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Better than the ad - from TripAdvisor.com
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Stayed 3 nights (July 1 - 4) at the Rafter J Bar Campground in Hill City, SD and can actually say it was even better than it looked in its online and paper advertisements! We were so busy sightseeing that we didn't get to kick back and enjoy the peacefulness of the campground as much as we'd liked. We'd love to return just to enjoy the campground itself. We live in Colorado and have many beautiful campgrounds, but this one had it all: scenery, ample space between sites, friendly, clean, proximity to tourist destinations, and nice amenities like the pool, playground, hook-ups, stables, mini gas station, pancake breakfast and sundries store. Despite all this, it's not a commercial feel at all.
We did a lot of research about the Black Hills campgrounds before deciding on this one and am so impressed with Rafter J Bar. We stayed in the Ranch Camp which is furthest from the pool and onsite office, but we really loved it. It was a 3 minute (max) bike ride to the pool and hot tub. All sites in Ranch Camp were heavily treed. The areas closest to the office appeared to be less shaded and slightly closer together. Areas between each of the camp areas were green open spaces. The Michaelson Bike Trail runs through the campground. We didn't get the chance to ride it, but plan to return. We saw many families enjoying the relatively flat trail and beautiful scenery.
Employees were friendly and the bathrooms were very clean. A sign indicated twice daily cleanings and it was obvious that was adhered to. Showers were hot.
Chatting with a fellow camper in the pool one evening, we learned he and his family had reunions at Rafter J Bar for the past 10 or so years. He felt it was exceptionally clean and family friendly. Quiet hours are enforced.
Finally, many of the other campgrounds in the area are right off the main road. The ads don't show that and I think it would be quite disappointing to camp right on the road. Rafter J Bar is off the main road and spacing between sites was more than adequate.
The only suggestion I'd have is regarding the hot tub and pool. The pool had quite a few bugs floating on the surface. I realize we visited during a heat wave in the height of summer so perhaps the bug situation was extreme, but it was a little yucky. The hot tub was extremely cloudy. Cloudy enough we didn't want to go in there a second time...again I know it's summer and pool goers are covered in bug spray and sunscreen.
Last, the online booking process was very efficient and timely. I booked early, got a quick response and was pleased with the communication process. We will definitely return to Rafter J Bar and would highly recommend it for anyone looking to camp in the Black Hills area.
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Posted by Luvtrvling on 7/7/2007
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Gorgeous campground - from TripAdvisor.com
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Our family spent five nights at Rafter J Bar and I can't think of a single complaint! The staff was courteous. Everything was very clean including the bath houses. The camp sites are so beautiful. There is a ton of shade and the sites are not packed together like some other campgrounds we saw. We had plenty of room. We stayed in the Ranch camp for two nights and then moved to the Line camp.
Our kids are 8 and 5 and they loved the pool and trail ride and the arcade. The views from the campground are very pretty. The location is great as well. You're very close to all the major attractions in the area. Rafter J was recommended to us by relatives and I'm so glad we took their advice. I would definitely stay there again.
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Posted by Arqueen on 8/2/2006
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Long-time Hill City Visitor - from TripAdvisor.com
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Our family has vacationed in the Black Hills for over 20 yrs. We're from the eastern end of the state, or "Flatlands", as it's called by those in the West, but we are entranced every time by the beauty and wilderness of the Hills. We spend whole days exploring the back roads in our Jeep, with forest service maps (highly recommended for those going off main roads) and a book of, Lost Black Hills Ghost Towns, which allows us-if they are still accessible to find locations of abandoned towns, gold works and stamp mills, for example.
Hill City is a neat little town, tho it has changed dramatically from the rustic logging community it was during the 70's-80's, to a more sophisticated travel destination. For good food and taste of the, "locals", try the Harney Lounge on the south end of town. The Alpine downtown is great too, and draws large crowds to dine but the wait is well worth it. There's a great little local diner toward the north end of main street but can't recall the name off-hand.
We recommend the Rafter J Bar Campground Resort just south of Hill City, if you're an RV'er. Well organized, and maintained with a swimming pool, hot tub, arcade, etc, and a large selection of great campsites along with camping cabins, etc.
An absolute must if you go to Keystone is Halley's Hardware...this late 1800's building houses an eclectic, amazing and seemingly endless collection of Black Hills memorabilia-(don't forget to check out the lower level). You can find nearly anything at Halley's including the unexpected! They've recently remodeled to offer outdoor dining and even a beer! (Tho we do miss the confused mazes of jumble, tiny rooms and uneven flooring of the old place before remodel). It's good improvement tho.
We hope you enjoy the Black Hills & Hill City as much as we do!
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Posted by A Tripadvisor Member on 8/9/2004
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Loved Rafter J Bar Ranch! - from TripAdvisor.com
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We could not have been more pleased with our decision to stay at Rafter J Bar Ranch! What a great place to spend a week. We enjoyed our time there as much as all the site seeing and tourist things. It was close to many of the attractions yet I felt like I was in a mountain get away in an uncrowded, relaxing atmosphere. Thanks to their excellent campground layout, we never felt crowded in. They have wide open pastures to enjoy and plenty of space. The pool and hot tub are awesome - much nicer than other places I saw around the area. I can't say enough about Rafter J Bar Ranch. We are hoping to have a family reunion there sometime in the future - we were that impressed! My 7 year old sons thought the trail ride at the ranch was his favorite part of the entire trip. Great memories were made!
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Posted by A Tripadvisor Member on 4/1/2004
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Best in the Hills - from TripAdvisor.com
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Have been going to Rafter J Bar Ranch since 1975. Have looked throughout the hills for an alternative spot just for a change, but nothing comes close. Rafter J is clean, expansive and has had the same owner since I have been going there. They are continuously making improvements on their 160 acre ranch and they don't overlook a thing. My family and I just returned from a 2 week stay there, and will most likely return next year.
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Posted by A Tripadvisor Member on 7/26/2003
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