Hey y’all, it’s your boy Matthew here. I’m here to tell y’all a little story about the time I tried to drive my RV on the Badlands Loop.
So, I had just bought this shiny new RV and I was dead set on taking it out for a spin on the Badlands Loop. I had heard it was a beautiful drive and I was excited to see it for myself.
I packed up all my gear, hooked up the RV to my truck and hit the road. I was feeling pretty good about myself, I mean, I had just invested a lot of money into this RV and I was ready to show it off.
As I got closer to the Badlands Loop, I started to get a little nervous. I had heard that it was a challenging drive and that RVs weren’t exactly welcome on the route.
But, I figured I had a big enough rig and a good enough driver, so I went for it.
Boy, was I wrong.
As soon as I hit the Badlands Loop, I realized that I was in over my head. The roads were narrow and winding, and there were steep drop-offs on either side.
My RV felt like it was going to tip over any second, and I was sweating bullets trying to keep it on the road.
After what felt like an eternity, I finally made it to the end of the Badlands Loop, but it was not the beautiful drive I had imagined it would be.
I spent the whole time white-knuckling the steering wheel and praying that I wouldn’t crash. It was definitely not the relaxing vacation I had planned.
But, that’s not to say that driving an RV on the Badlands Loop is impossible. It just requires a little bit of extra planning and preparation. So, let’s dive in and talk about the dos and don’ts of driving an RV on the Badlands Loop.
Table of Contents
The Dos of Driving an RV on the Badlands Loop
First things first, you need to have a good quality RV. Make sure your rig is in tip-top shape and that it’s equipped to handle rough roads.
You’ll also want to make sure that you have enough clearance under the RV to clear any obstacles on the road.
Next, you’ll want to make sure that you have a good map and that you’re familiar with the route. The Badlands Loop is not a well-marked road, so it’s important to know where you’re going and what to expect.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure that you’re comfortable driving your RV. If you’re not confident in your driving skills, it’s best to stay away from the Badlands Loop.
The Don’ts of Driving an RV on the Badlands Loop
First and foremost, don’t try to drive an RV on the Badlands Loop if you’re not comfortable with it. Like I said before, it’s a challenging drive and it’s not for the faint of heart.
Also, don’t try to take an RV on the Badlands Loop if it’s not equipped to handle rough roads. It’s not a good idea to take a small RV or a campervan on the route.
And finally, don’t try to drive an RV on the Badlands Loop if you’re not familiar with the route. It’s easy to get lost and it’s not a good idea to try to navigate the road without a map or GPS.
My Personal Experience
Now, I know y’all are probably wondering why I would even attempt to drive an RV on the Badlands Loop in the first place.
And, to be honest, I don’t really have a good answer for that. But, I will say that it taught me a valuable lesson and it’s definitely a trip I’ll never forget.
FAQ
Q: Can I drive a small RV on the Badlands Loop?
A: It’s not recommended. The roads are narrow and winding, and a small RV may not be able to handle the terrain.
Q: Do I need a special permit to drive an RV on the Badlands Loop?
A: No, you do not need a special permit. But, it’s important to be aware of any weight or size restrictions on the road.
Q: Is the Badlands Loop open to RVs all year round?
A: The Badlands Loop is open year-round, but it may be closed for maintenance or due to inclement weather.
Make sure to check the National Park Service website for updates on road closures and conditions before planning your trip.
My Bottom Line
So, can you drive an RV on the Badlands Loop? The answer is yes, but it’s not for everyone. The Badlands Loop is a challenging drive and it requires a bit of extra planning and preparation.
But, if you’re up for the challenge and you have a good quality RV, it can be a beautiful and unique experience.
Just remember, drive safely, take your time, and enjoy the beauty of the Badlands Loop.
Now, get out there and explore!