Custer State Park

The basics

Custer State Park is a top destination for wildlife viewing. The animals can be seen from the many trails around the park, or as part of a guided hiking or safari ATV tour. If you’re driving, don’t miss the park’s scenic routes, such as Needles Highway. Other popular activities include biking, horseback riding, fishing, and camping. You can explore the area on a self-guided driving tour, a tour that includes transportation, or one that includes other Black Hills highlights like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.

Things to know before you go

• Restaurants, gift shops, and convenience stores are available at the park lodges.
• WiFi is available in the lodges, but cell phone reception in the park can be spotty.
• Always keep a safe and respectful distance from wildlife.
• Do not drink from any lakes, rivers, or streams in the park.
• Wheelchair-accessible facilities include visitor centers, toilets, showers, trails, fishing piers, playgrounds, campsites, and camping cabins.

How to get there

The closest major airport to Custer State Park is Rapid City Regional Airport, 39 miles (63 kilometers) away, while the town of Custer is 15 miles (24 kilometers) away. There are five entrances to the park, which can be accessed via US Highway 16 east, US Highway 16A south, State Highway 87 southeast, State Highway 87 north, and State Highway 36 west.

When to get there

Summer is the most popular time to visit the park, though afternoon thunderstorms can bring lightning, high winds, rain, and hail, so take caution regarding weather conditions. Numerous interpretive programs are offered in the summer and fall, and late September brings the annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival. The park is open year-round, but many visitor centers, lodges, campgrounds, and roads are closed over the winter.

Black Hills

Rising out of the Great Plains in southwest South Dakota, the Black Hills span an area of 120 miles (193 kilometers) by 50 miles (80 kilometers), bordered by Spearfish to the north, Hot Springs to the south, Rapid City to the east, and Wyoming to the west. In addition to Custer State Park, the area is home to other attractions such as Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and the Jewel Cave National Monument.

What is there to see and do at Custer State Park?

Custer State Park is one of the wildest in the US, with plenty of natural attractions to explore. Try all sorts of hikes, from beginner to hardcore, keeping an eye out for bison, pronghorn antelope, mountain goats, and elk. Plus, retrace the steps of old pioneers, like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.

How much time do I need at Custer State Park?

Visitors can spend as little as a half-day to up to multiple days in Custer State Park. Cover just the main highlights in a half-day guided tour, or add other attractions in the area and make it a full day. Hikers can easily spend at least three days exploring the park’s trails.

When’s the best time to visit Custer State Park?

Most visitors explore Custer State Park in the summer when school holidays are in full swing, and the temperatures are warmer. However, winter is also an excellent time to visit the park, especially for wildlife enthusiasts, since this is the best time to see local animals. Autumn is also spectacular for fall colors.

Is there a fee to enter Custer State Park?

Yes, you must pay for a vehicle license for most of Custer State Park. These can be temporary or annual, and additional passes can be added for a discounted price. However, you can access some areas of Custer State Park without paying, for example, on the Iron Mountain Highway.

Are Custer State Park tours combined with other attractions?

Yes, many tours to Custer State Park are combined with other sites. Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Sylvan Lake, and Black Hills are common additions. Often, these tours last the entire day. You’ll cover a ton of ground and see all the sites with the assistance of a live or audio guide.

What kinds of tours visit Custer State Park?

There’s a tour for every kind of traveler at Custer State Park. If you want flexibility, book a self-guided audio driving tour. Book a bus tour with live commentary if you don’t want to drive. Privately guided tours are another option, where you have flexibility and the ability to ask all your questions.

Ways to explore

Custer State Park is a top destination for wildlife viewing. The animals can be seen from the many trails around the park, or as part of a guided hiking or safari ATV tour. If you’re driving, don’t miss the park’s scenic routes, including the Wildlife Loop and the Needles Highway.

Other popular activities include biking, horseback riding, fishing, and camping. You can explore the area on a self-guided driving tour, a tour that includes transportation, or one that includes other Black Hills highlights, like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.

Accessibility

Visitor centers and lodges have accessible entrances and rooms. Main attractions like the Wildlife Loop are paved, with paved viewpoints and overlooks.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Binoculars, camera with zoom lens, water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, full gas tank

What to wear

Comfortable, layered clothing suitable for changing weather conditions and varying elevations; sturdy hiking boots or shoes; long pants for protection against ticks

Not allowed

Feeding or approaching wildlife, collecting plants or rocks, drones without permit, pets on leashes longer than 10 feet (3 meters)

Amenities

Visitor centers, campgrounds, lodges and cabins, restaurants, gift shops, picnic areas, playgrounds, boat rentals, restrooms

Address 

Custer State Park is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Rapid City near Wind Cave National Park and Mount Rushmore.

Driving

Custer State Park has several entrances. None is better than the other—just choose the one that works best for your trip.

Public transportation

There aren’t any transit options to Custer State Park. However, guided tours abound and will get you where you need to go—take your pick of the lot that head out of nearby Rapid City.

Best times to visit

Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for wildlife viewing, especially along Wildlife Loop Road, where bison, elk, pronghorn, and prairie dogs are commonly seen.

Best days to visit

Spring and fall weekdays offer excellent wildlife viewing and fewer crowds.

Best months to visit

Spring (May–June) brings wildflowers and newborn wildlife babies, while fall (September–October) brings changing aspens and wildlife actively fattening up for the winter.

Special events

The Buffalo Roundup in late September is the park's signature event. Cowboys and volunteers round up the park's bison herd—a spectacular sight (and thunderous sound!) that draws visitors from all over.