Custer State Park, South Dakota

Hold on to your hiking pants, because things are about to get exciting here in Custer State Park. First order of business—bison. Do you like them, do you think they’re pretty rad? Of course you do. Good thing there’s a herd of 1,300 of them roaming freely throughout the park’s 71,000 acres of open rangeland, dense pine forests, and crystal clear mountain waters. You can even pitch your tent in all of the aforementioned locations… woohoo! Spend your time here searching for wildlife, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and taking scenic drives (Wildlife Loop Road is a classic, just look out for bison!). Trout fishing is extremely popular during the summer, with four mountain lakes to cast your line into. If all of that isn’t enough, the park hosts the Annual Buffalo Roundup, which is held each September and gives visitors a glimpse into the hardcore world of cowboys and cowgirls.