Rustic Camping in 'The Hills'

Those of you who know me, know I like my creature comforts when camping; microwave, coffee maker, WiFi, indoor bathroom (very nearby), etc. In other words, camping in an RV. Yes, I have done the other camping, the real camping, in my younger years. In fact, hubby and I tent camped on our honeymoon, and with friends on a very cold 4th of July a year later, and on occasion when Kari was young. When son came along, we moved up to a pop-out camper. Still pretty rustic, but lots of good memories during those years. 

So when friends invited us to join them in camping cabins during the 2012 Crazy Horse Volksmarch, I agreed to another adventure. (They are good friends.) I had cleaned camping cabins during my work camper experience in WI in 2008, so I knew the size and features of a camping cabin. 

We bought new sleeping bags for the experience. Those from 42 years ago were disposed of during last summer's attic binging. Thank goodness! We packed the Melmac dishes from the camper and the silverware and bought more food than 6 people could eat in a week. We brought firewood from home, packed the little grill and other 'might need' items. We were ready for 3 nights in a basic cabin in Custer State Park in the southern Black Hills of SD.

We took a scenic road from Rapid City to Custer State Park. Those photos might appear later. But for now, this is the camping cabin experience in Custer State Park.

 Our home for 3 nights. Yes, AC & heat. We used the heat at night, but not the AC.

It wasn't fancy, but it worked! It was comfortable and clean.

The cabin in the middle of the three was food central and the gathering spot. It had a larger deck, where we ate most of our meals.

Good Grief! You'd think we were staying 3 months instead of 3 days!

This (or A) female antelope grazed in the fenced 'yard' in front of our cabin each morning and evening.

There was a paved path for walking and biking that connected our campground to another campground and to a couple of lodges farther down the road. It was very popular.

This barn, located directly behind our cabins, was used for ranger talks and demonstrations by park staff.

Mountain Bluebirds entertained us. This is a female. More bluebird pictures will be posted later.

This is the male Mountain Bluebird. I loved watching them. Their vivid blue color was so striking, especially with the green grass & trees as a background.

On Saturday evening we watched a thunderstorm roll in from the west. It did rain and put an end to a friendly game of cards. Luckily, it was just rain.

We had a great time! I survived not having a potty in my room. We had great food and wonderful company. We are planning to do it again next June.