Custer State Park: Complete Guide 2026

Custer State Park is one of the largest and most spectacular state parks in the United States, encompassing 71,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota. Famous for its free-roaming bison herds, world-class scenic drives, and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities, Custer State Park attracts visitors from around the globe who come to experience the untamed beauty of the American West.

Whether you're driving the iconic Needles Highway through towering granite spires, watching a herd of 1,300 bison thunder across the prairie on the Wildlife Loop Road, or summiting Black Elk Peak—the highest point between the Rockies and the Alps—Custer State Park delivers unforgettable experiences for every visitor. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Custer State Park, from scenic drives and wildlife viewing to hiking trails, camping options, and practical planning tips.

Located just 30 miles from Mount Rushmore and adjacent to Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park is a cornerstone of any Black Hills adventure. Read on to discover why this remarkable park deserves a prominent place on your travel bucket list and how to make the most of your visit.

Visitor Centers & Information

Custer State Park operates multiple visitor centers throughout the park offering exhibits, educational programs, maps, and park information. These are great starting points for your visit.

What is Custer State Park?

Custer State Park is a 71,000-acre state park located in the Black Hills of southwestern South Dakota, making it one of the largest state parks in the country. Established in 1919 and named after Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, who led an expedition through the Black Hills in 1874, the park preserves a stunning landscape of pine-covered mountains, granite peaks, rolling prairies, and crystal-clear lakes.

The park is perhaps most famous for its free-roaming bison herd, which numbers approximately 1,300 animals and is one of the largest publicly-owned herds in the world. Each fall, the Buffalo Roundup brings cowboys and visitors together to move the herd—a living piece of American history and one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the nation.

Beyond wildlife, Custer State Park is renowned for its scenic drives, including the spectacular Needles Highway with its dramatic granite spires and narrow tunnels. The park offers over 50 miles of hiking trails, pristine fishing lakes, historic lodges, and nine campgrounds—making it a destination that rewards visitors whether they have a few hours or several days to explore.

Historic Significance

Custer State Park holds deep historical importance beyond its natural wonders. The park served as the "Summer White House" for two U.S. Presidents:

• President Calvin Coolidge (1927): Coolidge spent his entire summer vacation at the State Game Lodge, conducting presidential business and exploring the Black Hills.
• President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953): Eisenhower visited the park and participated in his famous photo opportunity of fishing at Legion Lake.

Bison Preservation Heritage

One of the most remarkable conservation stories involves the bison herd. In the early 1900s, American bison were on the brink of extinction. Scotty Philip, a visionary West River rancher, recognized the dire situation and took action to preserve these magnificent creatures. With the encouragement of South Dakota Governor Peter Norbeck, Custer State Park was designated as a game preserve, and in 1914, the park purchased 36 bison from Philip's ranch—some of the last surviving buffalo in North America.

These 36 animals were transported by rail to Hermosa, South Dakota, then carefully guided into the park where they could roam freely. Thanks to this visionary conservation effort more than a century ago, the herd has thrived and today numbers around 1,300 animals—one of the largest free-roaming bison herds in the world. This remarkable recovery from near-extinction stands as a testament to successful wildlife conservation and makes Custer State Park a living symbol of American conservation history.

Top Attractions in Custer State Park

Custer State Park offers a remarkable variety of attractions, from wildlife viewing to scenic drives to stunning natural landmarks. Here are the must-see highlights:

Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours

For a thrilling, guaranteed bison encounter, book a Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour. These guided excursions take you off-road directly into the bison herds where you'll get up-close views and professional photography opportunities.

Wildlife Viewing in Custer State Park

Custer State Park is one of the best places in North America for wildlife viewing, offering opportunities to see free-roaming herds of bison, pronghorn, elk, and more in their natural habitat. The park's diverse ecosystems—from open prairies to forested mountains—support an impressive variety of wildlife.

Wildlife Species

Best Places for Wildlife Viewing

• Wildlife Loop Road: The 18-mile loop is the premier wildlife viewing destination, especially for bison and burros.
• Prairie Dog Towns: Located along Wildlife Loop Road with viewing pullouts.
• Grace Coolidge Creek: Good for deer and elk in meadow areas at dawn and dusk.
• Mount Coolidge Area: Rocky terrain where bighorn sheep are sometimes spotted.

Wildlife Safety Tips

Scenic Drives in Custer State Park

Custer State Park is home to some of the most spectacular scenic drives in America. These roads showcase the incredible diversity of Black Hills landscapes, from towering granite spires to rolling grasslands teeming with wildlife. For a complete overview of all regional scenic drives, see our Best Scenic Drives in the Black Hills guide.

Hiking Trails in Custer State Park

Custer State Park offers over 30 hiking trails covering more than 50 miles, ranging from easy lakeside strolls to challenging summit climbs. The trails showcase the park's diverse landscapes, from granite spires to ponderosa pine forests to alpine meadows. For more hiking options in the region, visit our Best Hikes in the Black Hills guide.

Top Hiking Trails

Hiking Tips

• Bring plenty of water—at least 2 liters for longer hikes
• Wear sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
• Start early, especially for Black Elk Peak, to avoid afternoon thunderstorms
• Bring layers—mountain temperatures can change quickly
• Stay on marked trails to protect fragile vegetation
• Watch for wildlife and give animals space

Winter Activities in Custer State Park

While many facilities close by October, Custer State Park remains open year-round and offers unique winter experiences. The park's winter landscape transforms the scenery into a pristine snow-covered wonderland.

