State Parks

Photo © SD Tourism

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

Biking
Birdwatching
Boating
Camping
Canoeing/Kayaking
Cross country skiing
Fishing
Hiking
Historical interest
Horse Trail
Horseback Riding
Paddleboarding
Rock Climbing
Snowshoeing
Swimming

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

Custer State Park
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

Park Rating

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.

Campgrounds

Custer State Park offers 9 campgrounds all with a variety of scenic sites.

Hunting

Hunting helps reduce the size of populations, preventing overcrowding with the park.

Park History

Discover the history and culture of Custer State 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

Latitude: 43.61433
Longitude: -103.689

Additional Info

2020 Summer Activities