The Devils Tower National Monument was the 1st national monument, established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. The monument's boundary is area of 1,347 acres. It's also known as Mato Tipila or Bear Lodge. It is a butte, laccolithic, composed of igneous rock in the Bear Lodge Ranger District of the Black Hills, Wyoming. It is 1,267 ft above the Belle Fourche River, standing 867 ft from the summit to base. Native American people, believe that a group of girls went out to play & were spotted by several giant bears, who began to chase them. To escape the bears, the girls climbed atop a rock, fell to their knees, praying to the Great Spirit to save them. Hearing their prayers, the rock rose from the ground towards the heavens so that the bears could not reach the girls. The bears, left deep claw marks in the sides, which had become too steep to climb. Those are the marks which appear today on the sides of Devils Tower. When the girls reached the sky, they were turned into stars. read more

I visited Devils Tower as a kid in elementary school, and thought I would never visit it again, but it was just a small detour and I wanted to relive the memories. The prairie dog colony near the entrance off the side of the road is still there (although with different individuals obviously since they usually live 3-4 years), and the tower itself looks exactly the same! It was nostalgic to read the signs I had read before. The asphalt areas on the trail are strangely slippery, so watch out. I guess they've been worn smooth by the steps of so many visitors. The visitor's center was surprisingly small for the read more

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We did the mile loop around the monument and had a great time even though it was a very hot day. Definitely glad we brought water with us. You could see rock climbers on the monument. There's also benches on the loop so you can sit and relax and enjoy the view. Gift shop didn't have many options for post cards or T-shirts in certain sizes. Bathroom had 3 stalls and was clean. read more

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This is a great KOA! I stayed in a cabin while I was there and it was clean and inviting. The grounds were very well taken care of with flowers and even tomato plants in pots by the cabins! The pool was well taken care of and fun to play in on the hot summer days we were there. The showers were also private, clean, and safe which is important! My only cons were that everything was very overpriced. I understand it's a big tourist attraction but they were price gouging on things like 20$ for a little thing of sunscreen and $12 for a 16lb bag of ice. Overall, we had a great stay and I would definitely stay again. read more

Devils Tower KOA - Devils Tower - Campgrounds Near Me - Devils Tower, Wyoming

USA's First National Monument [Devils Tower WY] Somehow we missed visiting the Devil's Tower the first time we went on a road trip 10 years ago in 2014 to Wyoming and the Midwest States. From afar the view was majestic and was a sight to behold. As we were approaching the landmark, it became evident to me how massive this rock truly was. Originally, I thought I wouldn't be able to make it, I only had flip-flops on but the path was paved and most of the Tower Trail was rolling flat. There was some slight incline at the beginning of the hike, not too bad, and the weather was very comfortable with bursts of slight breeze at some parts of the hike. We were able to get a good three-dimensional view of the huge rock from all sides. We also caught a glimpse of a few adventurous rock climbers... at least ten of them coming from different parts of the rock. Some cool facts and trivia: Devils Tower is a National Monument located in Wyoming and was featured in the climax of the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind. A 1977 sci-fi film by Steven Spielberg Devils Tower is a sacred symbol to several Native American tribes. Devils Tower National Monument was the first United States national monument established in 1906. Review #3477 read more

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4.5 stars A little out of the way if you're heading up to Mt Rushmore, but it's worth the drive. It's an interesting feature and to hear the Native American cultural significance behind it (you can even register to climb the boulders up there). Make sure you wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. There's even good views if you only make it part way up the trail too. Free admission with the America the Beautiful park pass. 2024 #55 read more

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Another planned stop along the way of the 14 state 2024 Tour, albeit out of the way but well worth the drive this national park deserves your time and the Native American legend that resonates throughout the area inspires your imagination, my first thought is of the movie Close encounters of the third kind comes to mind but even if you haven't seen that movie the park is still very inspiring read more

