Inland NW Airstream ClubPhoto by Matan Levanon on Unsplash
From the rugged Badlands of North Dakota to the towering peaks of Yellowstone and the volcanic landscapes of Idaho, Slow Roll from Minot is a journey through the American West's most unforgettable destinations. Explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park, spend several days discovering the legendary Black Hills—including Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, and the Badlands—before continuing to Devils Tower, Yellowstone National Park, and Craters of the Moon National Monument. Along the way you'll enjoy scenic byways, historic towns, western museums, wildlife viewing, and comfortable, highly rated RV parks before arriving at the Carve Montana Rally. Designed with relaxed driving days and extended stays, this itinerary lets you experience the West instead of simply driving through it.
Open 9 to 5 dailly; looks like has good RV parking ; $10 per adult fee - gets you into Fort Mandan too; https://www.history.nd.gov/historicsites/lcic/
This is the primary Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in North Dakota, located approximately 38 miles north of Bismarck and about 40 miles from Douglas. It features a museum, exhibits on the Corps of Discovery, and is adjacent to the reconstructed Fort Mandan.
Open 9 to 5 daily; parking questionable - needs further research
Visitors can step back in time at the reconstructed Fort Mandan, a fully furnished, full-size replica of the fort in which the Lewis and Clark Expedition overwintered in 1804-1805. Their time here was characterized by the hospitality of the Mandan and Hidatsa peoples. In fact, this is where they met and built friendships with such important figures as Sacagawea, Toussaint Charbonneau and Sheheke-Shote.
Website says RV parking available on site. Open 9 to 5; FREE
Alternative to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. It is a pet friendly park. Pets allowed on trails.
Explore the museum and learn about the history and culture of the Hidatsa people. The exhibits feature artifacts recovered from the village sites as well as decorative arts of Northern Plains Indians. Includes a full scale reconstructed Earthlodge, Hidatsa garden, and village sites.
Open: 11-2 and 5-9 - will need an alternate if make the stops at prior historic attractions
Potential quick stop on way to Medora; Open Daily 9 to 4:30; Standard NP fee structure
Pets not allowed on trails within park; The sidewalk at the Painted Canyon Visitor Center is a good place to walk dogs.
RV Parking available
Located 7 miles east of Medora on Interstate 94, this visitor center provides the first dramatic glimpse of the Badlands with an accessible overlook, gift shop, and educational exhibits about the park's geology.
Booking Site: https://medora.com/medoracampground/
50 amp FHU - specific sites not provided in advance
Dog Walking and Biking Options
google.comThe Maah Daah Hey Trail (MDHT) is a 150 mile long path open to horseback riders, hikers, mountain bikers, and PETS! (Pets and bikes are not permitted on sections of the MDHT that lie within the national park.) You and your dog can hike south on the MDHT where the bike path ends, west of Medora, or pick up the trail from one of many other trailheads.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park - South Unit at Theodore Roosevelt National Park - South Unit
201 E River Rd, Medora, ND 58645, USA0.4 mi from stop · ~1m drive
Recommend self driving tour in early morning for potential animal viewing and cooler weather. The South Unit is the largest section of the park, located directly adjacent to Interstate 94 in Medora, offering scenic drives, abundant wildlife viewing including bison and wild horses, and a visitor center with a museum.
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library at Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Tickets
3410 Chateau Rd, Medora, ND 58645, USAtrlibrary.com0.9 mi from stop · ~3m drive
https://www.trlibrary.com/tickets
Access to this new museum is timed entry via advance ticket purchase; $23-$26 per adult. Since new museum, unknown if day of tickets will be available so if you're heart is set on seeing this, you should purchase advance tickets.
This is the official ticketing page for visiting the library, with dates and reservation details.
Medora Musical at Medora Musical
3422 Chateau Rd, Medora, ND 58645, USA0.8 mi from stop · ~2m drive
Pricing varies. The Burning Hills Amphitheatre is 1.5 miles from the Campground and less than a half mile from the Presidential Library. Its a live outdoor country-western musical revue in Medora that runs in summer at the Burning Hills Amphitheatre. Tickets purchased individually in advance.
RV Site Check-in is Noon and Check-out is 11 am. It offers RV sites, tenting, showers, fishing, a boat ramp, and dock access right along the lake shore.
This serves as our base camp for 3 full days in the Black Hills area. Before traveling into Black Hills, visit www.us-385.com for detailed construction timelines and information.
