Needles/Rushmore Camping Beta
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I'm heading out for a couple of weeks in late July. I know it might be a little hot, but it's now or never. I'm looking for camping beta. Specifically, where should I camp for climbing in the Needles and Rushmore? It looks like there are lots of NF/NP campgrounds, but which are best situated for climbers? Will I have to buy 2 passes? If you had to choose one place to visit, which would it be and why? Also looking for general beta about which walls to hit and which to avoid in the 10-and-under range. Thanks for your help! |
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mountainproject.com/v/wrink…
Free and easy, even has a bathroom. The rushmore climbing is not actually in the monument, it is on the back side (NF i believe) so we never had to buy a pass. Custer state park (My personal favorite) does require an entrance fee. Most of the very cool formations are unbolted. If thats your scene, hit the cathedral spires and be prepared for the best adventure climbing between the mississippi and the rockies. |
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Sylvan Lake is beautiful and sets up perfect for the Needles. |
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I 2nd what Dow suggested. Sylvan lake campground has showers and you can climb and boulder around the lake proper. |
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I appreciate the advice. From looking around on MP, it seems like the Needles is on the more exciting end of things (which I'm comfortable with) and there's more sport climbing on the backside of Rushmore. Any advice on guidebook purchases? Is there one book that covers both areas for the road-tripper? |
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Guidebooks are tough. I'm pretty sure that Piana's book was the last to have both areas. |