Complete Guide to Custer State Park in South Dakota. Lodging, Camping, Things to do, Bison, Wildlife Loop Drive, and so much more.
All of the best ways to enjoy this epic park in the beautiful Black Hills region of South Dakota.
Custer State Park
Custer State Park could be easily be mistaken as Custer National Park, after all, it is the second-largest state park in the country covering 71,000 acres.
Custer has epic wildlife viewing comparable to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, you can drive the epic Needles Highway Scenic Drive, tour first-rate visitor centers, and stay at breathtaking lodges suitable for park visitors and US Presidents alike.
You heard correctly, President Calvin Coolidge spent months at the Game Lodge, and it was considered his “Summer White House”. It is no surprise to me that with this much awesomeness in one park that 3,600 people each month search for Custer National Park instead of Custer State Park.
Custer has incredible scenery throughout the park including towering granite formations, incredible lakes, rivers so rich they once started a Gold Rush, and pine forests so thick the hillsides look black from a distance thus the name we most commonly hear about, The Black Hills of South Dakota.
Wildlife here is plentiful, with thousands of free-roaming buffalo, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and even prairie dogs. More than likely, you'll encounter the park's infamous "begging burros" holding up traffic in hopes of a handout.
These unofficial long-eared park ambassadors are actually feral descendants of a herd of burros that were used by the park in the 1920s to give trail rides up to 7,242-foot Harney Peak, the highest point in the Black Hills.
Much more tame than wild, the friendly burros often block the road but a toot of the horn will move them out of the way.
About Custer State Park
With 71,000 scenic acres, a large and diverse animal population, plus first-rate visitor facilities and activities to suit the entire family, Custer State Park could easily be mistaken for a national park.
From the open grasslands and rolling hills to clear lakes, streams, and granite peaks, every turn in the road or trail guarantees another fantastic view.
And the 114 protected square miles mean there is plenty of room to explore and enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills. Bring your sense of adventure and wonder to Custer State Park and roam wild like the buffalo!
It is worth noting that this is a state park, not Custer National Park as it is written in some places.
The park does have amazing wildlife, scenic views, and epic lodges similar to what you will find in US National Parks.
Is Custer State Park worth visiting?
YES!!!!!
Custer State Park is an amazing South Dakota State Park that is definitely worth visiting.
Custer is an attraction in itself yet it also makes for an incredible base camp to explore the entire area. Area attractions include Wind Cave National Park, Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, Jewel Cave National Monument, and Crazy Horse.
One of our favorite parts about visiting Custer is the scenic byways like The Needles Highway and the Iron Mountain Road, also known as "the road to Mount Rushmore".
This iconic drive allows you to explore more of the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore National Monument.
History of Custer State Park
Custer State Park is the largest of South Dakota's State Parks and was the 1st state park established.
The park's history dates back to 1897, just eight years after South Dakota joined the Union.
Custer State Forest was established in 1912 after land negotiations.
Governor Peter Norbeck urged the state legislature to create Custer State Park.
1914: 36 Bison were purchased from the Scotty Philip’s herd near Pierre.
1916: 12 pronghorn were added.
1919: On July 1, Custer State Park was officially a state park.
1922: Needles Highway was completed and 8 Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep were introduced.
1924: Bison herd totaled 100 animals.
1927: President Calvin Coolidge and Mrs. Coolidge spent three months at the Game Lodge, “Summer White House”.
1932: The Civilian Conservation Corps completed Iron Mountain Road, connecting State Game Lodge and Mount Rushmore National Monument. (Construction started on Mount Rushmore in 1927 and was completed in 1941.)
1961: Visitation reached 1,000,000 people.
1966: In February, the first live buffalo auction was held with 100 animals sold to the highest bidder.
Things to know before your visit to Custer State Park
Custer State Park Entrance Fee
Daily - $10.00
Daily(nonresident) - $15.00
7-day single-vehicle park pass - $25
When you pay the entrance fee make sure to ask for a copy of Tatanka, the park magazine! It includes a ton of great information and maps of the park.