Rapid City Visitor Center
visitrapidcity.comIf you want to stay closer to campground, here's a link that provides ideas for what to find in Rapid City
1880 Train - Hill City Depot at 1880 Train - Hill City Depot
222 Railroad Ave, Hill City, SD 57745, USA1880train.com16 mi from stop · ~36m drive
The World's Oldest Continuously Operated Standard-Gauge Excursion Train in the World offers a scenic round trip between Hill City and Keystone. Trains complete the round-trip in roughly 2-1/2 hours. Choosing an immediate return train will not offer enough time to explore town, so delay return by choosing a later return train. Approximately 40 minutes from campground southwest. Recommended advance ticket purchase.
Crazy Horse Memorial at Crazy Horse Memorial
Crazy Horse, SD 57730, USAcrazyhorsememorial.org22 mi from stop · ~50m drive
This is the large mountain carving honoring Crazy Horse in the Black Hills, and it is one of the closest major attractions to Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park.
Open Daily 8 -8p.m.; Museum closes earlier; Optional Bus to Base tours start at 4:30 pm
Mount Rushmore National Memorial at Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Keystone, SD 57751, USAnps.gov15 mi from stop · ~33m drive
A major Black Hills landmark and one of the most iconic stops in the area. Free entrance; $10 per car parking fee; visitor center; no pets
Want to avoid the crowds? Visit before 9:00 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. For evening lighting program, arrive by 7:30 p.m.
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site at Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
24545 CottonWood Rd, Philip, SD 57567, USAnps.gov71 mi from stop · ~2h 3m drive
No Reservations required for Visitor Center. Advance Tickets required for a Ranger guided tour of Launch Control Facility Delta-01. Reserve 30 days in advance - limited to 6 pp per time slot. Space sells out.
This Cold War historic site preserves missile-era facilities including a launch control center and silo. Combine with Day trip to Badlands.
Badlands National Park at Badlands National Park
South Dakota, USA50 mi from stop · ~1h 26m drive
This is the main Badlands destination near Custer and is the region’s signature landscape of eroded buttes, pinnacles, prairie, and fossil-rich terrain. It also serves as the gateway for nearby Minuteman Missile National Historic Site access.
ATV Rental for Custer State Park Scenic Drives
blackhillswildernessedge.comOptional way to tour the three iconic scenic highways. Advance Reservations being coordinated.
Custer State Park Scenic Drives at Needles Highway
SD-87, South Dakota 57730, USAgfp.sd.gov25 mi from stop · ~43m drive
Custer State Park has three iconic drives: Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road and Wildlife Loop Road - Needles has narrow tunnels, granite spires, and dramatic Black Hills scenery; Iron Mountain goes through a series of twists and turns that showcase pigtail bridges, magnificent Black Hills scenery, and tunnels that frame the national monument. On the Wildlife Loop Road keep eyes peeled for bison, pronghorn, whitetail and mule deer, elk, coyotes, burros, prairie dogs, and more!
Custer State Park Wildlife Loop and Bison Center at Wildlife Loop Road
Wildlife Loop Rd, East Custer, SD, USAgfp.sd.gov27 mi from stop · ~47m drive
A popular scenic drive inside Custer State Park for spotting bison and other wildlife, making it a strong match for visitors combining the park with the Black Hills highlights.
Wind Cave National Park at Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center, 26611 US-385, Hot Springs, SD 57747, USAnps.gov36 mi from stop · ~1h 2m drive
Advance Ticket Purchases Strongly Recommended for those who want to make sure they see these. Timed Entries. This national park is near Custer and is known for its cave system, boxwork formations, and prairie wildlife, making it a major Black Hills-area stop. Approximately 1.5 hours driving from campground Open daily 8 a.m - 6 p.m.
Historic Downtown Deadwood at Historic Downtown Deadwood
480-484 Lower Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732, USA31 mi from stop · ~53m drive
Worth building into your itinerary if you haven't been there before. Mostly paid parking then walkable. Narrow streets.
Devils Tower is the iconic 867-foot rock formation located approximately 15 miles northeast of Alva, Wyoming. Parking is limited: You may park in the visitor center lot very limited spaces or in the long vehicle parking lot near the picnic area. Long vehiclle parking is limited at the visitor center lot. Pets are NOT permitted on any park trails or in park buildings. Standard National Park fees.
Buffalo KOA Journey, KOA's 2026 Rising Star, is a premier campground located along the banks of Clear and French Creeks, with Bighorn Mountain views, offering guests a perfect historic mountain-town escape. This family-owned RV park has spotless facilities, a peaceful setting, and warm, friendly staff that deliver a true Western welcome, prompting guests to extend their stay or to return.
