Sturgis, South Dakota. The name itself conjures images of chrome, leather, and the deep rumble of motorcycle engines. For a few weeks every August, this small town becomes the epicenter of the two wheeled world. But for the rest of the year, it’s a quiet, charming community nestled in the northern Black Hills, and it’s a fantastic staging ground for RV adventures. Tucked away on Avalanche Road with easy access to the interstate, Days End Campground offers a full service haven for travelers, whether you’re here for the rally or just seeking a comfortable spot to explore the region’s other treasures.
This isn’t a sprawling, corporate RV resort, nor is it a bare bones roadside stop. Days End has the feel of a classic, owner operated campground. It’s small enough to feel personal and friendly, but large enough to provide all the essential services an RVer needs for a comfortable stay. The location is strategic. Being in Sturgis puts you in a great position to explore places that are a bit further afield from the Rapid City hub, like the historic Fort Meade, the stark beauty of Bear Butte State Park, or the scenic drives that wind through the northern hills. It’s a different flavor of the Black Hills experience, one that feels a little more local and a little less crowded, outside of rally week, of course.
The core of the experience at Days End is convenience and comfort. This is a campground built for RVs, and it shows. They offer full hookups, meaning you get power, water, and sewer right at your site. For anyone who has spent time juggling tank levels and conserving battery power, pulling into a spot where you can plug in and forget about it is pure bliss. It lets you focus on the fun part of your trip, not the chores. The dump station is part of this integrated system, available for guests to use upon their departure. It’s a much more relaxed and private affair than the public dump stations you find at truck stops.
The amenities here are practical and well suited for road weary travelers. They have an on site bathhouse with showers and a laundry facility. After a long day of hiking at Bear Butte or exploring the streets of Deadwood, having a place to wash off the dust and run a load of clothes is invaluable. These are the little things that separate a good campground from a great one. They also provide standard facilities like restrooms and trash disposal, keeping the grounds clean and tidy. And for those traveling with pets, you’ll be happy to know that your furry companions are welcome here, adding to the park’s family friendly vibe.
One of the standout features mentioned for Days End is the availability of light mechanical or RV servicing. This is a huge bonus. Things go wrong on the road, it’s an unavoidable fact of the RV lifestyle. A leaky fitting, a finicky slide, or a minor electrical issue can throw a real wrench in your plans. Having someone on site who can help you troubleshoot or perform a small repair can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a trip ending disaster. It’s a thoughtful service that shows a deep understanding of their clientele.
There are a couple of things to plan for, however. The park doesn’t offer on site fuel or propane. This is pretty standard for a campground of this size, but it means you need to be mindful of your levels. Make it a habit to fill up your truck and your propane tanks in Sturgis or a nearby town before you head back to the campground for the night. Also, while they provide the essential facilities, you’ll likely need to bring your own supplies like firewood if you’re hoping for a campfire.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. If you plan on visiting during that time, you need to book your spot at Days End months, if not a year, in advance. Every single campsite, hotel room, and spare patch of grass in a fifty mile radius gets booked solid. The prices will be at a premium, and the atmosphere will be electric and intense. If that’s what you’re looking for, this campground is a great option. If you prefer peace and quiet, I’d strongly recommend planning your trip for the shoulder season, like late spring or early fall. The weather is still beautiful, the crowds are gone, and you’ll have the Black Hills practically to yourself.
Like many private parks, the rates for Days End aren’t listed online, so you’ll have to reach out directly for pricing. When you call, think about the value you’re getting. You’re paying for the full hookups, the laundry and shower facilities, the security of a structured campground, and that incredibly helpful on site repair service. It’s a complete package designed to make your stay as smooth as possible. Be sure to ask about their dump station hours, as some smaller parks only have them open when the office is staffed.
In conclusion, Days End Campground is a solid, reliable choice for any RVer looking to explore the Sturgis area and the northern Black Hills. It blends the personal touch of a small park with the full service amenities you’d expect from a larger operation. It’s a comfortable and convenient basecamp, perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Just be strategic about when you visit and remember to fuel up before you arrive.
2501 Avalanche Rd, Sturgis, SD 57785
(605) 347-2331
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
sturgisdaysendcampground.com