South Dakota State Park Pass(Resident) - $40.00 for 1 vehicle, $60.00 for 2nd vehicle
Valid for one year through the month of purchase. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle or its pass holder.
South Dakota State Park Pass(nonresident) - $60.00 for 1 vehicle, $90.00 for 2nd vehicle
Valid for one year through the month of purchase. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle or its pass holder.
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Time Zone
MST - Mountain Standard Time
Pets
Pets need to be on a leash no longer than 10 feet.
Pets are not allowed in any park buildings or on designated swimming beaches.
Please clean up after your pet, and do not leave pets unattended.
Service animals are welcome.
Cell Service
Cell service can be really spotty throughout the park.
Park Hours
Year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed.
Wi-Fi
WiFi is available in the park.
Food/Restaurants
Blue Bell Lodge Dining Room
End of April thru mid-September:
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daily
Mid-September thru 3rd week of October:
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daily
Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Blue Bell Lodge at 605-255-4531.
State Game Room Lodging
Casual yet elegant breakfast and lunch dining with a more formal ambiance for dinner.
Open regularly from the end of April through mid-October.
Sylvan Lake Lodge Dining
The restaurant is closed in the winter from November through April.
Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the Sylvan Lake Lodge at 605-574-2561.
Legion Lake Lodge Dining
Open seasonally from the end of April through the beginning of October, 7 days/week for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Hours may vary slightly in the months of May and September/October.
Gas
There is a gas station located near the State Game Lodge and Blue Bell Lodge,
Drones
Drones in South Dakota state parks are permitted but must follow state park and FAA rules and guidelines.
Electric Vehicle Charging
There are 25 charging stations in Custer, South Dakota.
There are also 15 charging stations in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Don't forget to pack
Don't forget to pack
Insect repellent is always a great idea outdoors, especially around any body of water.
We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips. Please read my article on preventing biting insects while enjoying the outdoors.
Sunscreen - I buy environmentally friendly sunscreen whenever possible because you inevitably pull it out at the beach.
Bring your water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.
Sunglasses - I always bring sunglasses with me. I personally love Goodr sunglasses because they are lightweight, durable, and have awesome National Park Designs from several National Parks like Joshua Tree, Yellowstone, Hawaii Volcanoes, Acadia, Denali, and more!
Click here to get your National Parks Edition of Goodr Sunglasses!
Binoculars/Spotting Scope - These will help spot birds and wildlife and make them easier to identify. We tend to see waterfowl in the distance, and they are always just a bit too far to identify them without binoculars.
Details about Custer State Park
Size - 71,000 acres.
Custer State Park is one of the largest State Parks in the United States.
Date Established
The park was designated a game preserve in 1913 and was made a state park in 1919.
Visitation
In 2020, Custer State Park had over 2.3 million park visitors.
Learn more about the most visited and least visited National Parks in the US
Custer State Park Address
Latitude: 43.61433
Longitude: -103.689
Custer State Park Map
Where is Custer State Park?
Custer State Park is located 15 miles south of the city of Custer in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Estimated distance from major cities nearby
Custer, SD - 14 miles
Rapid City, SD - 31 miles
Hill City, SD - 28 miles
Keystone, SD - 16 miles
Casper, WY - 213 miles
Gillette, WY - 127 miles
Denver, CO - 360 miles
Minneapolis, MN - 600 miles
Estimated Distance from nearby National Parks
Wind Cave National Park - 11 miles
Badlands National Park - 69 miles
Theodore Roosevelt National Park - 267 miles
Yellowstone National Park - 430 miles
Where is the Custer State Park Visitor Center?
Custer State Park Visitor Center
Location - Junction of US Hwy 16A and Wildlife Loop Road
You won't want to miss anything that Custer State Park has to offer, so stop at the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center, named for an early conservationist and former South Dakota governor.
Built from native wood and stone in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the structure is distinctive and houses exhibits and displays that interpret the region's natural and cultural history.
