Rafter J Bar Ranch Campground
Hill City, South Dakota
July, 2007
Campground Name: Rafter J Bar Ranch Campground
Campground's Website:
http://www.rafterj.com/
Address: 12325 Rafter J Road, PO Box 128, Hill City, SD 57745
Telephone: Information 605-574-2527 Reservations: 888-723-8375
Last Visited: July, 2007
Number of sites: (All “Back-In” except as noted)
Base Camp Area
Full Hook-Up, 50 AMP: 14 (12 “Pull-Thru”)
Full Hook-Up, 30 AMP: 13 (10 “Pull-Thru”)
Water & Electric: 2 (Both “Pull-Thru”)
Line Camp Area
Full Hook-Up, 50 AMP: 20 (6 “Pull-Thru”)
Water & Electric: 10
The Island
Full Hook-up, 50 AMP: 6
Full Hook-Up, 30 AMP: 11
Lower Ranch Camp Area
Full Hook-Up, 50 AMP: 12
Full Hook-Up, 30 AMP: 9
Ranch Camp Area
Full Hook-Up, 30 AMP: 28 (2 “Pull-Thru”)
Water & Electric: 6
Tent: 6
Main Camp Area
Cabins: 10
Full Hook-Up, 50 AMP: 3
Full Hook-Up, 30 AMP: 10 (9 “Pull-Thru”)
Water & Electric: 14 (2 “Pull-Thru”)
Tent: 11 (1 “Pull-Thru”)
Cabin Camp Area
Cabins: 17
Water & Electric: 5
Big Rig accessible: Yes
Shade trees: Yes
Waterfront sites: No
Swimming Pool: Yes, heated w/hot tub
Hike/Bike Trails: 110 Mile Mickelson Hike/Bike Trail
Fishing: Yes
Boating: In Area
Clean restrooms: Yes
Clean showers: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes (normal rules apply)
Tents allowed: Yes
Fires/Grills allowed: Yes
Family type: Yes
Nightly rate $ (2007):
http://www.rafterj.com/ranch_rates.html
Rates vary a great deal depending on what you need and time of year. Rather then attempt to list them, I have chosen to give a site reference. We paid $40.95 per night for “Full Hook-Up” w/30AMPS service. A bit high but not too bad.
Overall Rating (1=poor 10=excellent): 7
Pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/1085340...7602113673063/
Pictures associated with this review may only be available at the above link for a limited time. If you find that the link is no longer active, feel free to contact me through this message board and I will do my best to e-mail the related pictures to you.
Our Trip:
Well, here we go with Day 2 of our South Dakota trip. If you’ve read Part 1 of this saga, you know where we’ve come from. If you haven’t and are interested, feel free to follow this link and it will take you to Day 1:
http://www.wildtexas.com/talk/showthread.php?t=1897
In Part 2 of our journey, I intend to cover our drive from WaKeeney, Kansas to Hill City in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Once there, we’ll take the “nickel tour” of Rafter J Bar Ranch Campground. It may give you an idea of whether or not you’d be interested in staying there. To that end, let’s hit the road.
Day 2 (Friday)
The morning was just starting to dawn as we were hooking the “5th” for an early departure from Wakeeney/Hays KOA. DW was terribly afraid that we might wake other campers but I thought that unlikely as I could see lights in nearly all the rigs around us and many already “out & about”. Seems we weren’t the only ones with plans for an early start. None the less, we took great care in keeping our departure as quite and efficient as possible. By 6AM we were again headed west on I-70, looking forward to our first sighting of the Black Hills.
We had no problems as we traveled west on I-70, stopping for breakfast at a rest area near Colby, Kansas. From there we traveled on, picking up an hour as we crossed into Mountain Time Zone just west of Brewster, Kansas. I have commented before about how I enjoy picking up that extra hour but you always end up having to give it back. The Colorado border was now just ahead with our turn north at Burlington just beyond that. The turn north onto US 385 was our undoing for the day.
When DW planned this trip, she used MapQuest in laying out our route. Well, it would seem that MapQuest gave us the shortest route and DW thought that was great. Unfortunately, it really wasn’t the best route but neither of us could have known that. The trouble started the minute we headed north. I guess US 385 is a fine road if you’re traveling locally and if your load is not very large. While pulling our “5th”, I found this road too narrow, rough and curvy. I never enjoy traveling on a road that has no shoulder and like it even less when I’m towing and/or in an area I’m not familiar with. I always feel trapped with no where to go in case of an emergency. This is what I experienced our entire time on this road through Colorado. I was hoping for a break when we hit Nebraska and I’ll admit that things improved a bit there.