Devils Tower KOA - Awesome - Campgrounds Near Me - Devils Tower, Wyoming

I stayed in Guernsey, WY and had an extra day to explore other areas. I was debating on whether or not to visit Devil's Tower. It's a good 3+ hour drive from Guernsey. I'm so glad that I decided to visit! It was well worth my time. I would absolutely return here. My only regret is that I didn't have enough time to return here during evening hours. I would love to see wonderful views of the cosmos at nighttime. There is a park entrance fee so be prepared to pay. I believe the fee is about $15-$20. The friendly park ranger will provide you with a map and helpful information. The drive up to the base of mountain is nice. Pay attention to the views as you pay attention to the roadway along with other motorists and bicyclists. There is a decent sized parking lot at the base of the mountain. Public restrooms are nearby as well. They have various park benches to sit on solo or with family as you marvel at the beautiful views. They even have a selfie station! Take your time to walk around the base of the mountain. They offer a few alternative trails. Be sure you have a nice camera or plenty of power in your cell phone for many opportunities to take pictures. I LOVE the energy of this place! I can see why the Native Americans designated this place as sacred ground. I also enjoyed seeing some areas with prayer flags. There is one area close to the base of the mountain that is a designated prayer area. I like how there are signs that caution against disturbing any of the prayer flags. Also, make sure you bring water to stay hydrated on the trails. Take your time to read the various signs placed along the base of the trail. They offer a lot of interesting historical information. Before you leave for the day be sure to visit the Visitor's Center where there is a small museum inside that offers information on Devil's Tower along with historical and scientific information. Next to the museum is a small to medium sized gift shop. They sell plenty of books, postcards, coffee mugs, etc... This was also worth my time. I ended up walking away with a small bag of souvenirs to take home with me. Again, worth the time! If you have never visited, don't wait! Especially if you're visiting Deadwood, SD or another community. Deadwood is about 50 minutes drive time from Devil's Tower. I would LOVE to return here! Very impressed! read more

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Review Visit: July 25th, 2015 If you have seen Close Encounters of the Third Kind, then you are very familiar with Devils Tower. This was about the final stop on a 2 week cross country trip and I am happy it was one of the last. We didn't get to get close, as we were tight on time, but still seeing it was awesome. I didn't know too much about it besides what we talked about in Geography classes in college, but I knew some of the legends and the uniqueness of the tower. It appears that there are trails around the tower you can hike. You can also climb the tower too, which is weird, since I thought it was all protected grounds by Native Americans. Maybe it's a limited window each year. Either way, if you can indeed get close, I would love to go back. I love odd, natural landmarks like this and would love to explore it up close. Wish I knew more to tell you all but maybe one day I can expand upon this post! Devils Tower is quite the landmark. It stands out when compared to everything else around it. Geologists still debate on how it is formed. Native Americans have a few folklore on how it was formed too. If you are interested in either of those, check the Website/Wiki links below. read more

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My first thought driving in closer? The entire general shape of the rock formation reminds me of Spaceballs' black Darth Vader helmet, haha. The vertically straight striations give mind to any old beef pot roast or your classic string cheese: tendons/tendrils you could totally just peel down and away; pretty cool. There's only one road in, one parking lot, and one road out, so this place can get packed during peak months. We were there after Labor Day, so the crowds were manageable; except they were doing some kind of construction and had temporary lights flashing to time the crowds that were NOT working, thus we sat in line for about 20-30 minutes people cops came and fixed the darn things. It wasn't bad, considering. The gift shop is small, but I did get a cool tee shirt to add to my travels collection. **Some of the best viewing and pictures are from a roadside overlook a few miles out from the park entrance. The closer you get, you have to look up for pictures, and lose the depth perception that makes this. Formation unique! read more

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A must see! Nice trail around the tower, two trails actually. So many different views as you walk the east easy inner trail. We saw a climber, no thank you. A recommend stop, required a detour that was wonderfully required. IMPORTANT TIP:The parking gets full, so arrive early otherwise you may have to wait on a traffic light to permit enterance, that light was off on our early arrival. read more

Devils Tower KOA - Campgrounds Near Me - Devils Tower, Wyoming

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That was awesome. It is out in the boonies. But come on. Nice little loop hike around the tower, plenty of seats for breaks. Multiple different lookouts for pictures. Simply breathtaking. Plan on an hour or two. read more

