Morning: Pick up your RV in Rapid City and stock up on supplies before heading east. The drive to Badlands National Park takes about 1.5 hours, offering scenic prairie views.
Afternoon: Cruise the Badlands Loop Road, stopping at the Pinnacles and the Fossil Exhibit Trail. Take short hikes to the Notch, a perfect spot for photo ops.
Evening: Set up camp at the Badlands/White River Campground, enjoy a sunset over the eroded cliffs, and prepare a campfire dinner.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart Badlands and drive 45 minutes to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Walk the Presidential Trail for close‑up views of the iconic faces.
Afternoon: Visit the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center for a short history film, then head to Keystone for a quick lunch and the Rushmore Mountain Coaster.
Evening: Return to the Badlands campground or stay at the Keystone KOA for a comfortable night under the stars.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to historic Deadwood (≈30 min). Stroll Main Street, see the Mount Moriah Cemetery, and explore the Deadwood Museum.
Afternoon: Continue to Lead to tour the Homestake Gold Mine underground. The guided tour provides a glimpse into 19th‑century mining life.
Evening: Return to the Badlands area or camp at Custer State Park’s Willow Creek Campground for a quieter night.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore Custer State Park via the Wildlife Loop Road; watch herds of bison and spot pronghorn antelope.
Afternoon: Hike the Needles Highway for dramatic granite spires, then begin the 6‑hour drive south to Yellowstone’s South Entrance, arriving late afternoon.
Evening: Set up camp at Grant Village Campground and enjoy a quiet night near the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to the Old Faithful Geyser and catch a eruption, then wander the surrounding Upper Geyser Basin.
Afternoon: Visit the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin and walk the boardwalk for close views.
Evening: Return to Grant Village, relax by the lake, and enjoy a starlit dinner at the campground.
Find HotelsMorning: Head to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, stopping at Artist Point for sweeping vistas of the canyon and Lower Falls.
Afternoon: Explore the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces and stroll the historic Fort Yellowstone area.
Evening: Camp at Mammoth Campground**,** offering easy access to the next day’s drives.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart Yellowstone via the scenic John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway and enter Grand Teton National Park.
Afternoon: Arrive in Jackson Hole, explore the charming town square and perhaps ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram for panoramic views.
Evening: Set up camp at Colter Bay Campground and enjoy a sunset over Jackson Lake.
Find HotelsMorning: Take the Jenny Lake Loop, rent a canoe or hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point for iconic mountain scenery.
Afternoon: Drive the Signal Mountain Summit Road for a sweeping view of the Tetons and Snake River Valley.
Evening: Return to the campground, share stories around the fire, and prepare for the long drive north.
Find HotelsMorning: Begin the 7‑hour journey north on US‑89, crossing into Montana. Stop briefly at Great Falls for fuel and a quick stretch.
Afternoon: Continue through the scenic Lewis and Clark National Forest, spotting wildlife and alpine meadows.
Evening: Arrive at Apgar Campground near West Glacier, set up your RV, and enjoy a tranquil night by Lake McDonald.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive the famed Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road, stopping at the Logan Pass Visitor Center and taking a short hike to Hidden Lake.
Afternoon: Continue westward, visiting the stunning St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls before descending to the Lake McDonald area.
Evening: Relax at the campground, soak in the mountain air, and reflect on the journey before heading home.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, consider adding a day in the Black Hills to hike the Sylvan Lake Trail or extend your stay in Glacier to explore the Two Medicine area. To shorten the trip, skip the Deadwood/Lead gold‑rush segment and drive directly from Custer State Park to Yellowstone, saving a day while still experiencing the park’s highlights.