After struggling the 125 miles north to Julesburg, Colorado we picked up I-76 and came back east a bit, crossing into Nebraska before intersecting I-80 for a short run west (yes, I know its confusing but that’s what we did). Just east of Sidney, Nebraska we again connected with US 385 and continued north. I will say that though 385 was nothing to brag about in Nebraska, it was an improvement over Colorado. It was at least straighter and had shoulders.
We continued north to Bridgeport where we passed over the North Platte River. There is a good bit of history connected with this body of water and I would have liked to have stopped for a few minutes. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a convenient place to park so we went on. A mile or so further on we came to what I could only describe as a “Tractor Graveyard”. There were more used tractors, tractor parts and assorted farm implements on that one lot then I believe I’ve seen anywhere short of the Ft. Worth Stock Show. I was surprised by the idea that there would be that much of a market for used tractor parts. I was then totally blown away as we proceeded out of town and past by four more lots of equal size selling the same assortment of tractor parts! I always knew farming was big business. Now I have a pretty good idea HOW big it really is!
From Bridgeport we preceded north into an area known as the prairie sand hills. I don’t know a great deal about the area except that it is dusty and hot in July. Can’t say that I enjoyed the drive much and DW and I were both relieved to find that it only went on as far as Alliance, Nebraska. This city is located in the center of the Nebraska panhandle and is known as “An Oasis in the Sandhills”. We didn’t stay long enough to discover how much of an “oasis” it was. What we saw looked nice and it was a definite improvement from what we had just driven through. Here’s a link to the city’s web sight in case you should be interested:
http://www.cityofalliance.net/id2.htm
From Alliance we pushed on north, ultimately passing through the Nebraska National Forest. We were surprised to see a large number of dead or dying pines on a ridge to the east of the highway. It is unknown if this was brought on by disease or drought but it is hoped that an answer can be found before all of the trees in the area are gone.
Shortly after passing through the Nebraska National Forest, we finally found ourselves at the South Dakota boarder. Just about the same time we got our first views of the Black Hills and I must say that I was very pleased that we were finally within sight of our goal. We continued on, passing through Hot Springs and toward two surprises that DW and held out for me. As we drove along US 385, I was suddenly startled to find myself passing over a cattle guard set in the road. Now I’m very accustomed to driving over these on rural and private roads but I don’t believe I’ve ever come across one on so major a by-way as this. No sooner had I mentioned this to DW but we passed by a sign announcing that we were entering Wind Cave National Park. If that wasn’t a nice enough surprise, we almost immediately came around a curve to find a number of buffalo grazing just to the east of the highway. Though we were already running a bit later then we would have liked, we just had to stop for a short rest and a few pictures. This was a very nice surprise but not the last to come.
We exited Wind Cave Park with plans to return and continued on, only slowing down as we traveled through the city of Custer. My mind was now on getting to Rafter J and getting set-up once we arrived. I was so preoccupied with these thoughts that I nearly missed DW’s next surprise until she brought it to my attention. To my right I found myself looking at the Crazy Horse Monument in the near distance. We had plans to visit this mountain carving but it never occurred to me that we would be passing within sight of it as we approached Hill City. I will say that I was quite impressed with my first sighting of the monument. My regard for the work declined after our visit and closer observation but that is a story for another day.
We arrived at Rafter J Bar tired and hoping for a quick registration and set up. Registration was rapid and we were shortly assigned to the Ranch Camp Area as I had requested. We were given Site #147 and I was pleased to note that the map indicated that this site was angled in such a way as to make backing in very easy. It wasn’t long before I found out that indications can be misleading.
As “on-line” information had led me to believe, Ranch Camp is at the top of a small hill, set among tall pines. There were just a couple too many of these “tall pines” in our site and they made it nearly impossible for me to back in! I’ve backed our “5th” into any number of sites, some pretty snug but this was the first time I was completely stymied. I was already tired from a long day’s drive and not being able to get into that site did nothing for my mood. After a number of false starts, I ended up having to get 2 of the park staff plus DW to help me get backed in. To top it off, once we were in, we discovered that there was no way to extend our awning due the proximity of a tree on that side of the trailer. It wasn’t long before we discovered that we really missed our awning and after a couple of days, we ended up erecting the old screen house we carry in the “basement”. After that, we were both more comfortable. We did little else that evening but have dinner, clean up and go to bed. Exploring would have to wait until the next day.
Rafter J is a large, private park situated on the west side of US 385. It is about three miles south of Hill City with easy access coming from either direction. Approaching from the north you will find an exit to your right, immediately prior to passing under the Mickelson Trail underpass. The exit is marked and easy to find. If coming from the south, there is another entrance on your left side. This entrance is not as well signed but you will find it just before State Highway 87. Either of these entrances will put you on Rafter J Bar Road and will lead you to the ranch’s office.