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Devils Tower was a great way to spend the first day of my vacation in the Black Hills area. The drive over from near Deadwood was very scenic and when I knew I was getting near I couldn't wait to see how Devils Tower would reveal itself on my first glimpse from the roadway. Getting to the National Monument, I arrived and was surprised to get a parking spot right outside the visitor's center a few minutes before it opened. I opted to first take the Red Beds Trail for a longer route to see the Tower and the outlying area. It was a beautiful and cloudy morning and the trail allowed me some spectacular views of the valley that surrounds the Tower, going up and down around through some different landscapes. I encountered very few people on this trail, which I preferred in this situation. After making my way around that trail, I headed back to the more accessible Tower Trail, paved and a better way to get some closer views of the Tower itself. There were people of all ages on the trail, and at the most scenic places to stop and read about the history or use the binoculars, there was a friendly vibe amongst revelers. The Tower is a marvel and a spectacular sight in person, and watching some climbers on the Tower itself helped give perspective to its size. Very happy I made a little extra drive over to see it. read more

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Devils Tower is definitely worth a stop, but it's not an all-day thing unless you're planning on climbing it, which we saw many people doing. There's not a ton of parking at the base, so get here early because it was packed when we left around 10. I recommend taking the tower trail because it's a loop trail that offers a 360 view of the tower. Each side has something different as well as informative signs throughout the trail, which point out some cool formations. The tower trail can be difficult for some as it's not all flat. There are some hills, but it should be fairly easy for most. There's certainly an interesting story behind the tower, which I think everyone should come and see/hear for themselves. read more

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Very nice campground and the camp store there has just about everything you can think or ask for. They have lots of camping supplies, souvenirs, shirts, hot food, snacks, ice cream, jewelry, toys, books, blankets, some groceries, drinks and even alcohol beverages. There are no campfires at your sites but they do offer two different campfires at 2 different locations where everyone can gather around. The only downside is the pool is not available for use due to waiting on an inspection of it. They offer dog park, mini-golf, laundry, and a children's play area. The best part about this campground is you can get a great view of Devil's tower! I highly recommend going to see Devil's tower either early morning or early evening. There are less people and you can take a lot of pictures without other people in the photo. I do say that you really only should stay 2 nights only. Since it's very hot and there is no pool to cool off. There is not a gas station for at least 30-40 minutes away so make sure you fill up when you see one. There is only 2 stores one of which is the camp store. Between the 2 stores they do have a lot. Then at the end of the street only one restaurant. Also an hour away is the center of the GEO of the US. Which was really neat and had a very cool museum with even dinosaur bones in it. Another place that's only 30 min away from there is Deadwood City. Deadwood has very cool old Main Street with original buildings from the early 1900's and that is brick paved with many souvenir stores, places to eat, a brewery, Starbucks, whisky/moonshine store, and many small casinos. We don't gamble at all, but if you do you will love it there and its definitely worth going to while you here at this KOA. Sick-N-Twisted Brewing Company Lots of different local beers to try. You can get a flight of beer for $10. Also you can get a flight of wine too. I don't drink anymore but my husband loved it! It is attached to very cool souvenir store where you can have your own custom shirt/sweat shirt made. They also have many magnets for Devils Tower. read more

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Beautiful natural tower to climb, hike around, or stare at. There's a restriction on parking near the visitor center so expect to be waiting a while. As of August 2024 there's a street light installed to limit the number of people parking. It's controlled by a park ranger. There are two sets of restrooms at the visitor center. One is vault near the trailhead, the other is flushing near the parking lot. read more

Devils Tower KOA - Campgrounds Near Me - Devils Tower, Wyoming

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One of our bucket lists to visit this location. It did not disappoint. America's first National Monument. It was cloudy at times but amazing to see. It has some trails to get closer to the Monument. Nearby camping area and store. Park has a gift shop, information, and bathrooms. The main bathroom was closed, but nearby were addtional bathrooms. This place was quiet and serene. Several prairie dog holes in the park. Stay on the trails. Everything we expected and more. I'm so glad we stopped. read more

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Great place. Gorgeous campground, incredible views, and obviously a spectacularly special place. Magical AF. Easy in/out, clean bathrooms! Highly recommend. read more

