Why go
For many experienced campers, Custer State Park is even the real highlight of South Dakota – ahead of Mount Rushmore. On an area of more than 280 km2, it combines spectacular granite rocks, crystal clear mountain lakes, dense pine forests and an exceptionally species-rich wildlife.
The park is particularly well known for its free-living bison herds with around 1,300 animals. In addition, Pronghorn antelopes, moose, whitewede deer, coyotes, thickhorn sheep and the famous
The Custer State Park can be combined perfectly with Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial and Wind Cave National Park and earns at least one whole day – better still two.
At a glance
Category | Information
Establishment | 1919
Area | approx. 287 km2
Ideal stay | 1–2 days
Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.
Animal monitoring | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Scenic Drives | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wildlife Loop Road
The approximately 29 km long Wildlife Loop Road is one of the best roads in North America for wildlife observation.
With a little patience you can observe here:
Bisons
Pronghorn antelopes
White-tailed deer
Coyotes
Turkeys
Prairie dogs
Wild ass
Best animal observation
Start as soon as possible immediately after sunrise. Then the animals are significantly more active and traffic is still low.
Needles Highway
This spectacular panoramic road is one of the most beautiful streets in the USA.
It leads past:
huge granite rocks
narrow rock tunnels
narrow passages
impressive viewpoints
Photo Tip
Plan enough time. Hardly any other road offers so many photo motifs at such a short distance.
RV tip
Don't drive big Fifth Wheels or long Motorhomes! Several narrow tunnels and sharp curves are not suitable for big teams. Use your pickup truck.
Sylvan Lake
Probably the most beautiful mountain lake in the Black Hills.
Surrounded by mighty granite rocks, the lake invites you to walk, paddle or simply relax.
Many hiking tours start directly on the shore.
Cathedral Spires
The distinctive granite towers are among the most famous rock formations of the park.
Already from the parking lot there are impressive views.
Peter Norbeck Visitor Center
A good starting point to learn about hiking tours, animal watching and current road conditions.
Hike to Black Elk Peak
Distance: approx. 11 km
Duration: 4–5 hours
Difficulty: medium
The highest point of South Dakota offers spectacular panoramic views over the Black Hills.
The historic stone tower on the summit is one of the most popular photographic motifs in the region.
Walk around Sylvan Lake
Distance: approx. 1.6 km
Duration: 30–45 minutes
Difficulty: easy
Ideal for families or a relaxing evening walk.
Kayak or paddleboard
In summer, boats and paddleboards can be rented on Sylvan Lake.
Buffalo Roundup (September)
Once a year, cowboys drive the big bison herds together.
This event attracts visitors from all over the world.
Insider tip
If your trip takes place in September, it is worth planning the appointment early. Accommodation and campsites are often booked months in advance.
Shopping
In the park there are small shops with:
Snacks
Beverages
souvenirs
Camping articles
For larger purchases we recommend:
Custer
Hill City
Rapid City
State Game Lodge Dining Room
One of the most traditional restaurants in the Black Hills.
Recommended are:
Bison Burger
Steaks
Wild game dishes
The historic building was once used as the summer residence of President Calvin Coolidge.
Blue Bell Lodge Restaurant
Rustic atmosphere with regional cuisine.
Especially popular:
Buffalo Stew
Burger
homemade desserts
Sylvan Lake Lodge Restaurant
Perfect for lunch with a view of the lake.
Game Lodge Campground
Perfectly located for animal watching.
Suitable for larger campers.
Center Lake Campground
Quiet location in the middle of the forest.
Ideal for Fifth Wheels.
Stockade North Campground
Full hook-up.
Spacious pitches.
Very popular with campers.
Blue Bell Campground
Beautiful alternative in the southern part of the park.
RV tip
The Wildlife Loop Road is easily accessible with large campers. On the other hand, you should explore the Needles Highway exclusively with the pickup truck.
Photo Tip
The most beautiful pictures are made early in the morning on Sylvan Lake or along Wildlife Loop Road, when the sun is low and the animals are still in open meadows.
Insider tip
Many visitors drive the Wildlife Loop Road only once. Drive it in the morning and again towards the evening – animal observations often differ significantly.
Avoid frequent errors
Keep enough distance from bisons. They seem calm, but can react surprisingly quickly and aggressively.
Don't feed the wild ass, even if they get curiously to the vehicle.
Plan enough time on the Scenic Roads – often animal observations provide short traffic jams.
In the high season, an early start is recommended to avoid the biggest crowd.
Our recommendation
The Custer State Park combines everything that makes the American West: vast prairies, impressive granite landscapes, winding panoramic roads and a fascinating wildlife. There are only a few places in the USA where bisons, wild ash and spectacular mountain landscapes can be experienced so easily on a single day.