Day 5

After leaving Lake Vermillion we headed to the Badlands and set up our tent at a KOA campgrounds. Within the National Park there was a free campground but seeing as there was no running water and it also happened to be our first camping experience while on the road, we decided to go with something that offered a few amenities. Timing still not on our side, we got to the site after dark and had to set the tent up by lantern light. 

The overnight low was 40 F and it felt it. After reading the reviews I decided to get a Noblecamper dog sleeping bag. Based on Werner’s weight the large seemed appropriate, but I think a medium would have worked better – it probably would have been a more snug. For Goose, we brought and extra sleeping bag. We had the boys tucked in and figured they were good, but since they tend to move in their sleep each knocked the blankets off and we woke in the middle of the night to them shivering. After getting them warmed up, we all went back to sleep and slept until 6am. All in all it wasn’t a bad first night in the tent. 

We started day 5 driving through the Badlands National Park. Because dogs aren’t allowed in the back country at National Parks, we weren’t able to go on any of the hiking trails. So we spent a couple hours driving around, hoping in and out when we saw something we wanted to get a better look at or take pictures of. Neither of us had heard of the Badlands prior to a couple months ago and had no expectations, but were pleasantly surprised by what we saw.

From there it was onto the Black Hills. We reserved a tent location in Custer State Park and had time to go for a hike and drive into Custer before pitching our tent for the night. 

Custer State Park – Lovers Leap Trail

Day 6 

After breaking down the tent and packing up it was time for a shower. My first in 3 days and I took advantage of it. Ben sat in the car with the boys while I went to take mine. Apparently I was in there a while because Ben the first thing Ben said when I got back to the car was, “WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?! You’ve been gone 30 minutes!” The showers are on a timer and after Ben finished his he asked how many times I had to restart mine. I think it was close to 10. His took 2. Oops! Sorry, not sorry! 

Anyway, from there we headed to our hike for the day, which was also in Custer State Park, but crosses into Black Elk Wilderness. 

Harney Peak Trails

The Park was re-tarring one of the parking lots we walked through. The little one walked right through a puddle of tar. We still aren’t sure how we’re going to remove it. I think cutting it out or shaving that fur are high up on the list of options. I’m open to suggestions 

On to Mount Rushmore. We were a bit disappointed. Having purchased the National Parks Pass, we expected free entry. Not the case. Still have to pay for parking. 

Mount Rushmore 

I spent the weeks leading up to the trip making a sleeping platform with my dad and was determined to put my handywork to use. So, en route to our next stop, Bozeman, MT, and in an effort to save money, we decided to sleep in the Walmart parking lot in Sheridan, WY. Sleeping in your car/truck/RV in Walmart parking lots is a well known, real thing. I didn’t know what we were getting into but I set the bar very low. Ben set his expectations at no sleep. I slept horribly. Ben said he was pleasantly surprised. But I suppose when you expect zero hours of sleep, any hours is a win. Goose slept great, no surprise. Werner slept in the driver seat and I think got some rest. I was able to use an eye mask for most of the night (thank you, Delta), but still woke up throughout the night. 

Our neighbors included multiple RVers and truckers. I hope nobody watched as I tried to put the platform together. It was a hot mess. Ben stood holding the dogs, while I unloaded half our belongings into the parking lot in order to put the platform up. Oye! 

Although, our experience wasn’t great, I would totally recommend taking advantage of this! Two humans, plus two dogs was rough. Our sleeping quarters were pretty tight and the parking lot lights do not shut off. But you can’t beat free and it was indeed free.