Custer State Park
Custer State Park
5
About
One of South Dakota’s most iconic landmarks, this park stands out for its granite peaks, rolling grasslands, and clear mountain waters. Stretching over 71,000 acres, Custer is home to abundant wildlife like bison, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and more. Drive down Wildlife Loop Road to spot the begging burros (they approach vehicles for food), hike the Little Devils Tower Trail for a bird’s eye view of the area, and go swimming or boating in one of its five lakes. With warm days and cool nights, summer is an ideal time to visit Custer. Don't miss out on exploring the rest of the Black Hills, including Mount Rushmore. – Tripadvisor
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- ANR_78Marion, Illinois727 contributionsNeed More TimeNot sure what I can say except that we needed more time here. Lots to do and lots to see but I feel like this is how many of these parks are. You get to see some of it, maybe a lot of it, but, unless you work here, and are just traveling through you'll wish you had just a bit more time to explore.Visited June 2022Written 28 March 2023
- Terri J80 contributionsLots of Wildlife.This was our first visit and boy we’re we wowed! The roads are well kept and the porta potties appreciated and spacious. We saw so much wildlife and we were thrilled. We saw buffalo, rams, deer, prairie dogs and antelope! I kept my eyes peeled for an elk but no luck! Great relaxing drive.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 April 2023
- SunAndSkiColorado Springs, Colorado45 contributionsDefinitely consider going in MarchI think we enjoyed this as much as Mt. Rushmore, if not more. I disagree with the recommended time of "<1 hour" in the description. This is a big place. It's worth driving to the south end to see tons of buffalo, and there are some really great hikes here, including Cathedral Spires. Really cool. Although it was a little cold, and not every attraction was open, we enjoyed not having to fight ANY crowds at Mt. Rushmore or Custer, and also saving some serious $$ on hotels. Seriously, felt like we were the only ones there.Visited March 2023Written 3 May 2023
- dsaunColorado Springs, Colorado31 contributionsBeautiful and must see!Beautiful! Well worth the visit. We drove through one morning and it was foggy so we just took wildlife loop rd. Tons of bisons! Stopped by the new bison center- it’s worth stopping by. Cleans and informative. The gentleman working was very friendly and full of info about the park and bison. Drove rest of park a different day, it was nice having a pass for a week. Highly recommend!Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 30 May 2023
- LT652014Beaufort, South Carolina100 contributionsDon’t miss if you are in rapid City.Great state park. Comparable to any I have visited. Plenty to do and a few places to eat as well. The Buffalo safari is an entertaining ride. We got an extra long one as it wasn’t yet busy and the guide was eager to show us the sights and animals, although we had seen plenty of Buffalo already. Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Rd are great drives. The Sylvan Lake trail is a good walk. We took a day and a half to do it because the safari was extended, but were delighted.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 June 2023
- lcgovolsAthens, Tennessee689 contributionsLoved our stay at Blue Bell LodgeWe LOVED our three night stay at Blue Bell Lodge in Custer State Park. We were there for three days and I wish it could have been longer. I would highly recommend doing the chuckwagon ride/supper from Blue Bell Lodge….it was so much fun and the steak was delicious!!Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 18 June 2023
- Mike SKansas City, Missouri86 contributionsCuster BUFFALO!A very nice drive with many animals to see. We had 1 area where we had so many buffalo around our vehicle that we had to stop along with traffic from both directions. We estimated nearly 300 buffalo in the area that we had to stop. There are many places to stop along the road to get some great pictures. Have done this before, and will be back.Visited July 2022Travelled with familyWritten 21 June 2023
- angeleyes27Brigantine, New Jersey5,196 contributionsNice park with 3 drivesThis park is $20 for a carload. We did the 17 mile Wildlife Loop and saw a herd of buffalo. There is a new Buffalo Visitor Center on it which is nice. We also did the Needles Eye Tunnel which is very cool. We drove through some of the Iron Mountain road at night. We had only 4 hours to spend in the park so we didn’t have time to do that in the day. Get a free Black Hills map as the roads can be confusingVisited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 June 2023
- Debra Girl KatChicago, Illinois6 contributionsGreat adventure of South Dakota!The entire park was absolutely beautiful. Clean and pleasant to hike easy to moderate trails with or without walking sticks. The birds were like no other. All kinds! The roads are winding, adding adrenaline to our trip. Bison roam the lands.Visited July 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 June 2023
- Chris F.Fort Collins, Colorado273 contributionsGreat Trip! Rewarded with Beautiful scenery and WildlifeWe had been thru here when our children were little and had such fond memories that we decided to visit again. We were not disappointed. At the entrance, the ranger shared with us where the buffalo were being seen that day, so we could be sure to take that route. The scenery was beautiful, weather was perfect. Then we saw them! Up close and personal. The buffalo and lots of calves. In the distance, on both sides of the road, on the road, and right next to the road. They are magnificent animals, and they had us totally spellbound. We saw 3 or 4 herds this close along the roads in the park. we were able to get some incredible pictures. Some of which we hope to put on our walls. Driving along the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park, we noticed lots of vehicles pulled over and walking down the gulch. Following them we soon saw why. Here were the wild, friendly, begging burros. They are the descendants of the burros that carried tourists up to Black Elk Peak before roads were built to it. You will want to have something to offer them. Try cut apples or something healthy. Stop at the visitor's Center for information and comfort stop. ~ The amount of time you spend in the park depends on your interest level and what you enjoy viewing. ~ Please keep in mind, you are viewing wild animals and must exercise precautions. Stay in your vehicles ( except for the burros in the gulch~ but these also are wild. They seem tame because of the handouts) We had one buffalo rub it's neck on the fender and hood of our car, and back fender. Exciting yes, terrifying yes. These are very powerful animals. So, use common sense, and you will have memories that will last you a lifetime.Visited June 2023Written 5 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
6,210 reviews
Excellent
5,267
Very good
752
Average
133
Poor
30
Terrible
28
Beryl B
Box Elder, SD271 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Awesome park! Always something different to see. If you want to see the whole park plan 3 hours + to drive around the 3 scenic drives. Longer if you want to stop and explore and hike. You can see Visitor center (1 hour) and Bison center (30 minute) for more explanation about the Park. Enjoy ! Here’s a photo of Bison center from yesterday morning-surrounded by bison.