The park is made up of 7 camping areas, each with its own attributes. The list above names each and gives available utilities. A few more details will help you decide which area is best suited for you.
Base Camp is centrally located just to the north of the park office. Sites are comfortably spaced with access supplied by four parallel roads leading east and west. Shade is limited but there are a number of trees in the area. This is the only part of the park with satellite TV hookup. There is a basketball court at the eastern edge of this area and the pool, playground and park store are very convenient. This area is well suited for those with large rigs as many of the sites are quite deep.
Line Camp is located just south of the of the park office and as the name indicates, it is made up predominantly of a row of both “Back-In” and “Pull-Thru” sites. Spacing is fair with limited shade particularly along the main area road. This section catches the full afternoon and evening sun and I could see it being difficult to keep a rig cool under these conditions. Still, there is nothing wrong with this area and campers get a nice view of all of the park activity.
The Island camping area is located west of Line Camp, built around a loop in a fairly well shaded area of the park. Sites tend to be deep and well spaced. I particularly liked some of the sites on the inside part of the loop and wished that we had reserved there as apposed to Ranch Camp area. We will keep this in mind if we ever return.
Lower Ranch Camp is found immediately north of The Island and is comprised of 21 sites laid out on one side of the road. All sites back up to a pine covered rise that leads up to the Ranch Camp area. The sites in the Lower Ranch area tend to be closer together then I like but I would not consider the spacing totally unacceptable. It should be noted that we had a heavy rain storm come through the park one afternoon (more about this in a later review). The road at the bottom of the hill around Site #187 got washed out pretty good. The park staff was on it soon after the storm but still, it is something to keep in mind.
Ranch Camp is located at the western extreme of the park at the top of a small hill. In many ways it is the best area to camp in. Shade is abundant furnished by tall pines through the entire area. Site depth in this area varies greatly but spacing is good throughout. As noted above, I did have trouble getting into our site but for the most part, I don’t believe this would be an issue for many. The area tends to be calmer and quieter then any of the others, giving a feeling of privacy and seclusion. This area is the location of one of the park’s three “Shower House/Laundry” facilities and I must say that the park staff did a very good job of keeping this well used area clean and tidy.
We come back down the hill to find Main Camp located just east of the park office. This section is a mix of camp sites and cabins in a fairly well shaded area. The area includes what looks to be a near-new “Shower House/Laundry” facility that like the one in Ranch Camp is kept spotless. As said this area includes some of the park’s Camping Cabins and though I did no more then drive by, they looked to be very nice. I would have liked to have seen the insides but at the time, all appeared to be occupied. The information I have to pass on here will have to come from the park’s web site. It should also be noted here that in addition to the cabins and camp sites located here there are more located in Cabin Camp, just to the north. For reasons unknown, I never got around to looking at this area and have no first hand information concerning it. Here’s a short rundown on each of the different types of cabins available:
Traditional Camping Cabin: Sleeps 4-6 people (size varies) on bunk beds and dinettes that make into beds. Cabins come equipped with electric heat, one power outlet, wood burning grill and a picnic table. These cabins do not have their own bathroom facilities.
Comfort Camping Cabins (with or without A/C): These cabins list to be the same as the Traditional Camping Cabins with the addition of a full bathroom with shower and sink, a microwave, small refrigerator and a dining table.
Ranch Camping Cabins: These are double room facilities that house up to eight people. In addition to the above mentioned amenities, these cabins include a kitchen sink, TV/VCR and an outside gas grill. There is a floor plan of this cabin available on the park’s web site. I could see this as a great option for a larger family gathering.
Notes concerning the Cabins:
1) You must provide bedding, towels, cooking/eating utensils and personal items.
2) All cabins are “non-smoking”.
3) With a limited exception in the Traditional Camping Cabins, no pets are allowed.
Additional Park Amenities
Rafter J Bar has a number of great amenities to offer that many will enjoy. The park store is located in the same structure as the office and offers many needed supplies at what I’d call a reasonable price. Groceries, camping supplies and souvenirs are among the many goods offered. All are displayed attractively in a well lit area. In addition, the store is equipped with a small soda fountain that should keep the kiddos happy. Propane and gasoline are both available with gas prices running no more then $0.05 per gallon higher then local stations. The park map indicates that there is “WiFi” available at the Store/Office. Being no expert and not have taken the time to inquire, I have no idea what the range of this service may be.
