

Evening: Head back to town and ride the thrilling mountain coaster at Snow King Mountain for a thrilling sunset descent.

Day 5: August 22 – Yellowstone Highlights

Morning: Enter Yellowstone National Park; start at Morning Glory (Morning Glory Pool) for its vivid colors. Continue to Old Faithful to watch the iconic geyser erupt.

Afternoon: Walk the boardwalk to see the vivid hues of Grand Prismatic Springs. Then drive toward the canyon to admire the dramatic cliffs of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Evening: Return to Flagg Ranch; share stories over dinner and enjoy the quiet of the ranch.

Day 6: August 23 – Free Day & Rendezvous Park

Morning: Sleep in and enjoy a relaxed breakfast. If you wish, revisit Rendezvous Park to see the trolls and local artisans.

Afternoon: Optional short hike near the campground or a leisurely stroll through the charming town of Jackson Hole for shopping and coffee.

Evening: End the day with a sunset hike or a gentle evening walk around the ranch before packing for the next leg.

Day 7: August 24 – Travel to Custer State Park

Morning: Check out of Flagg Ranch and drive east across Wyoming into South Dakota.

Afternoon: Arrive at Stockade North Campground in Custer State Park, set up camp, and take a short stroll to stretch.

Evening: Enjoy a campfire dinner under the stars and preview tomorrow’s scenic drive on the Needles Highway.

Day 8: August 25 – Custer State Park Adventures

Morning: Explore Custer State Park with a wildlife drive through the famed Wildlife Loop for elk, bison, and antelope sightings.

Afternoon: Hike Elk Peak for panoramic views; the hike is moderate and offers rewarding panoramas of the Black Hills.

Evening: Return to camp; enjoy a quiet evening at the fire and soak in the serenity of the park.

Day 9: August 26 – Needles Highway, Badlands & Mount Rushmore

Morning: Drive the iconic Needles Highway, stopping at spectacular viewpoints such as the Needle's Eye and Iron Mountain.

Afternoon: Venture into the Badlands (Badlands National Park) for a brief hike among dramatic rock formations and prairie grass.

Evening: Head to Mount Rushmore for an evening lighting ceremony (if schedule aligns) or a sunset view of the monument.

Day 10: August 27 – Departure

Morning: Break camp, pack up, and enjoy a final breakfast in the park.

Afternoon: Begin the drive home, stopping along the way for any last scenic views.

Evening: Arrive home with wonderful memories of the Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone, and the Badlands.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Devils Tower National Monument – 2 hours – $25 (park entry)
• Headwaters Campground (Flagg Ranch) – 5 nights – $150
• Jenny Lake & Hidden Falls – 4 hours – Free (parking $10)
• Phelps Lake (swim & cliff jump) – 2 hours – Free
• Delta Lake – 2 hours – Free
• Snow King Mountain coaster – 1.5 hours – $15
• Yellowstone Park (Morning Glory, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Grand Canyon) – 6 hours – $35 (park entry)
• Rendezvous Park trolls – 1 hour – Free
• Custer State Park (Wildlife Loop) – 3 hours – $30 (park entry)
• Elk Peak hike – 3 hours – Free
• Stockade North Campground – 3 nights – $120
• Needles Highway drive – 2 hours – Free (fuel)
• Badlands National Park – 2 hours – $20
• Mount Rushmore – 1.5 hours – $20
• Food, fuel, and incidentals (estimated) – 5 days – $300
Total Estimated Cost: $815

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra night at Flagg Ranch for a day trip to Grand Teton National Park or a guided wildlife tour. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the afternoon swim at Phelps Lake and combine the Badlands and Needles Highway drives into a single day. Both options allow flexibility while keeping the core experiences intact.