Written 13 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sara T
Ellicott City, MD1,033 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
This is a gorgeous state park. There are many campgrounds. We went at 5 in the evening and saw LOTS of bison. They crossed the road right by where we parked. Amazing!
Written 30 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MariaBCalifornia
Chino Hills, CA591 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
My husband and I stayed inside the park at the Custer State Lodge, so made drives through the park every day. We saw bison, wild turkeys, wild burros, deer, and many other animals. We had a great stay here and thought the park was great.
Written 23 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fist Bump Trader
4 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
You're welcomed by vast grasslands, dramatic rock formations, and the friendliest wildlife ever. I practically had a staring contest with a bison, and the scenic drives through Needles Highway felt like something out of a movie. What's truly magical is the feeling of freedom; you can hike, camp, or just sit by the lake and soak it all in. It's not just a park; it's a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're into hiking, wildlife, or just craving some peace and quiet away from city life, Custer State Park is a must-visit slice of heaven.
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerrianne W
Saint Louis, MO77 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
My timing was off; the buffalo roundup was a week or so earlier. I think that might have been a reason why I only saw one small herd of buffalo. Nonetheless, it was a great afternoon of driving through the park.
Written 6 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveSly
Kalamazoo MI51 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Absolutely outstanding. We did the wildlife loop, needles highway and silvan lake. A must visit if in the area.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tammym2737
Athens, AL55 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Beautiful views, lots of nice hiking trails and driving yrails with lots of wildlife. We went back several days, so glad we checked out this state park. Needles loop is a must see drive, especially with national park higher ridge trail road closed. Anything after October 15 is somewhat shutting down in area, but colors and amazing views are not to miss, good for all ages.
Written 23 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Herb M
Rockport, MA383 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We visited Custer and Custer State Park for several days, and we enjoyed it so much we would like to return. Custer State Park was a joy, especially the Needles Road and the Wildlife Loop. Needles Road was breathtaking; we enjoyed it one day and went back for a second look, but it was closed for the season! The Wildlife Loop featured the annual roundup of bison, with tagging and branding the animals - fascinating to watch. We spent three full days in this area, with another day at Mt Rushmore. And the town of Custer offered very good hotel and eating. I would like to return to this area and combine the visit with Yellowstone. Be careful because some things (roads, businesses, museums) begin to close late September-October.
Written 21 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ASGLondon
London, Canada213 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
Amazing scenic views, hiking trails, scenic overlooks and lots of wildlife encounters.
I visited Mt Coolidge, Lake Sylvan, the Needles, the wildlife loop, Iron Mountain, and oodles of trails.
The restroom facilities were... rustic. But, that's better than nothing.
I spent two days, but probably could have spent an entire week. The price of admission is well worth the experience!
My only complaint is that the glue on the pack pass stickers is way too strong, it took significant effort to get it off my windshield.
I visited Mt Coolidge, Lake Sylvan, the Needles, the wildlife loop, Iron Mountain, and oodles of trails.
The restroom facilities were... rustic. But, that's better than nothing.
I spent two days, but probably could have spent an entire week. The price of admission is well worth the experience!
My only complaint is that the glue on the pack pass stickers is way too strong, it took significant effort to get it off my windshield.
Written 12 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MAP12
New Orleans, LA600 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
We did the Needles Hwy and Iron Mountain Road - both well worth seeing, great scenic highways. We didn't see any buffalo here, but had seen enough that we didn't miss them.
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Has anyone had any experience with the Chuckwagon Dinner? Trying to decide between doing just the half day trail ride that includes lunch or the 2 hour trail ride plus the dinner. Thank you!!!
Trip A
5 contributions
we did the jeep ride followed by chuck wagon dinner. It was great and recommend.
