RV-ing to Mt. Rushmore

What are the best roads and/or routes for a motor-home vacation to visit Mt. Rushmore National Memorial Park, S.D.? We need help to plan a visit.

–Lynn, Spanish Fork, Utah

Heading to Mount Rushmore National Memorial Park, S.D., from Spanish Fork, Utah, can be quite a drive. The fastest route is to take is Interstate 15N to U.S. Highway 189N and then merging on to I-80E. Next, merge on to Wyoming Highway 220E before getting on I-25N, and then U.S. Highway 16. These roads are wide and easily accessible by RV, so don’t worry about getting stuck on narrow or winding lanes.

Other things to think about when traveling in a motor home are RV-park locations, gas stations, (possible) closed highways, and information service-center locations. There are plenty of different options, since you'll have the freedom to drive yourself around. The trick is doing enough pre-planning.

Here are a number of sources you that can help you in planning the best route for your motor-home vacation:

To get the latest about highways in Utah for your interstate adventure, check out http://www.highwayconditions.com/ut.htm. This site will give you updates on what highways are closed for construction and in-depth information about the speed limits and such to help you determine which road out of Utah is right for your RV.

You can also check out http://www.rockymountainroads.com/wyoming.html to get in-depth information about the roads and highways in Wyoming, the state you will cross to reach South Dakota in the shortest time and distance.

Of course, figuring out the roads is only part of the challenge, as you'll also need to find somewhere to stay. Ideally, your RV campground will have all the amenities you're looking for, and an open spot. While there are a number of sources you can use to find this information, one of the best is GoCampingAmerica.com (http://www.gocampingamerica.com/gorving). Also, check out http://www.mountrushmorecamping.com/, which offers information on specific motor-home parks near Mount Rushmore.

For official information about visiting Mt. Rushmore, go to South Dakota’s official site, www.travelsd.com/placestogo/rushmore/index.asp. The site helps you find information on the different attractions, accommodations, activities, and the like, that you might enjoy while visiting the area. The National Park Service also maintains a page dedicated to Mount Rushmore. The page details outdoor activities and information on fees, permits, events, and the like: http://www.nps.gov/moru.