Driving through the wide open spaces of Western North and South Dakota, we were amazed at the fields of corn, soybeans and pastures that seemed to go on forever across the rolling hills. Yes, there were country homes interspersed across the landscape, but we were amazed that there were so few, and not many cars on the road. The speed limit was mostly about 65 mph, but I feel more comfortable driving about 55 or 60 mph. On these lonely country highways, country folks must drive a long distance for groceries or whatever, so they tend to drive faster than the speed limit -- which is just fine with me. So if they come up behind us in a no passing zone, I tend to speed up so as not to hold them up. I'm OK driving 75 or 80 mph on the Interstates, but when driving our motorhome, those speeds are a little over my comfort zone -- especially if the route takes us over hills, curves or heavy traffic.
So, we were cruising along, heading south from North Dakota, when some buttes appear on the horizon to our west. Not having anything better to do, we headed their way. So glad we did.
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| Evening Color on Butte |
Our highway climbed up to a pass through the Buttes, and there (as if by magic) was the US Forest Service, Reva Gap Campground. The campground road was not exceptionally well maintained so it was necessary to drive our motorhome slowly over several large, washout- type holes, but the view became better and better as we passed campsites. There were no hookups in this park so it was necessary for us to decide if we were willing to boondock (camp without water or electric hookups.) The temperature was maybe F 90, but we found a spot at the end of the drive in the shade of some pine trees. But the clincher was the view and a breeze. Hiking to the top of a hill, I found a magnificent view of several individual buttes.
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| Steamboat Butte |
Since our main goal when traveling is to find some serendipitous (happy chance discoveries) adventure or interesting places, this remote campground was perfect. We have found over the years that making RV park reservations regiments us excessively, so we seldom make them. We love the freedom to change directions on a whim.
We can boondock because we have solar panels that keep our house batteries charged to ensure that our refrigerator will keep it's cool and we have a propane generator that can be run if we need air conditioning, heat or to recharge our batteries. Consequently, boondocking is always an option.
We unfolded our camp chairs, sat in the shade of pine trees and enjoyed the peace and the cooling breeze.
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| Pat in the Shade |
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| Trail to Overview |
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| Castles Registered Natural Landmark |
Since Pat had a stroke a few years ago, our hiking is very limited, but I was still able to hike up this hill to find this landmark sign and see the spectacular Castles overview.
A couple of cars drove by and stopped so the occupants could climb up to the overview. We chatted with one couple and found that we guys were both in the Marines. He claimed that we occupied the best campsite in the campground. We did not disagree.
Three guys from a neighboring campsite hiked by and stopped to explain that one was a geologist from a local college and was showing his two students these castles that were formed by volcanic ash a few million years ago or so.
We also found this sign that explained that the castles and campground are located within and area named the "Slim Buttes."
One of the welcome features of this place is that it is not a top tourist spot so there are no swarms of tourists. Although it may not have the spectacular vistas of a Grand Canyon or Yellowstone Parks, it seemed to satisfy some longing in our "souls" for such places.
When Pat and I look back on our recent 2-month trip, we conclude that this was our favorite place.
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| View from Overview |