Grockle13
Winnipeg, Canada5 contributions
Looking to rent a camping cabin and trying to decide between Bluebell and Stockade South! Anyone have any options on them?
hesster
Cincinnati89 contributions
We stayed in Custer and drove into the Stockade lake area. I never heard of Bluebell but Stockade is really close to the wildlife loop in Custer park.
If you enjoy seeing animals I would take a close look at Stockade.
Can you see Rushmore and Crazy Horse in Jewel Cave and one day
Mary J
Lake Geneva, WI34 contributions
Yes, u can but it will be tight time wise. All three activities are very interesting and even though they are not far apart, the roads are winding and there is a lot of wildlife, sometimes right on the road. It can be slow going but lots of fun!
Bethany P
Licking, MO17 contributions
Trying to decide if the Black Elk Trail 9 is an ok trail for my kids (age 17, 13, 9, & 8.) We are an athletic family and last year did a 6 mile bike ride on the southern rim of the grand canyon, so we love family physical activities. But hiking to Black Elk Peak (Harney Peak) may be a different, more difficult challenge, than what we are used to. Can an 8 & 9 year old handle the challenge of the Black Elk Trail 9 to the peak?
Lovtorun
Midwest643 contributions
We hiked the trail in September and saw a number of families going up as we were going down. I don't know how many made it to the top though.
Are you familiar with the Alltrails app? A number of people recently posted there of hiking with children. It could help you decide.
We didn't think the trail was exceptionally steep, but it can be a long way.
Jaclyn D
Rogersville, TN29 contributions
Looking all over the Custer State Park website and cannot find when the park actually opens or Rangers start taking money at the entrance…what is the earliest we can get in and head to the Wildlife Loop?
Grover R
Pensacola, FL18,062 contributions
The road is always open. The ranger post does have hours. However we went early in the morning to see animals. There was no problem except for construction in September.
Elizabeth H
Clinton Township, Michigan, United States7 contributions
So our plan for Sept 2022 is to arrive about 5am and get in line. I am curious as to how far the parking lot is from the viewing area..... either south or north.
lindakerr8
Las Vegas, NV550 contributions
Arrive earlier than 5am....bring chairs, dress appropriately as it is cold in a. Don't feed the wild animals...they are wild and if you encounter, remain in yr vehicle. Buffalo can charge you, donkeys can kick!!!!! Don't bring yr dog(s) dogs have the same scent as coyote which are natural enemies. Donkeys will charge, kick and kill yr dog. Have fun,....views and experience of a lifetime!
lindajp
camarillo, ca32 contributions
Can you see the corrals from the viewing areas on the day of the Great Buffalo Round-up or do you need to walk or drive to the corrals? Are there porta-potties near the viewing areas?
ChicagoVegasJack
West Dundee, IL31 contributions
Viewing is limited from the road in your vehicle, unless on a tour or special arrangements. Regarding bathrooms, there is a welcome center, otherwise, you go where the Bison 🦬 go!
Atevac
New York City, NY
Hi,
I will be staying at the State Game Lodge from a tour. I will not have a vehicle to move around in. Will I be able to rent a car? Does the lodge provide transportation within the park?
I would like to rent a car to go Rapid City from the lodge.
Jerri L
Johnston, IA2,174 contributions
I would suggest contacting the lodge to ask for suggestions. I can’t imagine this is a new question and they would have the best information.
Johanna M
Charlotte, NC2 contributions
Considering hauling our ebikes for a 3 week trip to SD and Yellowstone. Will we be able to ride them enough to make it worth the haul from NC or is it easier to just rent when in areas we can or want to bike ride?
jkfinl
Sappington, MO110 contributions
I’m staying at a camp site without electric. Is there anywhere I can charge my phone? Pay for charge kiosk or such?
Our America
Apache Junction, AZ280 contributions
I charge my phone in the car when staying on a site w/o electric. I never have a problem.
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Claim your listingCUSTER STATE PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Custer State Park
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Custer State Park:
- Private Tour of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park (From €365.67)
- Private Black Hills Monument Package (From €297.11)
- JEEP Bison Safari - Public - Half Day Tour (From €319.05)
- Premiere Private Black Hills Tour: Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse & Custer State Park (From €338.24)
- Mt Rushmore, Custer, Crazy Horse & Sylvan Lake (From €255.05)
- Hotels near Custer State Park:
- (0.17 km) Econo Lodge
- (0.16 km) Days Inn by Wyndham Custer
- (0.18 km) The Kleemann House
- (0.38 km) Rocket Motel
- (0.30 km) Black Hills Mile Hi Motel
- Restaurants near Custer State Park:
- (0.02 km) Buglin' Bull Restaurant and Sports Bar
- (0.04 km) Calamity Jane Coffee Shop and Grill
- (0.05 km) Gold Pan Saloon
- (0.05 km) Begging Burro Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar
- (0.06 km) The Custer Wolf
- Attractions near Custer State Park:
- (0.00 km) Sunday Gulch Trail
- (0.02 km) Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour
- (0.03 km) Good Karma Jewelry
- (0.03 km) Custer County Candy Company
- (0.05 km) Adventure Rentals