St. Louis to the Northern Plains RV Adventure

Day 1: Departure & Arrival at Badlands

Morning: Depart St. Louis early and head west on I‑70, stopping in Kansas City for coffee and a quick stroll along the River Market. The RV runs smoothly and the first leg is about 250 miles.

Afternoon: Continue the journey across Missouri and into Kansas, crossing the Flint Hills and enjoying expansive prairie views. Lunch is best at a family‑run diner in Hays, KS.

Evening: Arrive at the Badlands National Park entrance near Interior, SD. Set up camp at the Cedar Pass Campground and watch a spectacular sunset over the layered rock formations.

Day 2: Exploring Badlands

Morning: Drive the Badlands Loop Road, stopping at the Door Trail and Big Badlands Overlook for short hikes and photo ops.

Afternoon: Visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to learn about the park’s geology and wildlife, then explore the Fossil Exhibit Trail for a glimpse into ancient ecosystems.

Evening: Return to camp, enjoy a campfire dinner, and stargaze on the dark-sky plains.

Day 3: Badlands to Mount Rushmore

Morning: Take a leisurely sunrise walk on the Window Trail, then pack up the RV for the short drive to the Black Hills.

Afternoon: Arrive at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Walk the Presidential Trail to view the iconic faces up close and visit the sculptor’s studio.

Evening: Set up camp at the nearby Mount Rushmore KOA, enjoy a ranger‑led evening program, and watch the lighting ceremony (seasonal).

Day 4: Mount Rushmore & Wind Cave

Morning: Revisit Mount Rushmore for any missed viewpoints, then head to the historic Old Faithful Townsite for a quick breakfast.

Afternoon: Drive to Wind Cave National Park. Take the guided tour of the unique boxwork formations and hike the Nature Trail to see prairie dog towns.

Evening: Camp at the Wind Cave Campground and enjoy a peaceful night surrounded by pine forest.

Day 5: Wind Cave to Scotts Bluff National Monument

Morning: Pack up and travel east across South Dakota, crossing the Missouri River at Pierre.

Afternoon: Arrive at Scotts Bluff National Monument in Nebraska. Hike the Summit Trail for sweeping views of the Oregon Trail landmarks.

Evening: Stay at the Scotts Bluff KOA just outside Gering, where you can enjoy a quiet dinner and local sunset.

Day 6: Scotts Bluff to Fergus Falls

Morning: Depart early and drive north through the rolling hills of western Nebraska into South Dakota, then into Minnesota.

Afternoon: Reach Fergus Falls, MN. Explore the scenic Lake Alice waterfront, walk the historic downtown, and visit the Otter Tail County Historical Society.

Evening: Set up camp at the Fergus Falls KOA, enjoy a lakeside barbecue and a calm evening by the water.

Day 7: Fergus Falls to Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Morning: Early departure heading west across North Dakota’s vast prairie, stopping briefly at the historic town of Medora for coffee.

Afternoon: Explore the Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit). Drive the Scenic Loop Road, watch bison herd near the Little Missouri River, and hike the Wind Canyon Trail.

Evening: Camp at the Rough Rider Campground inside the park, enjoy ranger talks, and soak in the wide-open night sky.

Day 8: Theodore Roosevelt NP to Chippewa Moraine State Park & Return

Morning: Briefly visit the Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Unit) for a sunrise drive and wildlife spotting.

Afternoon: Begin the long drive southeast toward Wisconsin, arriving at Chippewa Moraine State Park. Walk the Ice Age Trail segment that showcases glacial erratics and kettle lakes.

Evening: Camp at the Chippewa Moraine Campground. Reflect on the journey with a campfire, then prepare for the return leg to St. Louis the following day.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Badlands National Park – 6 hours – $30 (vehicle entrance fee)
• Mount Rushmore National Memorial – 3 hours – $10 (vehicle fee)
• Wind Cave National Park – 4 hours – $25 (vehicle fee)
• Scotts Bluff National Monument – 3 hours – $10 (vehicle fee)
• Fergus Falls (Lake Alice) – 2 hours – $0 (free)
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park – 8 hours – $20 (vehicle fee)
• Chippewa Moraine State Park – 3 hours – $10 (vehicle fee)
• Total Estimated Cost: $105

Tips

If you have extra time, add a full day at the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park to explore the dramatic Badlands Loop and historic Maah Daah Hey Trail. To shorten the trip, consider skipping the drive to Chippewa Moraine and heading straight back to St. Louis after Day 7, saving roughly 10 hours of travel. Always check campsite reservations ahead of time, especially in peak summer months, and pack extra propane and water for the longer stretches between services.