I plan on camping in a tent at the Buff Chip. Am I safe on finding a decent spot to set up a tent if I make my reservation the day the rally starts, or do I need to make reservations to arrive earlier? This will be my first trip...Thank you in advance.

 

Unless you are staying at the chip for the concerts there are a lot better places to stay. Bear Butte Creek Campground 1 mile away has shade,bar,and the rest of the stuff that you need. Just my 2 cents any way,WR.

 

You'll get alot of advise on places to stay from guys that have actually done it. When I went I got a room.

But I still got some advise for ya.... SHADE!!! If a place aint got no shade take yer foot (or hand) off the clutch yer gonna need it.

 

I have been to Sturgis many times. I grew up just north of there. I always stayed at the Chip with and without a tent and never had a reservation. There is a lot of room to set up. No worries, you will have a good time where ever you decide to go.

 

Better plan on taking a pretty stout tent.

Or else, erecting some sort of canvas tarp over your tent...in 2009 we had 3 days of wicked hail, and on Thursday and Friday some severe hail damage occurred.

Lots of photos are posted on this forum, together with some first-person accounts. Here is one thread:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/harle...rm-videos.html

Of course, you might not get any hail - and I hope you don't. But if you do, there are a few things you might want to have available to assist you in dealing with it.

Best,

Doc

 

Thanks...I listen to any advice I get.

 

I was thinking the Buff Chip cause I wanted to be in the mix of all the noise, chaos, and party...want the full experience

 

you will get that at the chip

 

The chip is a great place to party and see some concerts, but if ya plan on sleeping at nite it may be a problem. I only camp there on nites that there's a band that I'd like to see playing. Then I can have a good time and not have to worry about getting back to where I stay the rest of the week. (ie somewhere I can get sleep at nite) I always wait till the day of the concert to decide due to weather and things that happen (like cancellations) then you don't have to deal with trying to get a refund which is APITA when it comes to anything in sturgis.

 

The Chip is the only place we stay at. We don't make reservations, and there is always plenty of space for camping no matter what time of the rally you get there. We're right on top the action, just bring some ear plugs for sleeping at night. They also have a camping area away from all the noise.
Jonnierock