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Devils Tower RV Camping: Your Complete Guide to Wyoming's Mysterious Monument

Devil's Tower in Wyoming

Rising dramatically above the rolling plains of northeastern Wyoming, Devils Tower—also called Bear Lodge Butte—is unlike any other landscape feature in the United States. This 867‑foot igneous monolith, with vertical columnar walls and a flat summit, has fascinated geologists, climbers, and travelers for generations. For those exploring Wyoming by RV or camper, Devils Tower National Monument is an unforgettable stop offering natural wonder, cultural depth, and star-filled night skies.


Best RV Camping Near Devils Tower National Monument


Designated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 as America’s first national monument, Devils Tower offers camping options both inside and just outside the park.


Inside the Monument:

  • Belle Fourche River Campground (operated by the National Park Service) features 45 first‑come, first‑served sites, including 43 pull‑throughs that can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. There are restrooms, potable water, picnic areas, and shaded cottonwood trees—but no hookups. The campground is open roughly mid‑May through mid‑October.[1][2]


Outside the Monument:

  • Devils Tower / Black Hills KOA Journey borders the park boundary and offers full hookups, pull‑through and back‑in sites, a pool (summer only), restaurant, store, and nightly showings of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which was filmed on‑site.[3][4]

  • Devils Tower View Campground, located three miles west on Highway 24, provides electric hookups, restrooms, showers, and café dining with open year‑round access.[5]


All of these campgrounds provide stunning tower views from many sites.


RV Amenities and Facilities


Typical amenities at Devils Tower‑area RV parks include:


  • Water, electric, and/or full‑hookup sites

  • Pull‑through access for larger rigs

  • Picnic tables and fire rings (propane fires only inside KOA)

  • Restrooms and showers

  • Pet‑friendly sites and shaded areas

  • On‑site dump stations or nearby facilities


Discovering the Geology of Devils Tower


Unlike the sedimentary formations of the nearby Black Hills, Devils Tower formed from igneous rock, believed to be the hardened core of a volcanic intrusion called a laccolith. Over millions of years, erosion removed the surrounding softer rock layers, leaving today’s striking formation. The visitor center features detailed interpretive exhibits perfect for curious families.


Cultural and Spiritual Significance


For many Northern Plains tribes—including the Lakota, Arapaho, and Kiowa—Devils Tower is a sacred site associated with origin stories and prayer ceremonies. Out of respect, climbing is voluntarily suspended each June during tribal observances. Visitors are encouraged to appreciate the site with mindfulness of its spiritual importance.[6]


Things to Do While RV Camping


Hiking Trails

·       Tower Trail (1.3 mi): A paved loop around the base—accessible and family‑friendly.

·       Red Beds Trail (2.8 mi): Offers sweeping prairie and monument vistas.

·       Joyner Ridge Trail (1.5 mi): Provides elevated views and solitude.


All trails are accessible within minutes of the campground.


Wildlife Viewing

Expect sightings of prairie dogs, white‑tailed deer, wild turkeys, and pronghorn. The adjacent prairie dog town is especially popular with kids. Early morning and dusk bring the most activity.


Rock Climbing

Devils Tower is one of North America’s premier crack‑climbing destinations. Climbers must register with the park service and should be technically experienced. The climbing season runs primarily May through October.[6]


Devils Tower in Pop Culture


Devils Tower entered global fame in 1977 as the focal point of Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Visitors can still watch the film nightly outdoors at the KOA campground beneath the illuminated tower.[4]


Planning Your RV Trip


Best Times to Visit

  • Spring (Apr‑May): Mild weather and light crowds.

  • Summer (Jun‑Aug): Peak season; reservations strongly recommended for private RV parks.

  • Fall (Sep‑Oct): Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage.

  • Winter (Nov‑Mar): Limited services but year‑round camping at Devils Tower View Campground for winterized RVs.


Driving Routes

Devils Tower sits just off Wyoming Highway 24, easily reached from:

  • Gillette — Approx. 60 miles southwest

  • Rapid City — Approx. 110 miles eastRoads are well‑maintained and accessible to Class A motorhomes.


Nearby Destinations

  • Black Hills, South Dakota: 90 minutes away—home to Mount Rushmore and Custer  State Park.

  • Bighorn Mountains: 2½ hours west—excellent high‑altitude camping and hiking.

  • Sundance, WY: Just 30 minutes south—local dining and full RV services.


Packing Essentials for Your RV Adventure


Bring layered clothing, hiking boots, binoculars, camera gear, and camp chairs for sunset viewing. Weather can vary dramatically between day and night.


Why Devils Tower Is Perfect for RV Travelers


  • Flexibility: Stay steps away from trailheads and scenic overlooks.

  • Comfort: Retreat to your RV’s comforts after a day in the Wyoming sun.

  • Affordability: Skip hotel costs and stay close to nature.

  • Experience: Watch sunrise and moonlight cast shadows on the Tower right from your campsite.


Start Planning Your Devils Tower RV Getaway


From its geological marvel to its cultural reverence, Devils Tower captivates every traveler who rounds the bend on Highway 24. Whether you’re here for climbing, hiking, or quiet stargazing, RV camping lets you experience this national treasure up close—with the monument itself as your morning view.


Explore, respect, and be inspired by America’s first national monument—and make Devils Tower an essential stop on your Wyoming RV adventure.


 
 
 

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