Also pick up a copy of the park guide, Tatanka, (means Bison in the Lakota Sioux language) for details on hiking, trout fishing, camping, geocaching, guided wildlife tours, and the park's year-round events.
The visitor center is located at the junction of Wildlife Loop Road and Highway 16A
Memorial Day - Labor Day Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Labor Day - September 30 Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
October 1 - Memorial Day Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter - Closed
Wildlife Station Visitor Center
Location - Wildlife Loop Road
The Wildlife Station Visitor Center on Wildlife Loop Road is the place to get your questions answered about the flora and fauna you encounter along the loop.
Memorial Day – Labor Day Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Labor Day – September 30 Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
October 1 – Memorial Day Closed
Bison Center
Located on Wildlife Loop Road
Memorial Day – Labor Day Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Labor Day - September 30 Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
October 1 – November 5 Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
November 6 – Memorial Day Closed
Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center
Location - Highway 16 near the State Game Lodge
Memorial Day – September 30 Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
October 1 – Memorial Day Closed
Badger Hole Historic Site
Located .5 miles south of Highway 16A on Badger Clark Road
Memorial Day – August 31 Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
September 1 – Memorial Day Closed
Getting to Custer State Park
Closest Airports
Rapid City Regional Airport - RAP
Located 37 miles north. Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, United and Boutique Air all fly into and out of the airport.
International Airports
Denver International Airport (DEN) - 368 miles
Minneapolis International Airport (MSP) - 612 miles
Hector International Airport, Fargo, North Dakota (FAR) - 618 miles
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 670 miles
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) - 682 miles
Regional Airports
Chandron Municipal Airport, Nebraska (CDR) - 75 miles
Gillette- Campbell County Airport, Wyoming (GCC) - 140 miles
Driving Directions
GPS can be unreliable in this area of the Black Hills, South Dakota.
We suggest having a paper map to make sure you have directions to the park in case there is no cell service.
The park is located roughly 25 miles from Rapid City, South Dakota.
South Dakota Highway 16A runs through the park.
Best time to visit Custer State Park
Late spring, early summer, and fall provide great opportunities to visit the park with a little less crowding.
With that being said the park is experiencing record visitation and more and more people realize just how amazing Custer SP is.
Custer State Park Weather and Seasons
Every season offers something unique and fun to see and do while visiting the park.
Spring
Spring is a great time to visit the park and see the newborn wildlife and wildflowers. The park is warming up from the winter.
Summer
Summer is the busiest time of year to visit the park. Peak visitation runs from June through August when school is out.
Autumn/Fall
During the Fall you can enjoy epic fall leaves, cooler weather, and a bit less crowding in the park.
Fall Foliage normally peaks between Late September and Early October.
Winter
The park is open in the winter and offers unique programs and opportunities to explore the park.
There are guided hikes, winter survival classes, ice fishing, and guest speakers to enjoy.
Snowshoes are available for check out from January through March at the visitor center.
Visitors can take the winter trail challenge. There will be Winter Trail Challenge Selfie Signs along each trail that participants need to take selfies at.
Best Things to do in Custer State Park
There are so many epic things to do in Custer SP! From wildlife viewing to enjoying the lakes make sure to plan a couple of days in the park if you can.
Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road
Distance - 18 miles
If you like your wildlife more on the wild side, you won't be disappointed when you drive the paved 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road.
The two-lane road in the southern portion of the park traverses open prairie grasslands and over and around pretty rolling hills dotted with colorful wildflowers.
Deer, elk, and antelope roam freely, as do enormous buffalo. Also watch for coyotes, mountain lions, many species of birds, and a colony of cute prairie dogs you can watch right from the road.
Each spring, the Wildlife Loop Road turns into a nursery for adorable buffalo calves!
Sticking close to their mother's hefty sides, the little ones are fiercely protected, so use your telephoto lens and don't get too close- although they're so cute it's tempting!
The herds often graze near the roadsides and without warning will walk in front of vehicles, so use caution.
