All 50 States Visited After an Epic Camping Adventure in the Dakotas National Parks and Monuments (2 of 2)

Day 10 - On our way to Wyoming, we passed through Rapid City, South Dakota, to check out the Bronze status of the US Presidents. Then, we drove through the famous town of Deadwood (now famous for their casinos) and stopped at Lead to see the world’s largest mining hole (now famous for scientific research). After that, we drove through the Cheyenne Crossing to Spearfish Canyon, listening to our GuideAlong tour. We took a 2-mile round trip easy hike on the Roughlock Falls Trail, stopped to see Bridal Veil Falls, and then headed to our final destination of the day - Devils Tower National Monument. We hiked the 2.8-mile moderate Red Beds Trail around the monument. That evening, we camped at the Devils Tower/Black Hills KOA, which had amazing views and a nightly showing of Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Day 11 - up early and off to North Dakota (my last of the 50 states to visit). We first stopped by our campsite in Medora, then took a short stroll into town. After that, we drove the short, winding, and hilly drive to our Pitchfork steak dinner, followed by the Medora Musical. Both were incredible and highly recommended.

Day 12 - After a crazy thunderstorm in the evening, we headed to the Medora stables for our horseback ride. But the rain made the trails too muddy, delaying us until the afternoon. So, we went to Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP) in the morning. We were so lucky to get there in time for an incredible off-trail hike with Ranger Kate. We saw a bunch of bison, beautiful flowers and some cool artifacts. Then, we took a GuideAlong tour to explore the rest of the TRNP-South Unit. That afternoon, we went back to the stables for a fantastic horseback ride. And that evening, after taking a quick shower at camp, we walked into town to grab a drink and pizza at UnCorked Medora. It was an incredible and amazing day! Just remember to keep an eye on the time change back and forth depending on where you are in the National Park.

Day 13 - We drove north, stopping at the Painted Canyon Welcome Center and then the TRNP - North Unit. We checked into the visitor center and then headed to our first-come, first-served campsite at Juniper Campground (highly recommended) in the park. After that, we hit the Scenic loop in our van and hiked the Caprock Coulee Trail - a 4.2-mile trail that took us through forests, grasslands, and over boulders. It was probably our most intense hike yet, with unique terrain in the scorching heat. But it was an epic experience!

Days 14 to 18 - Our road trip back home, with stops in Barnesville, Minnesota; Black River Falls, Wisconsin; the 10-56 Brewing Company in Knox, Indiana; and Lake Milton, Ohio. Nothing too thrilling about these places, except for the Brewing Company - it was incredible and a must-visit if you ever find ourselves in the area!

5 tips for a South and North Dakota National Park trip:

1. Camp if you can. Everything is closer if you can camp.

2. Medora, ND was a highlight! The pitchfork steak and UnCorked pizzas were amazing! And the Medora Musical is a must-see.

3. The Badlands National Park was the most awe-inspiring, but we also enjoyed WindCave and Theodore Roosevelt National Parks.

4. When you’re in the National Parks, be sure to check out any ranger-guided programs. Most are free and super fun and educational.

5. Lastly, the GuideAlong road tours are highly recommended in the National Parks.