We took an hour detour to check out Devil's Tower and was it worth it! It's an amazing sight. It was raining when we got there and around 45 degrees so not the best of days but it was still worth seeing this amazing structure. We hiked the Tower Trail which takes you around the base of the tower. So many great views. It looked so ominous with the dark clouds, rain, and fog hovering near the top. The most amazing fact to me was that no one has ever witnessed any rocks falling off the tower. With all the boulders settled on the ground beneath the tower, I found it amazing that falling rock does not happen often. While the tower is amazing, don't forget to look out from the tower to see the beautiful scenery and wildlife as you hike. read more

Devils Tower KOA - Campgrounds Near Me - Devils Tower, Wyoming

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Of course, you know this, still, let me tell you- it is America's first established national monument. 2-3 hours northwest of Rushmore on the Wyoming side of the Black Hills, you'll find this minus less crowd. Teddy Roosevelt gave Devils Tower the designation in 1906 but it become famous later. Geologists today still are uncertain exactly how it was formed, though they have theories. we reached 3 pm and did the tower trail (60-70 minutes round loop around the tower- that's the closed you can see it). it was July 4th, 2022 and there was not any crowd. The park rangers recommend that you spend 2-4 hours at Devils Tower. We think you should budget for a half day in the park to give yourself enough time to enjoy it. Because of the lack of artificial light, Devils Tower is a great place for night sky watching. During the summer months, there are ranger-led programs on constellations. Open 24x7x365 (but the visitor center gets close in winter. Fee: $25/vehicle Fun Fact: once a daredevil landed with a parachute atop the tower and somehow lose the rope attached to it. it was a 6-day tireless rescue mission. (saw the info while doing tower trial) Tip: The area surrounding Devils Tower is definitely light on services. Make sure to fill up gas tanks when you see gas stations that are more common close to I-90. read more

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Wyoming is so beautiful a true Wild Wild West, untapped natural beauty!! Devils Tower is so tall, so big & so gorgeous!!! I have a fun time with my boyfriend & his two female friends!! read more

The Devil's Tower is described as a sacred tower, enticing us to explore. An Inspiration and Attraction for Nature Lovers and Mountain Climbers. I'm no climber but definitely admire nature. So, if you're looking to do more than touch or like me simply appreciate the Butte from a distance, you can do that. There is much history surrounding Devils Tower. The name has roots with a Colonel and his party coming through the area and American Indians likely had their interpretation of the monument as it was. As it is though, it's a cool name and to me is fitting since there is nothing nearby like it, though there are other Buttes out there. If you're into adventure and on your road trip brings you around these parts I'd say come check out Devil's Tower. It is a national monument after all. It's gained popularity across the decades but still stands to be seen as it might not be the top of conversations of trips compared to say Yellowstone or Grand Canyon, but would make a great addition. To be honest being way out here with the sunset nearing got to me as I'm not big into foraying into the stretchy, windy, distant roads as the dark was setting in. So as most others would advise, get here on the earlier side since it's a bit out there, and you want to account for fees, the amount of other folks braving the trip and parking. Despite daylight dwindling, Devil's Tower called to us though as was a nice sight. So even catching a glimpse of this natural wonder would be good as we made the likely typical parlay from Mount Rushmore I'm sure many, many others do. read more

Devils Tower KOA - Devils tower nat'l monument - Campgrounds Near Me - Devils Tower, Wyoming

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As much as I didn't want to stay here I have to say I was impressed. Prices are very high but worth it in a way. Clean restroom, facilities, great well water and spectacular views of the tower. read more

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The folks who run this place sit in the proverbial catbirds seat. This is a unique spot from a special era in Earth history on display for all to see. And this KOA sets at the foot of it all. Imagine waking up in your RV or cabin and stepping out to the sight of Devils Tower rising majestically 867 feet above the trees. This natural wonder, formed from solidified lava over 60 million years ago, dominates the landscape with its unique, columnar structure. But the allure of Devils Tower extends beyond its remarkable geology. It's a sacred site for Native American tribes, adding a rich cultural tapestry to your visit. As you explore the trails around the monument, you'll feel a deep sense of connection to the past and the enduring spirit of the land. This is a place you must see in person. Photographs do not do justice to this place. Now, as for the KOA, it appears they are set up to fulfill a wide range of travelers needs. The registration building houses an impressive section for Spirits, all manner of stuff for shoppers from supplies to momento's; an Ice Cream bar, a restaurant across the street, a mini-golf course, and, more. The campsites are somewhat close together but this doesn't detract from the overall experience. If you're an RVer or camper, you may enjoy this spot as an oasis around Devils Tower. read more