Buffalo, or bison, look slow and plodding, but they can outrun a horse, are unpredictable, and should never be approached.
The best time to explore the Wildlife Loop Road is early morning or evening when the weather is cooler and wildlife is more active.
Begging Burros
One thing to know is the burros are incredibly "friendly"!
These friendly donkeys are happy to stick their heads in the car in hopes of finding a snack or two.
Unfortunately, past visitors have fed the donkeys and taught them that humans provide easy access to food.
Please do not feed wildlife!!!! Wildlife that is used to humans has more chance of being hit by cars, injured, or falling sick from eating non-native food.
Buffalo Round-Up
To fully experience just how fast and furiously bison can run, attend Custer State Park's annual Buffalo Roundup held in early October.
To control the size of the park's bison population, cowboys and cowgirls herd over 1,400 huge beasts into a system of corrals along the Wildlife Loop Road.
It's not only a sight to see, but with thousands of thundering hooves pounding the earth, you'll feel it too!
Once corralled, the animals are sorted and the new calves are branded and vaccinated.
Most bison are released back into the park, but others remain in the corrals until the November buffalo auction. Revenue received from this auction goes toward the park's annual operating budget.
In conjunction with the roundup, Custer State Park hosts an Annual Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival.
For three days, visitors are treated to continuous Western and Native American dancing and singing and can admire and purchase artwork made by South Dakota's finest artists and craftsmen.
Mounted shooting demonstrations, a chili cook-off, and other special activities make this event a South Dakota tradition.
2022 Buffalo Round-Up - September 29 - October 1st.
Bison Center
The brand new Bison Center in Custer State Park will focus on the history of the park's bison herd.
The center has dynamic interpretive displays, historical information about the heard, information on how the park manages the bison, and so much more.
Needles Highway
Distance - 14 miles
Tunnels - If you are driving a large vehicle please make sure it can fit through the following tunnels on the Needles Highway.
Needles Eye Tunnel (Near Needle's Eye), 8' 9" wide by 9’8" high;
Iron Creek Tunnel, 8' 9" wide by 10’10” high.
The Needles Highway was completed in 1922 and provides visitors the opportunity to drive through the needle-like granite formations found in this area.
The road is closed starting with the first snow of the season and does not reopen until at least April 1, depending on conditions.
Plan for this drive to take a minimum of at least an hour if not longer. The speed limit is 25 mph or less and it can get crowded.
Also, pack a bit of patience! You will most likely run into very cautious drivers who are nervous to find out what is around the next hairpin turn, through the narrow tunnels and may just stop to check out the epic views.
Needles Eye Tunnel
The Needles Eye Tunnel is jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring, and also slightly gut-wrenching.
The tunnel measures 8' 9" wide by 9’8" high and we suggest making sure you know your vehicle size before heading towards the tunnel.
We suggest driving through the tunnel a few times to really experience it. You can get epic photos by having someone take pictures or video of you driving through it.
We had to mute one of the videos because my wife was squealing so much and a few of the words she used were not the best. LOL!
Iron Mountain Road
Distance - 17 miles
Tunnels - If you are driving a large vehicle please make sure it can fit through the following tunnels on the Iron Mountain Road.
Doane Robinson Tunnel, 12' 0" wide by 11' 4" high;
C.C. Gideon Tunnel, 11' 6" wide by 10' 9" high;
Scovel Johnson Tunnel, 10' 9" wide by 11' 0" high.
The Iron Mountain Road connects Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. It passes through amazing views of the Black Hills including three epic tunnels.
Make sure to have your camera ready when you enter the tunnels! Mount Rushmore is framed perfectly in the tunnels making an epic photo.
Iron Mountain Road does close in the winter depending on snow and conditions.
The road is also called "the road to Mount Rushmore".
Swimming
Swimming is allowed in all of the park's five lakes - Center Lake, Legion Lake, Stockade Lake, Sylvan Lake, and the Game Lodge Pond.
