Sturgis Rally Pocket Survival Guide
Posted July 2025
Tips, Secrets & First-Timer Wisdom
Plan & Pack Early
- Book camp/lodging months in advance
- Stay at rally hotspots like Buffalo Chip, Glencoe, or Iron Horse
- Bring camping gear + rain layers + warm evening clothes
Ride Smart
- Hit top rides: Needles Hwy, Spearfish Canyon, Vanocker, Iron Mountain
- Avoid peak traffic downtown: Go early (before 10 a.m.) or late (after 6 p.m.)
- Pack light on the bike (water, ID, cash, poncho)
Party Wisely
- Pace yourself — it’s 10 days, not 2
- Best music/party spots: Buffalo Chip, Full Throttle, Iron Horse, Deadwood
- Bring earplugs and hydrate often
Hygiene Hacks
- Shower before 6 a.m. or after 9 p.m. to avoid lines
- Bring flip-flops, wipes, and quick-dry towel
- Keep camp clean — no one likes “that tent”
Group Camping Tips
- Assign roles: cook, supplies, cleanup
- Use signs/flags to mark your camp
- Keep shared gear (coolers, stoves, trash bags) organized
- Bring a dry-erase board or walkie-talkies for communication
Money & Safety
- Bring cash (for tips, emergencies, small vendors)
- Lock bikes + gear — don’t get sloppy
- Extra bike key = peace of mind
- Zip-ties + duct tape = emergency repair kit
Bonus Tips
- Take rest days — don’t burn out
- Explore beyond Sturgis: Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Devil’s Tower
- Talk to strangers — everyone has a story
- Don’t be “that guy” (rowdy, sloppy, or clueless)
