September and October are the quietest good-weather months in the Black Hills: crowds thin after Labor Day, Spearfish Canyon’s color usually peaks from late September into early October, and the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup happens in late September. Suzies Camp, at I-90 Exit 34 near Sturgis, is an easy base for all of it.
What’s the weather like in the fall?
September averages highs in the mid-70s and nights in the upper 40s. October cools to highs around 60°F and nights in the mid-30s. Bring layers: a warm afternoon on the trail can turn into a cold evening.
When is fall color in Spearfish Canyon?
Usually from late September into the first week of October; the timing shifts with the weather each year, so check Visit Spearfish’s color report before you go. The canyon road (US-14A, about 19 miles) starts 24 miles from camp at Spearfish. Bridal Veil Falls is right beside the road, and Spearfish Falls is a 0.7-mile walk from Savoy.
When is the Buffalo Roundup?
The 2026 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup was Friday, September 25. Recent roundups have fallen on the last Friday of September, but the park sets each year’s date. Custer State Park announces each year’s date at gfp.sd.gov/buffalo-roundup. The park is 56 miles from camp (about 1 hr 25 min); the roundup starts in the morning, so leave camp early.
What’s on in Sturgis in the fall?
- Sturgis Mustang Rally: early September, the week before Labor Day.
- Sturgis Bronco Rally: late September, at the Buffalo Chip.
- Sturgis Fall Festival: in October.
Is camp open in the fall?
Yes. Camp is open all year, and fall prices are the regular rates on Rates & Policies: cabins from $100 a night, RV sites from $45 and tent sites $25 a day.
Stay at Suzies Camp
Suzies Camp is a quiet, owner-run campground at I-90 Exit 34 near Sturgis, South Dakota: 18 dry cabins, 60 RV sites and 15 tent sites. See drive times to the whole Black Hills.