Bombshells American Cantina 🦩🍹🍷 at Bombshells American Cantina
58 N Side Creek, Buffalo, WY 82834, USA0.9 mi from stop · ~3m drive
This veteran-owned WWII-themed cocktail bar and restaurant is located at 58 North Side Creek in downtown Buffalo, Wyoming, offering a unique nostalgic experience with historical memorabilia and a patriotic atmosphere.
Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum at Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum
100 Fort St, Buffalo, WY 82834, USA1 mi from stop · ~3m drive
This downtown museum is one of Buffalo’s signature attractions and is known for its extensive Old West collection. It is a strong fit for visitors looking for local history and culture.
Clear Creek Trail System at Clear Creek Trail System
8831 US-16, Buffalo, WY 82834, USA4.5 mi from stop · ~10m drive
This is Buffalo’s main local trail network, with more than 20 miles of interconnected trails linking downtown Buffalo to the foothills of the Bighorns. It includes natural-surface and bike-friendly segments such as the William J. Mentock Trail and Joe’s Trail.
Situated on a bluff overlooking Cody, we offer huge pull-thru sites, free WiFi, full hook-ups, 50 amp power, online bookings, new shower suites, friendly western hospitality and clean grounds. Welcome to Buffalo Bluff RV Park!
🍽️ Potluck Grill 🌭🍔
Please plan to attend this coordination dinner for the Yellowstone Park drive through plans.
Welcome to Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey, the perfect camping destination for those seeking an unforgettable outdoor adventure near the west entrance of the majestic Yellowstone National Park. This campground offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Whether you are looking to hike, fish or relax in the great outdoors, the campground has something for everyone.
Yellowstone National Park
nps.govStandard NP Fee structure - no timed entries. Entering through East Entrance and travelers should stay on the southern loop either going down and around OR up and around to West Yellowstone depending on preferences. Expect busy narrow roads and limited parking. Recommend entering early to get through. Can use Sept 6 for more park touring w/o trailer if desired.
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center at Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
201 S Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, USA7.9 mi from stop · ~18m drive
This is one of the best-known attractions in town and is specifically recommended for wildlife viewing, including grizzly bears, wolves, and birds of prey. It is also open year-round, making it a reliable nearby activity.
Museum of the Yellowstone at Museum of the Yellowstone
104 Yellowstone Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, USA7.7 mi from stop · ~17m drive
This museum highlights the history of West Yellowstone and the surrounding park gateway area, making it a good choice for a short indoor visit nearby. It is listed among the town’s main attractions.
Gallatin National Forest and KOA Amenities
koa.comIf Yellowstone isn't top of your list, use the day to explore the Gallatin National Forest - trails, horseback riding, rafting, fishing...or just relax along the river nearby the KOA.
Visitor Center Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve at Visitor Center at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
1266 Craters Loop Road, Arco, ID 83213, USA17 mi from stop · ~38m drive
The visitor center is the best starting point for exploring the monument near Arco, including cave permits, maps, and trail information. It is part of the monument’s main access area on Craters Loop Road.
Pickle's Place at Pickle's Place
440 S Front St, Arco, ID 83213, USA0.6 mi from stop · ~2m drive
Lovely park with large parking area and places for pups to run. Located at the Sacajawea Interpretative, Cultural, & Educational Center in Salmon, Idaho, about 45 miles from Leadore.
This is a real truck-stop-style fuel and convenience stop in Salmon and is described as the town’s largest truck stop, with truck fueling and a deli. It is the best direct match for a truck stop near Salmon.
This is a real truck-stop/travel-plaza option in the Bitterroot Valley, north of Darby, and fits a near-Darby truck stop search. Town Pump lists its travel plazas as truck stops with amenities for drivers.
It is located at 9955 Highway 12 West in Lolo and offers RV and tent camping along Lolo Creek. Relax, Recharge, and Feel at Home
Enjoy a quiet and comfortable stay where nature meets convenience. With thoughtful amenities and a welcoming atmosphere, Yellow Rock Campground is designed to help you slow down and fully enjoy your surrounding
Lolo Peak Brewing Company at Lolo Peak Brewing Company
6201 Brewery Wy, Lolo, MT 59847, USA2.8 mi from stop · ~9m drive
Let's gather for a last meal with any of those who aren't traveling onto Carve Montana/Troy. This is a local brewery in town offering a selection of food as well.
This is a full-service truck stop and travel center in western Montana, and it is one of the closest major truck-stop options for travelers coming from the Charlo area via US-93 or I-90. It is a practical fuel-and-amenities stop for RV and truck travel.
Carve Montana Rally
Rally Planning members register, track costs, and plan the drive together.