Photo by Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

The first week of August, hundreds of thousands of bikers converge on the city of Sturgis, South Dakota for one of the most famous motorcycle rallies in the United States. Before you jump on your hog and burn some rubber on the road there, here are a few things to know before heading out. 
 

Drive

While motorcycles are the star of the event, officials estimate that less than half of participants ride the whole way, instead opting to tow their bikes into town. A large percentage of attendees also avoid the hassle of trying to find lodging by showing up in a RV rental. Thankfully, if you’re looking for a good place to rent an RV, towing is allowed on all of Cruise America’s large, standard and compact RV rentals. 

After the rally, it will be easy to spend a few extra days in the Black Hills, exploring Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore. One of the benefits to RV travel is the flexibility to extend your trip and discover new routes. 
 

Explore the beauty of the Black Hills in South Dakota.
Photo by Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Ride

One of the highlights of the rally is the guided rides hosted by the Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally™ Events Team throughout the 10-day event. From the annual Sturgis Mayor’s Ride to adventure and trail rides, there’s something for every rider to enjoy. 

If you’re a betting person, we recommend the annual Sturgis® Poker Tour. During this self-guided ride, each stop on the tour earns you a card and at the end of the six-day tour, the best hand wins. Thousands of dollars and fun prizes are up for grabs. Not only that, you’ll discover some of the most scenic spots in the Black Hills.
 

Experience 

Sturgis is almost as much about music as it is motorcycles. Almost. The rally includes ten days of rockin’ concerts featuring everything from local bands to national superstars. There are multiple venues, so be sure to check the full concert lineup to catch your favorite bands. 

The whole rally is chockful of activities for both riders and motorcycle enthusiasts. Show off your tattoos, beards and mustaches in daily contests and don’t miss meeting celebrities during the annual Mayor’s Pub Crawl. The week of events also include a Military Appreciation Day and a reception honoring a local veteran. 
 

Stay 

There are more than a dozen campgrounds and RV Parks within 15 miles of downtown Sturgis. The Days End Campground & RV Park and Sturgis RV Park are two of the closest facilities and both have full hookup options available. Many of the sites offer amenities such as pools, restrooms and even shuttles to downtown. No matter where you stay, book early. These sites are often reserved a year in advance. Check out more lodging options and availability here and plan your Sturgis® Motorcycle RallyTM adventure today. 
 

Rent

Traveling via RV will provide comfort and convenience for both the journey and destination. Stop by the South Dakota Cruise America dealer or pick up a RV rental in your hometown before you make the trip to Sturgis.