Have you ever driven through northeastern Wyoming and seen the tall rock protrusion rising up out of the surrounding prairie? Or maybe you’ve seen a cool photo on Instagram of an Airstream in front of a tall rock formation. Or maybe you’ve heard of Devils Tower National Monument, haven’t visited yet, but it’s on your list? We’ve got the info you need to plan your visit to Devils Tower.

Where is Devils Tower NM?

As I just mentioned, Devils Tower is in northeastern Wyoming. It is rather out in the middle of nowhere, with no large cities nearby. However, if you’re in the South Dakota/Wyoming/Montana area for a road trip, it’s worth adding to your itinerary.

We visited Devils Tower after visiting Badlands NP, which is near Minuteman Missile NHS, and not far from Mount Rushmore and Sturgis, SD. If you’re heading west towards Yellowstone NP, Grand Teton NP, or even Glacier NP, Devils Tower isn’t too far off the beaten path.

What is Devils Tower?

Devils Tower is the ancient remnant of volcanic activity. The tower was created when magma cooled before being expelled in a volcanic eruption, then was eventually exposed to the elements. Theories differ on how exactly that occurred, but if you’re interested, you can find more info on those theories here.

Many Native American tribes consider the tower to be a sacred site, and called it Bear Lodge, among other names. Early white explorers probably mistranslated the Lakota word for black bear, and the sensational name Devils Tower replaced the traditional name. Efforts have been made to change the name to Bear Lodge, as well as to keep it Devils Tower, but they’re currently stalled out in the legislative process.

Cool Fact: President Theodore Roosevelt made Devils Tower America’s first National Monument in 1906.

Where to stay while visiting Devils Tower

The Belle Fourche River Campground offers 46 campsites, 43 of which will fit RVs up to 35′ long. The remaining 3 sites are only for tents. Like most NPS campgrounds, there are no hookups available, though drinking water is available. Reservations can’t be made and sites are available on a first come, first served basis.

If you want a few more comforts, try Devils Tower/Black Hills KOA or Devils Tower View Campground. While not within the boundaries of the monument, they aren’t too far away.

Important details to know

The entrance fee for Devils Tower is $25 per vehicle, good for up to 7 days. You can also use your park pass or take advantage of fee free days.

The Visitor Center parking lot is small and cramped, but it does have a few spots that will fit RVs and travel trailers. We were able to find a spot for our RV not long before the Visitor Center closed, but the lot was still pretty full at that time.

If you’re pulling a travel trailer, it’s a good idea to park your trailer in the long vehicle parking lot near the administration building. Unhitch and drive your tow vehicle to the Visitor Center and don’t worry about trying to maneuver your trailer through the tight confines of the Visitor Center parking lot.

While the monument is open every day of the year, the Visitor Center is closed December to March.

5 Things to do when visiting Devils Tower

1. Visit the Visitor Center

Stop in at the Visitor Center and learn about the history of Devils Tower. Even our kiddos found this interesting, and our four year old has insisted on calling it a “volkeeno” ever since. That’s the part that stuck in his head 🙂 There’s also a bookstore with the usual items you can find at NPS visitor center gift shops.

You know those cool shots with Devils Tower in the background? We found that if you’re going for that shot, you need to be in the Visitor Center parking lot. However, depending on the time of day and year, that small parking lot may be too crowded to get a good picture. If you don’t mind your RV or trailer being further away from the tower, you can use one of the pullouts along the road that goes to the tower.

2. Take a hike

There are only a few trails around the tower, but that can be a good thing if you don’t have a lot of time to explore. The 1.3 mile Tower Trail starts at the Visitor Center parking lot and circles the tower. It has a paved surface for those who are looking for an accessible trail. The other trails are unpaved.

3. Do the Junior Ranger program

Like most National Parks sites, Devils Tower has a Junior Ranger program. It doesn’t take long to complete it, but we learned a lot. We arrived not long before closing and were able to rush through it just before they kicked us out of the Visitor Center. If we’d had more time, it would have been nice to spend a bit more time going through the historical displays.

Ranger programs for all ages are offered between Memorial Day and Labor Day, though some activities are offered in September. Check the event calendar before you attend.

4. Climb the tower

We saw several groups climbing at various heights on the tower when we were there. Apparently the tower is one of the best locations for crack climbing in North America. Not my thing, even after my epiphany, but I know many people do enjoy climbing.

There’s no fee to climb, but you must register before you climb and deposit your return slip when done. Registration is done at a kiosk in the center of the parking lot, at the Visitor Center, at the climbing office, or at the administration office.

The month of June is when many important Native American ceremonies occur. The June Voluntary Climbing Closure is a compromise between the National Park Service and the Native American tribes that consider the tower a sacred site. While it is voluntary, it is respectful to plan your climb for a date not in June.

5. View the night sky

We’ve had terrible luck trying to be at the best locations out west for night sky viewing. Overcast skies are the usual culprits, though a full moon has also been a problem. Last summer, severe rain storms knocked us off schedule and we weren’t able to spend the night and view the stars. One of these days we’ll manage it.

If you’re there when the skies are clear, take the time to get to explore the night skies. During the summer, ranger-led programs are held after dark to help you. (go here for more info about night sky viewing)

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Have you been to Devils Tower? What was your favorite part?