| Trail Name
|
Elk Haven Horse Camp |
|
Web Site
|
Elk Haven Horse Camp |
|
State, County, Nearest Town
|
South Dakota, Keystone |
| Terrain |
This is the Black Hills (Dances with Wolves style!) at its best. With views of Mt Rushmore right out of camp, it's the kind of place where you might as well leave your cell phone at home! Some high rocky elevations, some lovely meadows and valleys, the scenery is truly breath taking. Lots of variety, lots of wildlife.
|
| Trails |
Some steep rocky climbs, some wide logging trails through towering pines, some lovely meadows...it's all here. What I'll never forget is how so many of the trails near camp actually glittered with whatever it is that composes "fools gold." It was awesome! There were also plently of water crossings, as mountain runoff created gentle waterfalls and streams. The trail around Lake Lakota was wonderful, too. For those who like an occasional adrenalin rush, Custer State Park (and its many, many buffalo!!) is only a mile away from camp and is easily accessible.
|
| Facilities |
The facilities were wonderful for people and
horses alike. The corrals were steel and partially covered. There were nice
level campsites, as well as cabins. The campsites included electricity and
water and some had sewer connections. The showers were very clean, with
plenty of privacy and hot water. We also enjoyed the store with a small
restaurant and big inviting porch. |
| What I liked most . . |
The scenery was fantastic, with lots of variety.
Besides the abundant deer and other wildlife, it was neat to see the old
abandoned gold prospectors cabins and mining shafts, etc. (As in Black Hills
Gold) The Elk Haven proprietor, Mona, was absolutely the best! She and her
family went out of their way to see that our stay was a memorable one. It
couldn't have been any better! |
| What I liked least . . |
The only thing I didn't like was having to leave! |
| Submitted by |
Sandy Rogers |
| Date |
Date: 6/30/06
|
| Trail Name
|
Badlands National Park Sage Creek
Camp Group |
|
Web Site
|
www.nps.gov/badl/ |
|
State, County, Nearest Town
|
South Dakota, Scenic |
| Terrain |
Sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest, protected mixed grass prairie in the United States. |
| Trails |
The only trails are buffalo trails! It's wide open. |
| Facilities |
Free. First come, first served only. No water, pit toilets, picnic tables, hitching post (accomodates about 3 horses) and 2 posts for picket line. No fires.
|
| What I liked most . . |
Very scenic, very wide open. It was neat not to have trails and to have to find your own way around deep ravines, steep cliffs, etc. The buffalo herds were neat....from a distance. It's a real adventure!
|
| What I liked least . . |
The road getting to the campground is a 12 mile stretch of gravel road. There is very little shade and it gets hot! The large buffalo herds that wander in and out of camp can be scary.
|
| Submitted by |
Sandy Rogers |
| Date |
Date: 6/30/06
|