Adjacent to the Store/Office you will find a Recreation Room equipped with the usual assortment of coin operated video games and the like. Adding a playground to the immediate west and the basketball court to the north, the kiddos have a pretty good selection to keep them busy while mom and dad relax at the park’s marvelous pool. The pool and hot tub are kept in exceptional condition with crystal clear water in both. The water temperature is comfortable and not over chlorinated. I don’t believe that there was a time that I was at the pool and did not see someone check the chemical mix of the water at least once. Restroom facilities are available at the pool that can also be utilized for changing. The only suggestion that I could make for this area might be the addition of a bit more parking, possibly just west of the pool. The area becomes quite congested with all of the activity and I believe some additional pool parking would help. There is limited parking for the pool to the southeast but it could not be called “convenient”.
Immediately behind the Park Store, you will find a large pavilion/tent. This facility is used for serving a daily “Pancake Breakfast”. For those in a rush or just not wanting to bother with cooking, I can recommend this as an option. Pancakes are priced “All You Can Eat” and there are options for sausage, bacon and assorted drinks. Once or twice a week this facility is also utilized to serve a dinner menu made up of normal “short order” items and sandwiches. It’s a pretty good deal no matter which option you choose.
The park is equipped with the ubiquitous “dump station” on the main park road, to the north of the Store/Office. We had no use for it but it did appear adequate for its purpose. With the exception of Rafter J Bar Road which is paved with concrete, all park roads and sites are made up of stone and gravel. All are well maintained and I noted no sites that required exceptional effort to level a trailer.
I didn’t take advantage of the opportunity but fishing is available in the park in Spring Creek. Sunday Gulch Fishing Pond is located just across US 385 and supplies another location for those wishing to “wet a line”. I understand that both are periodically stocked by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. For those feeling a bit “horse”, there is a riding stable located just north of Base Camp offering trail rides.
For those with a bit more energy to burn, the George S. Mickelson Burlington Northern Hike/Bike Trail should keep you busy for a while. This trail runs for 109 miles from Edgemont to Deadwood, following the abandoned Burlington Northern rail line. It can be immediately accessed just outside of Rafter J’s southern entrance. The trail is made up of crushed limestone and gravel, primarily the old rail bed. There are over 100 bridges to pass over and 4 rock tunnels. In addition to trail access at Rafter J, 14 trailheads offer parking, self-sale fee stations ($2.00 per day, per person or $10.00 annual), tables and vault toilets. The trail is open for hiking, bikes and equestrian use. With limited exceptions, no motorized vehicles are allowed. I had hoped to hike at least part of this trail but our busy schedule just did not allow for it. It is one of the area attractions that would draw me back. Here’s a link to site giving information about all trails in South Dakota. You’ll find much more extensive information about the Mickelson Trail then I am able to supply here.
http://www.sdgfp.info/Parks/CampMaps...Maps/index.htm
That just about covers everything I wanted to say about Rafter J Bar campground but before I close this review, a few words about Hill City would be in order. Located 3 miles north of the park, Hill City will do a fair job of supplying your needs. Fuel is readily available at the local prevailing price and there are a number of eateries to try. All were passable with nothing we found being exceptional. There are a number of “tourist” type stores that seem to gain the bulk of their profit from the sale of t-shirts and these themed primarily around Mt. Rushmore and the Sturgis Rally. Black Hills gold and jewelry was also easy to find though we saw nothing that interested us.
On the east side of town you will find Krull’s Market. This is the only grocery store that we found in the area and though it is a bit small, it is well stocked with an excellent quality and fair prices. We also had need of “Hardware Hank’s” located just to the east of Krull’s. This establishment was also well suited to its purpose and can furnish many of the needs of campers and RV’ers. Both of these retailers are a boon and should be kept in mind if you are in the area.
Well, I believe that this sums about everything I wanted to say about Rafter J Bar Campground and the immediate area. I hope that it has given you some insight and information needed to plan a trip to the area. Feel free to contact me through this message board if you have any questions. Though I won’t say that Rafter J is the best campground we’ve ever been to, I will say that we enjoyed our time there. Given all the others that we looked at in the area, I feel that Rafter J is among your best choices for camping in the Black Hills.
As I wrap up Part 2 of my review of our Black Hills trip, I want to remind everyone that I will soon be writing and posting the next installment of this review. In it, I intend to begin covering some of the many places that we visited on this trip. It’s hoped that if you have enjoyed my ramblings to this point, you will return for Part 3 and more of the same. Until then and always,
Happy Camping!
Note: Information and site references contained in this review were current as of this writing. I apologize for any errors you may find and will attempt to correct them if notified. Further, any copyright infringement that may have occurred during the writing of this review was purely accidental. In the case of such infringement, I will be more then happy to give proper credit or delete the infringing material when notified.
Linear Mode
