SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – If you’re driving to get to your destination this weekend, you’re in the majority. More cars are expected on South Dakota roads than last year, according to AAA.

This weekend is the official launch of the tourist season in South Dakota. At Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Campground just east of Sioux Falls, general manager Ray Aljets has everything in place, rain or shine.

“We’ll be ready with all the activities that we can pack into a weekend for people to have a good time. We’re ready to go,” Aljets said.

The price at the pump doesn’t affect the number of campers, but it does affect where they come from.

“When gas prices are high, you tend to see people who are closer to your location. When gas prices come down a little bit, you generally see some people who travel a greater distance to get to you,” Aljets explained.

Whether you’re fueling up your car or your RV, you’ll be saving more than last year, according to GasBuddy.

“Now, the average gas price in South Dakota has been inching down ahead of Memorial Day gas prices, down about four cents a gallon statewide. The average is about $2.93. That’s the lowest price we’ve seen since 2021,” said Patrick De Haan with Gas Buddy.

Some tips to find the best price: download an app to compare prices at the pump. That can save you up to 30 cents per gallon. Be sure to double-check prices in tourist areas, stations close to the interstate, or before leaving the state.

“You may cross into another state, and you can see gas prices either much higher or much lower,” De Haan said.

Here in South Dakota, we have it pretty good. In comparison, it’s up to five dollars a gallon in other places.

“All in all, the West Coast is the highest in the country: California, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, and Nevada, all with some of the highest prices,” De Haan explained.

After checking gas prices, don’t forget to call 511 for road conditions, including construction detours, to make your trip as stress-free as possible.

“Whether you’re local or you’ve come from hundreds of miles, we’re going to put on a good time for you,” Aljets said.

The best time to travel is before noon every day this weekend, and the least amount of traffic on the road is expected to be on Saturday and Sunday.

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