Road Trip with RVshare Omaha to Mount Rushmore

It took workers over 14 years to construct Mount Rushmore, which was the brainchild of local resident Doan Robinson who thought of the idea to promote South Dakota tourism. He was right about the attraction. About 3 million people visit the national monument every year. If you go on a road trip from Omaha to Mount Rushmore, you'll have the opportunity to see many unique state parks with ties to the Wild West and other attractions along the way. You'll also find many outdoor recreational opportunities as you travel to Mount Rushmore. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

North Platte  

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, add North Platte, Nebraska, to your Omaha to Mount Rushmore road trip. This city is a popular stop for those who enjoy bicycling, hunting, golf and paintball. Consider staying at a North Platte campground, like Holiday RV Park & Campground and I-80 Lakeside Campground. North Platte RV dump stations are available at Cody City Park and Holiday Trav-L-Park. There are also many other Nebraska dump stations in the area. 

Alliance  

When you get to Alliance, Nebraska, consider visiting Carhenge. At this unique attraction, you can autograph one of the cars carefully positioned to look like Stonehenge. Alliance campground options include J&C RV Park and Jessie’s Over The Hill Campground. You'll find these to be some of the best campgrounds in Nebraska. Consider using Alliance RV dump stations at Brower Park or Terry’s Corner. 

Hot Springs  

Hot Springs, South Dakota, is the home to awesome fishing and water activities on the Angostura Reservoir. The oldest attraction in South Dakota is Evans Plunge, where you can play in the natural hot springs bubbling up from the ground. Kemp Sabay Campgrounds & Storage and Allen Ranch Campground are just a couple of campground options in the area. RV dump stations in Hot Springs are available next to the chamber office and Angostura State Recreation Area.

National Parks

While many people consider Mount Rushmore a national park, it's actually a national monument. Use our guide to find national parks to visit on your route. While you will have to go about 75 miles farther to experience Badlands National Park, the experience is worth the effort. 

Wind Cave National Park  

There's a lot to do at Wind Cave National Park, located near Hot Springs, South Dakota. If you love hiking, consider traveling along the 8.6-mile Highland Creek Trail, where you can often see buffalo, elk, pronghorns and mountain lions. There are also many shorter trails, including one leading past a prairie dog town. This 29,000-acre park is located where the eastern tallgrass prairie meets the western shortgrass prairie. The unique region is ideal for bird-watching. This park, which first opened in 1903, also contains one of the world's longest known caves. It's known for its boxwood formations that are not found in most caves. 

Badlands National Park  

When you leave Mount Rushmore, consider traveling about 75 miles farther to reach Badlands National Park in South Dakota. This park covers more than 244,000 acres, and it is home to many types of wildlife, including bison, ferrets, prairie dogs and bighorn sheep. The sun bouncing off the landscape, especially at sunrise and sunset, makes this park a favorite with photographers. Highway 240 and Sage Creek Rim Run running through the park offer amazing scenic views. This park is also home to some of the world’s richest fossil beds, and you can stop at the fossil preparation lab to learn more about how the fossils are collected and preserved. The dark skies at this park are stunning, so be sure to bring your telescope.

Nearby State Parks

Before you leave the Cornhusker State on your Omaha to Mount Rushmore RV road trip, you'll pass some excellent state parks. Here are some of the best options on your route.

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park  

At Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, you'll find a pavilion that hosts family art activities, a climbing wall and a pool that is popular during summer. Want to test your physical skills? Try the high-ropes and the obstacle course, which takes between two and three hours to complete. Find out if you can become the champion miniature or disc golf player in your group or work on your regular golf game at the driving range. Once the snow starts falling, this park near Ashland, Nebraska, becomes a favorite with ice skaters and sledders. 

Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park  

You can take a tour of Buffalo Bill’s home and barn at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, near North Platte, Nebraska. Both are filled with all types of personal belongings of this early cowboy, buffalo hunter and showman. Go on a self-guided tour of his home that workers constructed in 1886. The park lies adjacent to the Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area, where you can go on guided trail rides, rent canoes and kayaks and go fishing.

Fort Robinson State Park  

Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford, Nebraska, served an important role as an early pioneer fort. Many of the buildings have been restored or rebuilt so that visitors can see what the original fort looked like when Crazy Horse was killed here and the Cheyenne Outbreak occurred. Several different ways to explore the area are offered, including a stagecoach, jeep and horse-drawn wagon rides. You'll also find many recreational opportunities at this park, including hiking, biking and tubing. You can go swimming in the indoor pool, watch production in the indoor playhouse, play golf on the nine-hole course and root for your favorites at the nightly rodeo. Note that many activities only happen during the summer. 

Chadron State Park  

If you love outdoor recreational pursuits, you need to visit Chadron State Park near Chadron, Nebraska. Here, you can enjoy swimming, biking, hiking, horseback riding and archery shooting. This park, created in 1921, also offers fishing in the Chadron River and the park’s lagoon. Space for many of your favorite outdoor games, like horseshoes, softball and volleyball, is available. In the evening, join park rangers around the campfire for presentations, which often focus on historical topics.

