I have been there for the last 3 years but always at the end of the week, this time a buddy and I are heading out early on the 6th for just a couple days, coming home on the 9th. Couple quick questions...

Can we expect that all or most of the vendors and such will be in place on the 7th and 8th?

Also, we are tent camping...can I assume that we'll be able to get a spot at just about any campground? No reservations required?

 

I don't think you'll be disappointed. We've always gone up a few days before the official start and always found that most of the vendors are already set up. Lots of bikes and lots of people but I don't think you'll have trouble finding a camping spot. We've taking off the 5th.

 

We are also going up a couple of days early (1st timer). Would like to check out the place before it gets wild

 

Check out Black Hills Harley Davidson in Rapid City. Vendors will be set up and running by 6 August. Plenty of vendors will be hawking their wares long before the actual opening of the Rally.

 

leaving the 1st, arriving the 5th, heading home the 11th. the venders are usually set up by thursday, some earlier. We prefer the week before (not party people), less hectic.

 

Just got back from the area. A couple of vendors were setting up and there were more setting up their wares as I rolled though.

 

Most all the vendors will be open for business on the 7th/8th. There are plenty of riders already in the area by that time. And by getting there a few days early, you get to ride the hills a bit before they get overly crowded.

 

Looking forward to it. Any suggestions on a campground? Wouldn't mind "experiencing" the Chip just once but the nightly rates are way higher than many other campgrounds. The only campground I've visited out there is Bear Butte Creek so I'm leaning toward that one.

 

For a nice campground check out Hog Heaven. Lots of great reviews on it.

 

check out www.sturgis.com, should answer most or your questions. Have fun, be careful.