There are no lifeguards on duty.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed anywhere in Custer State Park. A valid South Dakota fishing license is required.
You can purchase a fishing license online prior to your visit.
A South Dakota Habitat Stamp is required for anyone 18 years or older when purchasing a fishing license.
The annual fee for a habitat stamp is $10 for residents and $25 for non-residents.
A habitat stamp is not required for the one-day fishing license.
Licenses, bait, and tackle are available at each of the resort areas.
Guided Park Tours
There are multiple guided tours offered within Custer SP.
You can also book an open air Jeep Safari private tour of the park from Rapid City.
Tour options available within the park include the Hayride Chuck Wagon Cookout and Wildlife Tour, Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour, Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour, and Cookout, Needles Highway Sunrise Jeep Tour, Horseback Trail Riding, and Boat rentals.
Rock Climbing
Popular areas for rock climbing include Sylvan Lake and the Needles.
Hiking in Custer State Park
Always carry the 10 essentials for outdoor survival when exploring.
Cathedral Spires
Trail Length: 1.5 miles one-way to the spires
Trail Difficulty: Strenuous
Starting Point: 2.5 miles east of Sylvan Lake on the Needles Highway
Little Devil's Tower Trail
Trail Length: 1.25 miles one way
Trail Difficulty: Strenuous
Starting Point: 1 mile east of Sylvan Lake on Needles Highway
Sunday Gulch Trail
Trail Length: 2.8-mile loop
Trail Difficulty: Strenuous
Starting Point: Follow the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail to behind the lake dam
The trail may have ice present even in June
Sylvan Lake Shore Trail
Trail Length: 1-mile loop
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: The trail can be accessed at various points along the lakeshore.
Sylvan Lake Trailheads to Black Elk Peak
Trail Length: Trail #9 3.3 miles one way
Trail Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Starting Point: Starts just across the footbridge leading to the Sylvan Lake swimming beach.
Trail Length: Trail #4 3.5 miles to Black Elk Peak
Trail Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Starting Point: Starts at the furthest southeast corner of the day use parking area
Badger Clark Historic Trail
Trail Length: 1-mile loop
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: .5 miles south of US 16A on Badger Clark Road
Creekside Trail
Trail Length: 2-miles oneway
Trail Difficulty: Easy paved trail
Starting Point: There are trailheads at the visitor center and Grace Coolidge Campground on US 16A
French Creek Natural Area Trail
Trail Length: 12 miles one way
Trail Difficulty: moderate on non-established trails
Starting Point: West trailhead is located 3 miles from Blue Bell Lodge on North Lame Johnny Road
East trailhead is located 4 miles south of the visitor center on Wildlife Loop Road
Grace Coolidge Walk-in Fishing Area Trail
Trail Length: 3 miles one way
Trail Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Starting Point: Southern trailhead parking area is along US 16A across from Grace Coolidge Campground
Northern Trailhead is adjacent to the beach at Center Lake
Legian Lake Trail
Trail Length: 1-mile loop
Trail Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Starting Point: Legian Lake Campground
Lover's Leap Trail
Trail Length: 3-mile loop
Trail Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Starting Point: Across US 16A fro the Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center, behind the pavilion
Prairie Trail
Trail Length: 3-mile loop
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Along Wildlife Loop Road, 13 miles from the Visitor Center or 5 miles from the Blue Bell Entrance Station
Stockage Lake Trail
Trail Length: 1.5-mile loop
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: .3 miles south of US 16A on Stockade Lake Drive
South Dakota Centennial Trail
Trail Length: 22-miles of the Centennial Trail are located within the park
Trail Difficulty:
Starting Point: There are three trailheads for the Centennial Trail within the park
Iron Creek Trailhead - North of SD Hwy 87 on Camp Remington Road
Badger Hole Trailhead - .5 miles south of US 16A on Badger Clark Road
French Creek Trailhead - 3 miles from Blue Bell Lodge on North Lame Johnny Road
Custer State Park Trail Challenge
The Custer State Park Trail Challenge runs from May through July! To participate make sure and collect stamps or take a photo of the "trail challenge" sign on participating trails. Collect all eight stamps/photos and receive a prize. Learn more at the Custer State Park Visitor Center.