Custer State Park  

Custer State Park near Custer, South Dakota, offers many activities spread across its 71,000 acres in the Black Hills. Consider starting your visit with a guided jeep tour where you will probably see pronghorns, elk and buffalo. Participate in the nightly chuckwagon dinner after going on a hayride. There are also plenty of opportunities to go on guided horseback trail rides. Water enthusiasts will want to rent a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the lake.

Along the Way

Strategic Air and Space Museum  

The Strategic Air and Space Museum in Ashland, Nebraska, is a great place to see historic aircraft, missiles and space vehicles. Be amazed at the 525-panel glass atrium completely enclosing a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. Thirty-seven historical aircraft, seven rockets and missiles and four spacecraft are on display. 

Scotts Bluff National Monument  

Rising 800 feet above the plains, Scotts Bluff has served as a landmark for early Native Americans and settlers who found their way through the area before modern highways existed. There are five different trails at this park, with each one offering unique scenic overviews. The Oregon Trail Museum and Visitors Center offers historical displays. You will also want to climb on board the Summit Shuttle to be driven through three underground tunnels and along a winding road while hearing stories of the importance this site played in history. 

Knights Museum and Sandhill Center  

The Knights Museum and Sandhill Center in Alliance, NE, is a local history museum featuring displays related to Native American culture, early town settlers, first farmers and the railroad. A vast research library is available for those who would like to trace their roots through this area. 

Bear Country USA  

Drive through Bear Country USA in Rapid City, SD, to see bears, mountain lions, elk, reindeer and more. Then, get out and walk through the small-animal area to get up close to many smaller creatures. Numerous photo ops are available, including ones with the park’s bear mascot.

Your road trip itinerary from Omaha to Mount Rushmore may include going up the state line between Iowa and Nebraska and heading west to the national monument. Still, you can have many adventures if you head west and then north through Nebraska’s Sandhills and South Dakota's Black Hills to reach Mount Rushmore. If you have an RV, then you are ready to start today. Otherwise, consider renting one in Omaha or near Mount Rushmore.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Omaha to Mount Rushmore?

To plan an RV road trip from Omaha to Mount Rushmore, start by mapping your route using Google Maps or a trip planner that supports RV navigation. Consider road types, fuel stops, campgrounds, and attractions along the way. Our RV rental specialists can help you choose the best vehicle and route based on your travel dates and preferences.

What type of RV should I rent for my trip?

The ideal RV depends on your travel style, group size, and destination. For couples, a camper van or Class B RV offers flexibility and easy driving. Families often prefer Class C motorhomes for more space and amenities. If you’re staying longer or need extra comfort, a Class A RV might be your best choice. Learn more about the different RV classes.

How much does it cost to rent an RV for a road trip?

RV rental prices vary based on vehicle size, rental duration, season, and mileage. On average, RV rentals range from $100–$300 per night, with discounts for weekly or monthly bookings. We also offer one-way rentals if you’re traveling from Omaha to Mount Rushmore without returning to the starting point.

Can I pick up my RV in one city and drop it off in another?

Yes! Many travelers love our one-way RV rental option. If the inventory is available for your route, you can pick up your RV in one location and drop it off in another, which is perfect for cross-country adventures or long-distance road trips.

What should I pack for an RV trip?

Pack essentials like bedding, toiletries, cooking supplies, and outdoor gear. Most of our RVs come equipped with kitchenware and basic amenities. Don’t forget to bring a first-aid kit, maps, and camping chairs for your outdoor setup. Keep this packing list handy to ensure you don’t leave anything behind!

Do I need a special license to drive an RV?

A standard driver’s license is all you need to rent and drive an RV. Keep in mind that you must be 25 to rent an RV.

Where can I park or stay overnight during my road trip?

You can stay at RV parks, national park campgrounds, or designated boondocking areas. Our team can recommend safe and scenic stops along your route from Omaha to Mount Rushmore. Be sure to reserve campgrounds in advance during peak travel seasons.

How do I handle fuel and hookups during my trip?

Most RVshare RVs are equipped for electric, water, and sewer hookups at most campgrounds. Keep track of your fuel stops and learn how to connect utilities before you hit the road. We provide a full orientation before departure to make setup easy.

Is insurance included in my RV rental?

Yes, basic insurance coverage is included with every rental. You can also purchase additional protection plans for peace of mind during your journey. We’ll explain all coverage options when you book your RV.

Can I travel with pets in my RV rental?

Absolutely! Many of our RVs are pet-friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy the adventure too. Use the filters to search for RVs that welcome pets on board.

What are the best road trip routes for RV travelers?

Popular RV routes include scenic coastal drives, national park loops, and cross-country highways. For beginners, you may want to try a long weekend trip where you don’t have to drive quite as far. Just remember to follow the 3-3-3 rule of RVing!