- Biking
- Birdwatching
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Cross country skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Historical interest
- Horse Trail
- Horseback Riding
- Paddleboarding
- Rock Climbing
- Snowshoeing
- Swimming
Custer State Park
The granite peaks and rolling plains are calling. The clear mountain waters are inviting and the open ranges are waiting to be discovered. Bring your family to Custer State Park and let yourself run wild.
Encompassing 71,000 acres in the Black Hills, Custer State Park is home to abundant wildlife and adventure; camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, or relaxing, there’s something here for everyone.
Feeding and disturbing park wildlife is against park regulations. While the animals within the park are used to visitors and vehicles, they are still wild animals. Please remain in your vehicle or stay at least 100 yards from bison, elk, and other animals.
Pets must be on a leash no longer than 10 feet and are not allowed in any park buildings or on designated swim beaches. Please clean up after your pet and do not leave it unattended. Service animals are welcome.
Firearms must be unloaded and cased unless during a hunting season with the proper license. Concealed carry is allowed with the appropriate permit.
Custer State Park Visitor Center
The new Custer State Park Visitor Center is open year-round is a great start to your adventure.
Wildlife Station Visitor Center
Take a break from the Wildlife Loop road to appreciate the Wildlife Station Visitor Center.
Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center
The Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center is a perfect opportunity to catch an educational program or just take the opportunity to play and explore.
Custer State Park Begins F.R.O.G. Campaign
Sewage is used water and wastes discharged by a visitors and collected from the drains of sinks, showers, toilets and laundry facilities and flows into sewer lines, or collection systems, from the drains in homes and businesses. From the sewer lines, it is then transported to a sewage treatment facility.
Sewers back up when sewage collection lines get clogged by items flushed down toilets and drains such as Fats, Rags Oil and Grease (FROG) that get caught in the line and plug it up. In addition to the costly repairs, sewer back ups are messy, foul-smelling, and pose a serious public health threat.
Never flush down the toilet or drain
- Fats, cooking oil or grease
- Motor oil
- Disposable diapers and baby wipes
- Disinfectant wipes
- Cleaning cloths
- Big chunks of garbage
- Cat litter including “flushable” cat litter
- Feminine napkins, tampons and applicators
- Dye (hair /clothing) or tanning solutions
- Flammable products (lighter fluid, acetone)
- Acidic and toxic substances
Proper Disposal Tips
- Throw bulky waste materials in trash.
- Freeze small amounts of fats, oils and grease in a container with a tight-sealing lid and dispose of in trash.
- Mix oil with an absorbent material such as coffee grounds, place in a tightly-sealed container and dispose of in trash.
- Use a strainer in your sink to catch scraps.
- Cover drains with fine screen or catch basket.
Activities
Fees
- Daily: Weekly Park License: $20 per vehicle | Motorcoach License: $3 per person per visit
- Annual: $36 1st vehicle | $18 for 2nd vehicle | $80 transferable license. License is required for travel on Needles Hwy or Wildlife Loop Rd. Travelers going through on US Hwy 16A or SD Hwy 87 S. and don't stop in the park, entrance license isn't required.
Park Specs
Open: Year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed. Please contact the park directly for current status. Vault toilets usually remain open.
Park Size: 9 campgrounds, 1 horse camp and cabins in Blue Bell, Game Lodge, Stockade North and French Creek campgrounds.
Directions:
GPS can be unreliable in the area. Please refer to a map or call the Park Office for directions.
Nearest Town: Custer, Rapid City, Hill City, Keystone
Make Reservations
Make reservation online or call 1.800.710.2267.
Maps
Contact Info
13329 US Highway 16A
Custer, SD 57730
605.255.4515
Email: custerstatepark@state.sd.us
Amenities
- Beach
- Campground
- Camping cabins
- Canoe/kayak rentals
- Drinking water
- Dump station
- Electric campsites
- Fishing dock
- Flush toilets/showers
- Guided Tours
- Horse camp
- Lodge
- Parking
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Tables
- Playground
- Resort
- Snowshoe checkout
- Vault toilets
- Visitor Center
- Wi-Fi
Resort
Within our 71,000-acre wildlife preserve, four private historic lodges offer restaurants, guided wildlife activities, and modernized cabins or hotel rooms as part of Custer State Park Resort.
Activities and Programs
Since things are a little different right now, we gathered some information that might be useful for you to explore Custer State Park.
Due to changes with Covid-19 Custer State Park is not offering the typical summer programing. Instead we encourage you to discover the park your own way.
Buffalo Roundup
Feel the thunder and join the herd at the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival.
Buffalo Auction
Each November the park holds a buffalo auction as a tool in herd management.
Hunting
Hunting helps reduce the size of populations, preventing overcrowding with the park.
Scenic Drives
All scenic drives are subject to closures depending on weather conditions and other hazards within the park. Please call the Park Office if you would like to check the status of one of these roads.
Sights
The sights throughout Custer State Park offer several unique view points and historic buildings and landmarks.
Trails
Throughout the park you will find miles of hiking/biking and horse trails with various terrains and views.
ADA / Accessible
- Camping Cabins
- Camping Site
- Hiking Trails
- Lodge
- Paved Bicycle Trails
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Visitor Center
GPS Coordinates
Longitude: -103.689