Don't forget to take your ten essentials with you on any hiking trip. If you plan on being on an extended hiking trip make sure and check in with the visitor center to let them know where you are headed.
How to beat the crowds in Custer State Park?
The best way to beat the crowds is to start early in the morning and plan to enjoy a later evening in the park.
The great thing about starting early is wildlife is more active and easier to see. Pack a car picnic and head out to explore the park before everyone else wakes up!
Where to stay when visiting Custer State Park
There are multiple lodges and cabins located within Custer State Park. Nearby lodging can be found in Custer, South Dakota.
Custer State Park Lodging
Beautiful resort-style accommodations- State Game Lodge, Sylvan Lake Resort, Legion Lake Resort, and Blue Bell Lodge- make it easy to linger in nature-loaded Custer State Park.
Each inn is extraordinary: the State Game Lodge served as the "Summer White House" for President Calvin Coolidge in 1927; Sylvan Lake Resort offers breath-taking views of Harney Peak; Legion Lake Resort was once the site of the local American Legion post, and Blue Bell Lodge was built in 1920 by an executive at Bell Telephone. You'll also find chapels, general stores, and gift shops at each lodge.
Blue Bell Lodge
Blue Bell Lodge cabins feature climate controlled rooms, private baths, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee pot, and hair dryers.
They offer single-family cabins, log cabins with a wood-burning fireplace, and a group cabin.
Creekside Lodge
Creekside Lodge at Custer State Park is located near the State Game Lodge. This newer hotel offers 30 lodge rooms. The Creekside Lodge was built in 2008 and offers many modern conveniences.
Legion Lake Lodge
Legion Lake Lodge features cabins with climate control, private baths, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee pots, and hair dryers.
They offer single-family cabins near the swimming beach and playground.
State Game Lodge
The State Game Lodge in Custer State Park was the summer White House in 1927 for President Calvin Coolidge.
The State Game Lodge has seven rooms in the historic lodge and also has an adjacent motel and cottages.
The State Game Lodge is registered on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sylvan Lake Lodge and Cabins
Sylvan Lake Lodge in Custer State Park has 67 rooms some of which overlook Sylvan Lake and offer great cabins.
Sylvan Lake Lodge was built in 1937 with a new wing of rooms added in 1991.
On December 18, 2021, a fire broke out in the lodge and caused damage to the east side of the building.
The historic parts of the lodge were spared but the lodge sleeping rooms will need to be rebuilt. The goal is to reopen for the 2023 season.
There are 31 cabins on the hillside surrounding the historic lodge.
Click on the map below to find the current prices and availability for lodging near Custer State Park.
Custer State Park Camping
If you prefer to sleep in a tent or RV, it won't be easy deciding on just one campground for your stay in the park. You can set up along a flowing stream or lake, in the midst of a forest, or in open meadows.
With so many options, each in a different setting with a variety of amenities, you'll need to sample more than one.
Many of the larger campgrounds- Blue Bell, Center Lake, Game Lodge, and Stockade Lake North- also offer interpretive programs during the summer.
Naturalists educate campers on a variety of park topics, and costumed characters from the 1870s have even been known to make an appearance!
9 campgrounds with 341 campsites currently within the park.
The governor of South Dakota has proposed adding a new 175 campsite campground in Barnes Canyon near the Wildlife Loop Road.
Currently it does not look like this campground is going to be funded. We will see what happens in the future.
Reservations
Campsites and group camps can be reserved one year in advance.
There is a non-refundable reservation fee of $7.70 for non-residents.
A $2 fee is assessed to all phone reservations.
Camping fees for the entire stay must be paid when the reservation is made.
The park entrance fee is not included in the camping reservation fee.