I arrived at the check in counter 14 minutes early and was charged a $10 early fee for a mostly empty park. The Custer service at the counter should embarrass the owner. I will never recommend this place to anyone. read more

Historically the first US national monument, Devil's Tower is a quick 90 minutes from Mt Rushmore, and seems like a very busy stop for motorcyclists and random travellers. That being said, entry into the monument can get pretty crowded, so instead I just observed the tower from the nearby trading post instead (there's a fenced area for photos nearby). It really is kinda in the middle of nowhere. You drive for hours in flat plains and then bam, a few hills and devil's tower is there. Once a landmark for the old Oregon Trail, Devil's Tower is just a really tall rock formation that resembles a tree stump, and like any landmark on a long journey, is one you'd see for a bit before moving on. I haven't tried the hike due to the crowds that were waiting to enter upon arrival, but you may have better luck. It was a weekday and the line still went out too far for my liking. I was content with seeing the tower just outside park grounds as the view just doesn't seem worth waiting two hours on a road trip with limited time. Hence the 4 and not 5 stars due to the really long line to enter on a weekday in September. Overall, near little spot with a good amount of history, but also a quick road stop on the long journey across the country. read more

Devils Tower KOA - Campgrounds Near Me - Devils Tower, Wyoming

Everything a KAO should be. Cozy Cabin with AC and electricity. Showers, laundry, and most of all clean bathrooms. Camping and the beauty of the outdoors with just enough of the necessary things to make you feel more advanced in the evolutionary process than the many critter around the campground . The Wi-Fi was even pretty decent for such a remote place. The general store has all the right things you might need and the staff were all exceptional. I can't imagine how you couldn't be pleasant t getting to work in such amazing surroundings. Fortunately we didn't have any close encounters from the movie filmed there but it was a fun treat to make that connection and see it all in living color. It's definitely off the beaten path but I highly recommend a visit. read more

Devils Tower KOA - Entrance - Campgrounds Near Me - Devils Tower, Wyoming

PLEASE do yourself a favor and APPRECIATE this MAJESTIC monument. Our very 1st National monument in the U.S.! take a stroll down the Tower trail which is a paved trail and it's a 1.3 mile loop trail with beautiful views of the tower and it's surroundings. There's also an additional Red Beds Trail 2.8mi loop unpaved. BOTH are worth doing, there is no redundancy in the trail as both trails provide different views and a unique experience. Red Bed trail has dirt, rocks, some steep slopes & may be a bit strenuous for some but you will be glad to finish it. Very small visitor center but I bought a few items. Visitor center restrooms are much cleaner than the ones where the trails start FYI. There's only 1 booth so expect a line getting out. They also accept your interagency annual park pass! read more

Devils Tower KOA - Campgrounds Near Me - Devils Tower, Wyoming

We drove out here to visit it but it's honestly far out there so it's quite the drive just to go see a rock formation and I wouldn't do it again read more

Devils Tower KOA - Campgrounds Near Me - Devils Tower, Wyoming

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It's a bit of a drive from the Black Hills, but we figured---when else will we be so close to seeing this iconic monument? Off we went. If we were going to do anything differently, I might have gotten there earlier, because we arrived and it was Bonkers in the parking lot. SO BONKERS. Is there enough parking? mmmmmmm....not the day we were there. We circled the lots more than a few times before catching someone leaving the back 40. The restrooms are well maintained, and the gift shop is cute, but again, BONKERS. There is no food available at this monument. I loved the visitor's center displays that explain the formation of the monument and the history of it's place in Native American culture. And the love of bats at Devil's Tower. Bats are the best. We walked the trail that goes around the base of the tower, and that was very cool. It was very warm the day we went, and a good bit of the trail was not shaded, so make sure to take sunscreen! We are able to see many climbers which was very cool! Definitely stop and visit this place if you're in the area, you will never forget it. read more

Another fantastic National Monument in NE Wyoming. Though the weather wasn't the best , the clouds opened just enough to see this magnificent object. There are several paths around the facilities , for that perfect picture read more

