Because You Won't Have A Better Time Anywhere!

Sturgis Rally or Sturgis Motorcycle Rally experiences at the Buffalo Chip the “Best Party Anywhere”.

2006 Sturgis Rally

The 2006 Sturgis Rally was the ninth consecutive year of truly major improvements. Our mission remains to continue to provide Bikers the best party anywhere and a great and safe Sturgis rally vacation.

The Buffalo Chip Crew and visitors,  both enjoy the Sturgis Rally

The compliments made during and after each year since '98 Sturgis Rallies have been especially heartwarming. It's really been motivating for our crew, most of whom we expect will be back to give more quality service for the 2007 Sturgis Rally, our 25th birthday. So, to those of you who've expressed your appreciation, whether by letter, e-mail or answering machine message, thanks again.

Big projects did take place at the Buffalo Chip for the 2006 Sturgis Rally

We have a long list of additional projects that we completed prior to your return for Sturgis 2006, and even more before 2007, including construction of flush toilets in the amphitheater, enlargement of the camping areas, improved signage and procedures for RV parking and traffic, 1 million BTU water heaters added to each shower building, development of Bear Beach at Emerald Pond and still more miles of additional underground plumbing and electrical works.

From Sturgis concerts to Sturgis Motorcycle Rally we need your input

We continue to get many requests from campers for employment for next year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. We're flattered and thank you. Please check back with us in the springtime.

2009 Sturgis Rally Reservation start earlier and earlier.

We started getting Sturgis 2009 reservations long before the 2008 Sturgis Rally even began, and we’re already getting reservation requests for 2010. Reservations continue coming in at a record pace, so, yes, I too think the 2008 Sturgis bike rally is going to be even bigger and better than ever.

The Buffalo Chip staff say let us know

Now for information. The following is intended for those who've never been to the Chip. I recommend you download and print this text.

If you need more information, e-mail me at: Click Here

The Buffalo Chip is the place to be during the 2009 Sturgis Rally

The Chip is four miles from downtown Sturgis, South Dakota. It is THE place to be if you're coming to the Sturgis Rally. The Chip consistently has the nicest campers, the best Sturgis concerts, the most delicious food, and it's the only campground in the world where Dominos delivers.

Buffalo Chip Vendors to be the best at the 2009 Sturgis Rally

The Chip has many bike-rally vendors, plus a fully-stocked convenience store, the Stage West Cafe, a Taco Bell, a Subway Sandwich Shop, a Dominos Pizza, and the Sturgis Rider Café. You don't have to eat only junk food that week. We'll post menus as soon as we get them.

Keeping your 2009 Sturgis Rally babe happy

The Chip has more than 60 clean showers at the service buildings at the north and south ends of the campground. We don't claim to be perfect, but our shower captain was very proud when the state health inspector said other Sturgis campgrounds should look at ours for a standard to live up to. Additionally, the Chip allows two shower vendors to set up in the campground. This gives you a choice to pay for a shower if you prefer the shower vendors to our permanent showers.

Keeping your 2009 Sturgis Rally babe even happier

The Chip also has plenty of clean toilets. Know that they are not all flush toilets, but they are permanent outdoor toilets. They are cleaned, sanitized and maintained daily. It's a job not many would want, but we know it's important and the Chip's crew does an outstanding job.

Flush toilets a major improvement for the 2009 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Campground

I do need to say that, when you've thousands of people, it's inevitable that there'll be challenges with the toilets. Flush toilets will get plugged. A water line may get broken and the water may have to be shut down for a time. Someone may take all the toilet paper from a toilet. Someone may accidentally break something. Someone may make a mess. We will get it all cleaned up and repaired, but you may be among the unfortunate folks who encounter it before we've been notified and had a chance to take care of it. Our apologies in advance if that happens. We request you let a Chip staff member know so the appropriate crew can be directed to the problem as quickly as possible. Thanks.

Sturgis Rally campers help to make your Buffalo Chip visit a great one

Our Sturgis campers again get kudos for having helped keep things clean, some of you again brought your own garbage bags and picked up around your campsites. It really helps when all the sanitation crew has to do is pick up the garbage bags. Thank you. It really helped, and gave the crew more time to attend to the toilets.

Enough water for all that attend the Buffalo Chip experience during the 2009 Sturgis Rally

The Chip has two Laundromats. Please bring plenty of quarters, as there are no change machines. Also, know that if there's a challenge with water supply, the Laundromat is the first to be shut off. This shouldn't happen, however, as the Chip's new (3rd) well is capable of producing more than 400 gallons per minute and the Chip has a water tower and storage tanks with more than 500,000 gallons of storage capacity.

Keeping this Sturgis Rally Campground one of the best anywhere

And thanks, too, for ensuring the trees we planted were not injured during the Sturgis Rally. We expect they'll be providing more shade soon.

The Buffalo Chip gives its 2007 Sturgis Rally campers all they need

We anticipate the vendor will be back who will, for a reasonable fee, pump RV waste tanks at the RV spaces so you won't have to drive to a dump station. The Chip does have three dump stations. There is one at the west gate, which can be used prior to your entrance, one at the north shower and there are two at the RV exit. The pumping vendor has promised to keep multiple trucks on-site 24 hours and to radio dispatch these trucks from its on-site office.

Look for yourself and friends on one of the many TV shows and Videos

Almost every year there's an opportunity to watch and perhaps be included in a few scenes being filmed at the Chip for a feature-length movie or music video. 38 Special filmed the video and recorded the live CD "Live At Sturgis" at the Chip in '99. More than one network filmed in during the Sturgis Rally in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, so you may see those on various television channels again this year. Keep an eye on your television listings for The Travel Channel, The Learning Channel, Discovery Channel, The USA Network and VH-1 Classic.

Sturgis Rally 2000

The Travel Channel show, Sturgis: The Great Ride, shot in 2000, is still in rotation on that network. We understand it was their top-rated show for more than two years. We also understand the Sturgis 2004 program, Sturgis: Hell on Wheels, to have been the top-rated show on the National Geographic Channel. It, too, remains in broadcast rotation.

The Buffalo Chip's newest and maybe the best TV show - Sturgis All Access

The Travel Channel is expected to broadcast a twelve episode series shot principally at the Chip during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2005. The tentative title is Sturgis: All Access, and we believe it will start broadcasting in April 2006.

Buffalo Chip Campground the “Best Party Anywhere”

There's always the opportunity to just plain party without hassles. And, yes, cash prizes will be awarded nightly for the Miss Buffalo Chip pageant, with finals on Saturday. Bring your camera. Photos of the Sturgis 2005 winner should be online.

Sturgis Rally always has the experience of open ministry

The Sons Of Light Ministry is expected to again provide a free pancake breakfast every morning for our campers. Hotcakes and coffee. Maybe more. Free to campers. It's part of the SOL's mission to provide this free breakfast for the Chip's campers. They purchase their supplies through donations and donate their time and considerable efforts, so we ask you continue to be considerate of them, thankful for them and their willingness to serve and, please, be generous to their ministry.

Buffalo Chip Amphitheater the home of Sturgis Rally music

The Sturgis concerts are held in the Chip's natural amphitheater, which has been named the site of one of the music industry's top three concerts in the world. The sound is unsurpassed.

Buffalo Chip Campers get free concerts during 2009 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

CONCERTS ARE FREE WITH CAMPING. But we don't lock you in - so you don't have to camp. Some of our concert attendees are actually camping at other Sturgis campgrounds or have hotel or motel rooms. To gain admittance for any reason, all you have to do is go to the reservations page and make a reservation for the day(s) you want to attend or camp. Your non-refundable fee includes admission to all Buffalo Chip activities, including all Sturgis rally bands.

This is how is works

It's non-refundable because we have to pay to put it all together, no matter what happens. Your advance reservations help us better prepare for the number of you who will attend the Sturgis concerts, and helps us to continue to book the very best entertainment available. It seems to be working, thank you, and we're pleased to have found the Chip described in industry magazines and websites as "The Legendary Buffalo Chip".

Check out many Sturgis Rally years on the Buffalo Chip videos

We can't control it all, but we will give you the premiere Sturgis Rally experience. You can check us out further in the biker videos available at your local video rental store. Or just ask some other Sturgis bikers.

Many to experience the 2009 Sturgis Rally at the Buffalo Chip

There are some restrictions about access, because, if you look at the Sturgis campground map, there are areas that are restricted to improved RV rentals only, to people who paid extra for Fenske Park privileges and for areas that are accessed solely by motorcycles and where no four-wheeled vehicles are permitted. Also, some of you have concerns about quiet areas. Again, if you want to be in a quiet area, please look at the campground map. Areas to the north and west of Crazy Horse RV park are over the hill and far from camper or stage activities. The campsites are not designated and you pick your own site upon arrival. You simply pick a spot you like. Campsites are without power. And, yes, there is potable water available.

There are a few rules

Please note that four-wheeled vehicles must stay parked at the campsites after sunset to avoid a partier accidentally being run over. Also, for safety reasons, we can't allow glass or pets. We thank you for your understanding and willingness to respect the policy and for respecting the other campers' rights.

There’s never a doubt about who has the greatest Sturgis Rally concerts

It is normal that our full lineup of Sturgis concert headliners is not confirmed until the last minute. Rock ‘n rollers just find it difficult to make commitments very far in advance. But we intend to provide our Sturgis campers with the best entertainment available every year, just as we have for more than 20 years. Like I said, this is Rock & Roll so there are no guarantees. But the word seems to be is out in the music industry and the stars want to play for the Chip's Sturgis campers. Accordingly, our Sturgis campers have each year seen and heard 9 consecutive nights of such acts as

Special appearances by Cher at the Buffalo Chip at Sturgis Rally 2000

And at the Sturgis Rally 2000 we had a special appearance by Cher on Friday night, just prior to Jonny Lang's incredible performance.

Buffalo Chip daily entertainment are all stars

During Sturgis Bike week you can expect to see and hear great bands who haven't cracked the big time - yet. Look for great things from acts like The Charlie Brechtel Band, Ross & Rotten, Carolyn Wonderland and the Imperial Monkeys, Captain Jack and Dan Lawson. The music will be coming at you from at least three stages.

There'll also be a lot going on in addition to the music at our Sturgis campground. For example:

More than Music and Sturgis Rally bands

The snake and alligator show will again be presented by the world famous Reptile Gardens. King Cobras, 25 ' pythons and 'gators. This year they brought out an albino 'gator. It was an exciting show. Please check the schedules as posted.

World Pickle Lickin and Ms. Buffalo Chip contest have become  epic events

Daily there will be the World Pickle Lickin' Federation's Championship Pickle Lickin' contest, which has been a real hit the past few years. Nightly there will be the famous Ms. Buffalo Chip Pageant. Cash and other prizes will be awarded.

The Buffalo Chip believes the Sturgis Rally should support its troops

During Sturgis 2001, we had our first Veterans’ Appreciation Day featuring a B1-B Bomber flyover and an honor guard, courtesy of Ellsworth Air Force Base. Lt. Shane Osborn, (the Navy pilot who was held 11 days in China after being struck by a Chinese fighter) also made a special appearance. Sturgis 2002 was additionally treated to a complete air show going on overhead for 5 days. The Sturgis Rally 2003 was particularly memorable for the impact shown WWII POW and hero Don Hanson when the Honor Guard presented him with the folded flag after the Golden Knights' precision parachuting team landed on target. He was wearing the same uniform he was discharged in. For the 2005 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, we honored Michael Fitzmaurice, who won the Medal of Honor for throwing back two grenades at the Viet Cong and throwing his own body over another to save his buddies. We expect again to honor our military personnel and veterans at the 2006 Sturgis Rally, and ask you stay tuned for some really great announcements. Later we'll post addresses where we feel it would be great if some of you feel it appropriate to send a little note of appreciation.

Buffalo Chip campers entertain each other

With all this going on, bikers also seem to find great ways to entertain themselves. In 2000 we added a bridge over Cottle Creek which soon became known as "Burn-Out Bridge". In 2001 we added a steel deck to the bridge, a spotlight and bleacher seats. With music provided by Capt. Jack, the "Burn-Out Bridge" became a great place to party. And for Sturgis 2002 we added 500 linear feet of a ride-your-bike-on-it steel skywalk, with bar, ten feet above ground, complete with competition aerial burnout pits. We’ve added so much more we won’t bore you with talking about it, but will enjoy observing you play on it. We always want to see your Sturgis motorcycle rally pictures and appreciate any photos of the Sturgis Rally you forward to be posted on our website.

Your non-refundable fee entitles you to camp and to see whatever Sturgis concert or other activity is happening at the Chip. Yes, that means the concerts are FREE with camping! There's no better bargain anywhere!

Buffalo Chip Web page the best way to make reservations

Check the reservations page for more information. Now is the best time to make your Sturgis Rally 2007 reservations. If you wait until all the headline acts have confirmed and we know how much our expenses will be, we'll probably have to charge more for admission.

Sturgis Rally prices at the Chip can't be beat

Prices are subject to change without notice, so reserve now. The more advance reservations we get, the better-known acts we can solicit.

Sturgis camping at the Chip for more than a week will cost far less than the cost of one night's Sturgis rally rental motel room at the Best Western in Sturgis. And honest, that's all we charge. That price includes the camping, the showers, the concerts and whatever else goes on at the Chip.

Get your spot now for the 2009Sturgis Rally

Yes, we have space available. Shaded campsites have generally remained available, as not everyone attempts to set up camp there. But there are no guarantees, particularly when it's a big party as is expected this year for Sturgis 2009. It's first come, first served as far as specific sites are concerned and late-comers probably won't be able to camp near a tree.

Make secure reservations for Sturgis 2009

Visa and MasterCard are the only accepted credit cards. Keep in mind that if you choose to use your Visa or MasterCard for reservations, in order to eliminate fraud and be certain that you and only you receive your passes, you MUST present that credit card, along with a government-issued photo ID at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Box Office upon your arrival. The Box Office personnel are forbidden to make exceptions.

Ship your gear to the Buffalo Chip before you leave for the 2009 Sturgis Rally

Another service the Chip provides allows you to SHIP YOUR GEAR TO THE CHIP. Ride Lite! We've a few heavy duty steel lockers. They are 8' x 2' x 4' and are securable with a single padlock. For $60 you can ship your gear and have it waiting for you upon arrival. Arrangements can be made by telephoning 605.347-9000.

Not Just a Sturgis Rally Campground

The Buffalo Chip Campground is a State-licensed, full-service campground.  It is open annually from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  Campers are welcome to camp there during  the "tourist season".  Reservations are not required. 

The Buffalo Chip Campground is also available for special events such as , receiptions, BBQs, picnics, family reunions or whatever.  Arrangements may be made at 605.347-9000.  Ask for the Special Events Coordinator. For wedding arrangements you may also call  Joan at the Sturgis Hitchin Post 605-391-5579 .

The Buffalo Chip really appreciates you

It'll be another great Sturgis Rally biker event this year. Come prepared to party your heart out and have the time of your life. We were the First Sturgis Biker Campground, and we are the best.

Please keep updated by checking our website. Bookmark us!

Remember, we're gonna have one incredible party to celebrate living another year of ridin' free and we're lookin' forward to seeing your smilin' faces in August.