Expert: John - 1/2/2007

Question
Hey John!  Hope the New Year finds you well.  I was hoping to find out some good locations to stay at with our 28 foot travel trailer.  We are coming from Indiana and are going to be traveling to the Black Hills/Badlands then on to Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, Grand Tetons, etc.  I am SO confused on where would be the best location to stay at.  My girlfriend went last year and they had a pop-up so they ended up staying in Cody at a KOA which to me seems really far away.  
Then I was wondering how much you know about the Black Hills?!?!  At this point it is all overwhelming especially with all the brochures I am getting.  I don't know how many days we should stay where, etc.  The only thing that I am positive is that we want to be at Mt. Rushmore for July 4th.
HELP!!!  Thank you!  ~gretchen

Answer
Happy New Year Gretchen:

No need to be confused, you are being smart and planning far enough in advance that your trip will be great.  For starters try going to www.nps.gov (or close to that).  All the places you have listed are run by the park service and their information lacks the hype that commercial brochures have.  My experience is limited at the other sites you have listed and I don't know your expectations or experience levels.  Briefly: Badlands is a drive through park  a half day will give you a good overview, Mt. Rushmore is a bit commercialized and 3 hours should be sufficient, all-in-all South Dakota would be covered in 2.5 days.  Teton and Yellowstone should be given 5-6 days.  Most walks to features are under 3 miles round trip but are usually well worth your time.  good walking shoes, hat, sunscreen and lots of water are important.  I would recommend a book called YELLOWSTONE TREASURES by Janet Chapple (I think that is the correct spelling).  This is an extensive well researched travel book that covers the main features of Yellowstone.  As far as camping goes you need to start making reservations NOW.  On the Yellostone Park site go to reservations and then to the Xantera site (they manage reservations within the park for the Park Service).  I would recommend either Madison Junction or Norris campgrounds first.  If full look at Fishing Bridge or Grant Village.  I hope this is helpful and have a great trip.  If you have additional questions or have trouble getting to the reservation site feel free to write me and I'll help as best as I can.

John Warnock