Renegade Rally in the Black Hills

A Week at Elkhorn Ridge RV Park, Spearfish, SD

Our week-long stay at Elkhorn Ridge RV Park in Spearfish, South Dakota, for the Renegade Vienna/Villagio Rally was the perfect blend of exploration, education, and camaraderie.

Basecamp: Elkhorn Ridge RV Park

Nestled in the rolling foothills of the northern Black Hills near the town of Spearfish, Elkhorn Ridge proved to be an ideal rally location—clean, spacious sites, beautiful views, and great amenities. With GR84RED tucked in comfortably for the week, we enjoyed easy access to the area's best sights while also having a central hub for rally events.

Rally Time

The rally itself was a wonderful opportunity to meet other Vienna and Villagio owners, swap travel stories, troubleshoot minor rig issues, and pick up some valuable tips. We attended several training and educational sessions that covered everything from rig maintenance and upgrades to travel hacks and safety advice. This was our fourth rally in as many years, and it allowed us to reconnect with friends and meet new ones. It’s always encouraging to be surrounded by folks who know exactly what it’s like to live life in this little house on wheels!

Exploring the Black Hills

We made the most of our free time by touring some of the Black Hills’ most iconic spots.

Crazy Horse Memorial: Still a work in progress, the Crazy Horse Memorial was absolutely awe-inspiring. The sheer scale of the sculpture—and the story behind it—is something every traveler should witness. The original sculptor’s (Korczak Ziolkowski) grandchildren, now manage the project. The family accepts no federal funding and it may be another three generations before it is finished.
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway: A drive through Spearfish Canyon is like flipping through a coffee table book of the Black Hills. Towering cliffs, winding roads, waterfalls, and lush greenery made this one of our favorite drives of the trip. Spearfish creek was full of trout, but this fly fisher left his gear in the rig.
Needles Highway: Twisty roads, narrow rock tunnels, and dramatic granite spires—Needles Highway was an adventure from start to finish. Not a route for the faint of heart or the oversized RV, but thankfully, we took the Jeep for this one!
Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club: Of course, we couldn’t resist playing a round at the local course. With scenic views and well-kept fairways, it was a fantastic way to relax and enjoy the South Dakota sunshine. It was easily one of the most beautiful courses we have ever played.

Good Times with Great People

Evenings were spent swapping stories with fellow Renegade owners over shared meals and campfire chats. It’s always amazing how quickly strangers become friends when RVs are involved. We picked up destination ideas, rig modification tips, and even a few favorite camp recipes along the way. The final night bourbon tasting will quickly become a yearly rally tradition.

The rally at Elkhorn Ridge was a perfect reminder of why we love this lifestyle: the open road, the chance to learn and grow, and the joy of connecting with a community that truly gets it. South Dakota delivered beautiful scenery, unforgettable drives, and new friendships that we’ll carry with us wherever GR84RED takes us next.