Camping & Lodging in Custer State Park

Custer State Park offers excellent overnight options, from rustic campgrounds to historic lodges. Staying within the park allows you to experience dawn and dusk wildlife activity, starry night skies, and the peaceful atmosphere of the Black Hills after day visitors depart.

Campgrounds

The park features 9 campgrounds with over 350 campsites offering various amenities. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer visits. Campsite fees range from $22-$44 per night depending on amenities and location.

Historic Lodges

For those preferring more comfortable accommodations, Custer State Park operates four historic lodges and resorts:

• State Game Lodge: The historic "Summer White House" offers lodge rooms, cabins, and dining. Central location.
• Sylvan Lake Lodge: Mountain lodge overlooking the iconic lake. Rooms and cabins. Near major trailheads.
• Blue Bell Lodge: Western-themed lodge with cabins and horseback riding. Hayrides and cookouts available.
• Legion Lake Lodge: Cozy lakeside cabins on Legion Lake. Good for fishing and relaxation.

For more lodging options outside the park, see our Rapid City Hotels guide or Hotels Near Custer State Park page for nearby accommodations.

Things to Do in Custer State Park

Beyond scenic drives and wildlife viewing, Custer State Park offers a wide variety of activities for visitors of all interests and abilities.

Best Time to Visit Custer State Park

Custer State Park is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique experiences. The best time to visit depends on your interests and what you want to see and do.

Our recommendation: Late May through early June and September through mid-October offer the ideal combination of pleasant weather, active wildlife, accessible roads, and manageable crowds. The Buffalo Roundup in late September is a once-in-a-lifetime experience if you can time your visit accordingly.

Annual Buffalo Roundup Event

The Buffalo Roundup is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in North America, drawing thousands of visitors to witness 1,300 free-roaming bison being herded together in the last weekend of September.

For specific 2026 dates and registration information, contact Custer State Park Resort or visit the official park website in late spring.

Planning Your Custer State Park Visit

How Long to Spend

• Half Day (3-4 hours): Enough time for one scenic drive (Needles Highway or Wildlife Loop Road) with brief stops.
• Full Day (6-8 hours): Complete multiple scenic drives, enjoy wildlife viewing, and take a short hike. Recommended minimum.
• 2-3 Days: Explore all scenic drives, hike to Black Elk Peak, spend time at Sylvan Lake, and fully experience the park. Ideal visit length.

Entry Fees & Passes

What to Bring

• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Camera with zoom lens
• Layers—mountain temperatures vary greatly
• Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
• Plenty of water and snacks
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat
• Rain jacket (afternoon storms are common)
• Park map or downloaded offline map

For complete trip planning resources, check our 3-Day Black Hills Itinerary and 5-Day Black Hills Itinerary guides.

How to Get to Custer State Park

Custer State Park is centrally located in the Black Hills region of southwestern South Dakota, making it easily accessible from several directions.

Driving Directions

• From Rapid City: 35-45 miles south via US-16 or US-385. Approximately 45-60 minutes.
• From Mount Rushmore: 30 miles south via SD-87 (Needles Highway) or US-16A (Iron Mountain Road). 45-60 minutes depending on route.
• From Deadwood: 50 miles south via US-385. Approximately 1 hour.
• From Custer (town): The town of Custer is adjacent to the park's northern entrance. 5-10 minutes to main park areas.

Park Entrances

Custer State Park has multiple entrances. The most commonly used are the northern entrance near Custer (via US-16A), the eastern entrance via SD-87, and the southern entrance near Pringle (via SD-87). Park entrance stations are located at each major access point where you'll purchase your park pass.

Attractions Near Custer State Park

Custer State Park is surrounded by world-class attractions, making it easy to combine with other Black Hills destinations. Here are the top nearby attractions:

For a complete overview of the region, visit our Things to Do in the Black Hills guide.

Where to Stay Near Custer State Park

While camping and lodges within the park offer the most immersive experience, there are excellent accommodation options in nearby towns as well.

For detailed accommodation recommendations, see our Rapid City Hotels Guide and Hotels Near Custer State Park page.

Custer State Park Visitor Tips

Arrival Tips

• Arrive Early: Popular areas like Sylvan Lake and Wildlife Loop Road get crowded by mid-morning in summer.
• Fill Up: Gas stations within the park are limited. Fill up in Custer, Hill City, or Rapid City before entering.
• Download Maps: Cell service is spotty throughout the park. Download offline maps beforehand.
• Pack Lunch: Dining options in the park are limited. Bring a picnic for flexibility.

Wildlife Safety

• Bison are dangerous: Always stay at least 100 feet away. Never approach for photos.
• Stay in your vehicle: When wildlife is on or near the road, observe from your car.
• Don't feed wildlife: This includes the "begging burros" on Wildlife Loop Road.
• Drive slowly: Animals often cross roads unexpectedly, especially at dawn and dusk.

Driving Tips

• Vehicle restrictions: Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road have height/width limits for tunnels. Check before driving.
• Drive slowly: Scenic roads have sharp curves, narrow tunnels, and frequent wildlife.
• Use pullouts: Pull off to enjoy views and let faster traffic pass.
• Watch for motorcycles: The Black Hills are very popular with motorcyclists, especially during the Sturgis Rally.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custer State Park