Rally Camping 
Black Hills Scenic Ride Guide: Days End to Deadwood to Hill City
Black Hills Scenic Motorcycle Ride: Days End Campground → Deadwood → Lead → Rochford → Deerfield Lake → Hill City
If you’re searching for one of the best motorcycle rides in the Black Hills, this route combines historic towns, winding mountain highways, breathtaking scenery, and one of the area’s most iconic hidden gems—Moonshine Gulch Saloon in Rochford.
Click here to download map of Black Hills ride Days End to Hill City
Whether you’re visiting for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally or exploring the Black Hills any time of year, this ride deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Route Overview
🏕️ Start: Days End Campground – Sturgis, SD
➡️ Deadwood
➡️ Lead
➡️ SD Highway 14A
➡️ SD Highway 17
➡️ Rochford
🍔 Moonshine Gulch Saloon
➡️ Deerfield Lake
➡️ Hill City
Approximate Distance: 100 miles
Ride Time: About 2–2.5 hours (longer if you stop and explore—which you should!)
Stop 1: Days End Campground
Located just minutes from downtown Sturgis, Days End Campground is the perfect base camp for exploring the Black Hills. Fuel up, grab breakfast, and hit the road for an unforgettable day.
Stop 2: Historic Deadwood
Cruise into the legendary town of Deadwood, where Wild West history comes alive.
Things to do:
- Historic Main Street
- Casinos
- Restaurants and coffee shops
- Mount Moriah Cemetery
- Saloons and museums
Stop 3: Lead via Highway 14A
From Deadwood, follow scenic Highway 14A into Lead.
Lead offers incredible mountain views and mining history. Continue out of Lead on 14a then turn south onto Hwy 17 toward Rochford . One of South Dakota’s most beautiful roads—Highway 17.
⛽ Fuel Up Before Leaving Lead or Deadwood
This is important!
Fill your gas tank in Lead or Deadwood before heading south.
There are no gas stations between Lead and Hill City on this route through Rochford and Deerfield Lake.
Better to top off now than push your luck later.
Stop 4: Highway 17
Many locals consider Highway 17 one of the best motorcycle roads in the Black Hills.
Expect:
- Smooth pavement
- Flowing curves
- Minimal traffic
- Towering pine forests
- Incredible overlooks
It’s one of those roads where every corner feels like a postcard.
Stop 5: Rochford & Moonshine Gulch Saloon
If you’ve never been to Rochford, you’re in for a treat.
The tiny historic mining town is home to the legendary Moonshine Gulch Saloon, a favorite stop for riders from across the country.
You’ll find:
- Great burgers
- Cold drinks
- Friendly atmosphere
- Live music (select days)
- Plenty of motorcycles parked outside
Bring your camera—you’ll want a photo here.
Stop 6: Deerfield Lake
Continue south on Highway 17 toward beautiful Deerfield Lake.
This peaceful stop offers:
- Crystal-clear water
- Mountain scenery
- Picnic areas
- Wildlife viewing
- Amazing photo opportunities
Take a few minutes to stretch your legs and enjoy the quiet before continuing your ride.
Stop 7: Hill City
Finish your ride in Hill City, one of the most charming towns in the Black Hills.
Explore:
- Local shops
- Restaurants
- Breweries
- Wineries
- Art galleries
- Easy access to Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park
It’s the perfect place to relax before heading back to Days End Campground.
Why We Love This Ride
This route has everything riders come to the Black Hills for:
- ✅ Historic towns
- ✅ Beautiful mountain roads
- ✅ Minimal traffic
- ✅ Fantastic food stops
- ✅ Lake views
- ✅ Endless photo opportunities
- ✅ Some of the best pavement in South Dakota
Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, this scenic loop never gets old.
Stay at Days End Campground
Located just outside Sturgis, Days End Campground makes the perfect home base for exploring every corner of the Black Hills.
With full-hookup RV sites, cabins, tent camping, and easy access to the region’s best motorcycle roads, you’re never far from your next adventure.
Book your stay today and experience why riders return to Days End Campground year after year.