Devils Tower KOA - Devils Tower - Campgrounds Near Me - Devils Tower, Wyoming

This is an absolute must see if you're in the area. It's a fairly easy drive if you're coming from South Dakota. Easy enough for a day trip if you're staying near Mount Rushmore but also a perfect stop if you're heading into Montana. There isn't much in this area otherwise. We were heading to Montana and this was a perfect early morning stop. There is an easy trail that goes around the base of the monument. If you're feeling adventurous you can also climb the boulders to the base of the tower (rock scramble). If you plan to climb higher you need to register with the rangers and get a permit. This park became pretty crowded when we left around 12:30pm. Head there early to enjoy the cooler temps and less crowded paths. Definitely make sure to stop and check out the prairie dogs just past the entrance booth. read more

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Daddy, Mommy and I went to Devil's Tower National Monument Park in Wyoming to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Mommy wasn't getting around good and it was a really warm day so she didn't feel like hiking to far but we still had a wonderful time. It was a gorgeous day and the weather was superb. read more

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We stayed for two nights at Devils Tower KOA as the last stop of our 10 day Badlands trip. What a fun place! An older KOA, it has undergone a lot of renovations and construction was still ongoing during our stay. We opted for a premium site #048 and it was great! An end site with tons of room and plenty of space to set up our dog pen! Of course, the big draw is the tower! Literally, minutes away from the campground! Besides the construction, the campground is well maintained! Camp store is huge and has a diner that is open during the day! Unfortunately, due to a thunderstorm, the movie was not shown that night. This KOA is in a great location either as a destination or as a way point to other destinations. We will be back! read more

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Very cool formation that's a sight to see! I'm not sure you need to walk the whole circumference, but seeing the sheer mass of this at the base is pretty wild. A worth detour to see! read more

Definitely worth the price of admission! There's a reason why Devil's Tower was our nation's first national monument--it's just that cool. Be prepared for a bit of a line to enter the park, there's only one booth to enter the facility and there are a lot of Chatty Cathy's that gum up the works. Once you get in, there is plentiful parking and several trails that you can explore. We skipped the paved trail as that was a lot more crowded and went with the Red Beds trail instead. Take your time and you'll be able to master this trail--we even managed to see a doe and her young fawn while exploring this trail! read more

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We had a blast at Devil's Tower National Monument. We walked the Tower Loop Trail and took tons of pictures. It is stunning and changes with the movement of the sun. Just a gorgeous area. read more

Devils Tower KOA - Campgrounds Near Me - Devils Tower, Wyoming

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Turned away a combat wounded veteran because of my electric vehicle. I had a rare weekend off from the ER where I work as a nurse. I was hoping to do some camping near devils tower in my Tesla model Y. Charging options are a little limited in the area but when I saw a KOA I was hopeful as I had camped/charged at other KOAs in the past. I called ahead and per their policy they do not allow electric vehicle charging. I elected to stay at the national park campground, but I stopped in just to clarify/gain an understanding of their policy. Even though I was more than happy to pay the full price of a regular RV spot, it became apparent I wasn't welcome. I was told they won't ever allow EV charging as they are fans of combustion engines. Needless to say there was no arguing and I drove off in my model y with my Purple Heart plates. When I come back with my combustion engine Harley I will definitely not be staying there. read more

My second visit was even better than my first. This time we walked around the base of the tower. What an experience! Loved it here but not much to do but see the tower and take a beautiful walk. A couple hours is plenty of time before you head off on your next adventure. Highly recommend. read more

Devils Tower KOA - Campgrounds Near Me - Devils Tower, Wyoming

Well now Folks traveled to Wyoming to see the Famed Devils Tower Monument in Person. Yes I must admit seeing the Movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind did make it a Bucket List for Us. Now it is what it is a very large and tall Rock, that can be seen for miles, along the Wyoming landscape. Once You arrive you will find one of the Best attractions, in fact the First National Park that was in the USA. Parking can be a challenge if you arrive later rather than early. Takes almost an Hour to walk around it if you don't stop and take photos along the way. The Staff is well versed and will Help you get to and from each point. Now take drinks with you because it is very easy to become tired from taking all the steps and walkways. read more

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