Center Lake Campground takes same day reservations beginning at 6 am each day.
Backcountry Camping
Primitive Camping is available in the French Creek Natural Area.
Camping is available anywhere along the canyon bottom. Open fires are prohibited.
Campers must self-register at the stations located at each end of the natural area. The campsite fee is $7 per person per night.
Blue Bell Campground
Campsites - 29
Location - South on SD Hwy 87, adjacent to the Blue Bell Lodge and Horse Stables.
Amenities - Showers, flush and vault toilets, large RV sites, ADA Access, Interpretive programs.
Center Lake Campground
Campsites - 71
Location - off SD Highway North, three miles north of US Highway 16A
Amenities - Showers, Vault Toilet, Large RV sites, Interpretive programs, hiking trails, boating, swimming, fishing, and a playground.
Game Lodge Campground
Campsites - 56
Location - South of the Visitor Center, near the junction of US Hwy 16A and Wildlife Loop Road
Amenities - Showers, Flush and vault toilets, RV Dump Station, Large RV Sites, ADA Access, Interpretive Programs, swimming, fishing, and a playground.
Grace Coolidge Campground
Campsites - 27
Location - ½ mile west of the Park Office on US Hwy 16A
Amenities - Showers, Flush toilets, Large RV Sites, ADA Access, fishing
Legion Lake Campground
Campsites - 22
Location - On US Highway 16A across from Legion Lake and Legion Lake Lodge.
Amenities - Showers, Flush Toilets, Large Trailer Sites, ADA Access, Hiking Trails
Stockade Lake North Campground
Campsites - 42
Location - On the western side of Custer State Park off of US Hwy 16A, four miles east of the town of Custer.
Amenities - Showers, Flush and Vault Toilets, Large RV Sites, ADA Access, Interpretive Programs, Playground.
Stockade Lake South Campground
Campsites - 24
Location - On the western side of Custer State Park, south of US Hwy 16A along Stockade Lake Drive, four miles east of the town of Custer.
Amenities - Showers, Flush and Vault toilets, ADA Access
Sylvan Lake Campground
Campsites - 39
Location - ¼ mile south of Sylvan Lake on SD Hwy 87N (Needles Highway). Due to low, narrow tunnels large RVs or vehicles towing campers should avoid Needles Highway (SD Hwy 87N) and approach the area using SD Hwy 89 north from US Hwy 16A in Custer.
Amenities - Showers, Flush and vault toilets, ADA Access
French Creek Horse Camp
Campsites - 29
Location - Near Blue Bell Lodge on North Lame Johnny Rd (CSP 4)
Amenities - Showers, Flush and vault toilet, Large RV Sites, ADA Access, hiking trails, fishing.
Group Camping
Group camping is available at the Calvin Coolidge Group Area, Stockade Group Area and Non-profit youth areas.
For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!
Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, New York, and Orlando
Stockade Group Area
Accommodates a maximum of 40 people
Facilities: group picnic shelter (15 amp electricity), picnic tables, fire grates
Sanitation & Water: vault toilets, flush toilets, and showers are available in Stockade South Campground, ¼ mile away
Location: Located along Stockade Lake Drive, 4 miles east of the town of Custer on US Hwy 16A.
Calvin Coolidge Group Area
Accommodates a maximum of 40 people
Facilities: 5 gravel campsites (30/50 amp electricity), picnic shelter with electricity, picnic tables, one central fire ring
Sanitation & Water: potable water available, vault toilets, flush toilets, and showers available at Game Lodge Campground
Location: Located southwest of the junction of US Hwy 16A and Wildlife Loop Road
Parks near Custer State Park
There are quite a few epic things to do near Custer SP including Mount Coolidge Lookout Tower, Crazy Horse Memorial, Black Elk Peak, Black Hills Playhouse, and the Sturgis Rally.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Devils Tower National Monument
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Check out all of the South Dakota National Parks along with neighboring North Dakota National Parks, Montana National Parks, and National Parks in Minnesota
Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok