It all started with a family trip to the Black Hills two years ago. Somewhere between marveling at the iconic Mount Rushmore and taking in the rich history of Deadwood, the Gardiniers, who had traveled from their home in Florida, fell in love with the area.
“I’ve traveled all over the country,” Alex Gardinier explained. “But the Black Hills was one of the few places that I’ve been that the more you see, the more you want to keep exploring.”
With a background in the hospitality industry, Alex and his brother Julian wanted a way to stay connected to the area. They found the perfect opportunity when they found Black Hills Station Campground, a rustic property located in Piedmont, South Dakota.
Perfectly Positioned for Success
Nestled between Rapid City and Sturgis, the campground’s proximity to attractions, dining, and the world-famous annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was key in the Gardiniers’ decision to purchase Black Hills Station. “I love that you have access to everything within 20 minutes,” Alex said. “It makes a great base for those only visiting the area for a few days.” The area is also an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, boasting nearby hiking trails, fishing streams, and more.
Quick access to services and amenities benefits the Gardiniers as well, who frequently visit the Black Hills to manage the business. “There are challenges when you’re far away,” Alex shared. “When I get to the airport, half an hour later I’m at the campground. It was one of the things that were important to us when deciding to buy the property.”
Investing in Memories
Since purchasing Black Hills Station, the Gardiniers have invested in providing some much-needed love to the worn-down campground. In addition to adding new cabins, the 12’ pool that was once a beloved summer hotspot and which sat for years in disrepair was rebuilt. “We’ve spent a lot to bring it back to its original glory,” Alex said while detailing the campgrounds major renovations over the last two years.
Bar 46 & Casino was also added to the property, offering visitors a lively sports barwhere they can enjoy a cold drink while cheering on their favorite team. By providing a year-long destination for fun, the Gardiniers hope to become not only a seasonal stop for tourists, but a go-to for locals as well. “Most campgrounds are closed in the winter. Bar 46 allows us to stay open throughout the year and serve a more diverse group of customers,” Alex explained.
Joining a Community on the Rise
With Black Hills Station Campground now a lodging and entertainment destination not only during the Sturgis Rally but year-round, Alex is looking forward to a bright future. “We saw the growth of the area,” he stated. “And there’s so much opportunity beyond those crazy three weeks during the rally.”
For the Gardiniers, the journey has become more about just reviving a campground; it has become a way to become part of the community and share the region’s beauty with others. Recently, while at home in Florida, Alex wore a Black Hills t-shirt he bought at a local gift shop. “Three people stopped me to tell me how much they love the Black Hills,” he said with a laugh. “It’s amazing to be connected to such a historically rich and incredible area.”
