Camping in Custer State Park

89% (29 reviews)

Top camping in Custer State Park

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
89% (29 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Custer State Park adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Custer State Park

97%
(133)

Horse Creek Resort

29 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Rapid City, SD
theHCresort.com Centrally-located on 18 acres between two of the Hills’ largest and most beautiful lakes, and less than 15 miles from Rapid City and Mount Rushmore, Horse Creek Resort is the perfect creekside oasis for your next adventure. The resort is located off Highway 385, the main thoroughfare through the Black Hills National Forest, yet is peacefully nestled in a quiet valley, completely surrounded by national forestland with a tranquil year-round creek meandering throughout the property. Rock outcroppings, hiking trails and offroad trails are within footsteps of every cabin. The serene space is an outdoor sanctuary centrally-located within 20 miles of Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Eye Tunnel / Highway, and Black Elk Peak. Your adventure will also take you near Hill City, Keystone, Custer, and Historic Deadwood. Drive a little further, and end up in Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Sturgis, or Devils Tower National Monument. *****NOTE: HWY 385 Road Construction***** South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) began Highway 385 road construction , which is the main highway that runs through the Black Hills, from Deadwood through Custer, in the fall of 2023. They recently just started construction along the section next to Horse Creek (fall of 2024), which will continue through summer of 2025. Please use the following link for any updates: us-385 dot com
Pets
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from 
$40
 / night
96%
(199)

Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Rapid City, SD
theHCresort.com Centrally-located on 18 acres between two of the Hills’ largest and most beautiful lakes, and less than 15 miles from Rapid City and Mount Rushmore, Horse Creek Resort is the perfect creekside oasis for your next adventure. The resort is located off Highway 385, the main thoroughfare through the Black Hills National Forest, yet is peacefully nestled in a quiet valley, completely surrounded by national forestland with a tranquil year-round creek meandering throughout the property. Rock outcroppings, hiking trails and offroad trails are within footsteps of every cabin. The serene space is an outdoor sanctuary centrally-located within 20 miles of Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Eye Tunnel / Highway, and Black Elk Peak. Your adventure will also take you near Hill City, Keystone, Custer, and Historic Deadwood. Drive a little further, and end up in Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Sturgis, or Devils Tower National Monument. There are 8 open creek side RV sites (Sites 1 -8). You will receive site assignment the day prior to your stay. *****NOTE: HWY 385 Road Construction***** South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) began Highway 385 road construction , which is the main highway that runs through the Black Hills, from Deadwood through Custer, in the fall of 2023. They recently just started construction along the section next to Horse Creek (fall of 2024), which will continue through summer of 2025. Please use the following link for any updates: us-385 dot com
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from 
$40
 / night
100%
(1)

Lightning Under the Oaks

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Whitewood, SD
*Lightning Under the Oaks* Primitive Glamping or dry camping! Relax and unwind in this secluded little slice of heaven equipped with the tranquil sounds of Whitewood creek babbling away, adorable woodland creatures, stunning rocks and more! Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or longer, we are happy to host you! Highlights *Located between historic Crook City and Whitewood, with local amenities a mile away. *Both sheltered and secluded, our camping area is protected by many mighty oak trees; nestled away from wind and local light pollution, this is the perfect spot for stargazing and catching a glimpse of our adorable lightning bug friends. *Just 2 miles from National Forest Access and trails, you can find yourself getting lost in the beautiful trees and scenery of the Black Hills to include views of Bear Butte, Whitewood Peak and many more! Amenities *Tent sites: there are many suitable flat spaces for pitching a tent, although creek side is not recommended due to unpredictable rising water levels, weather dependent. Otherwise, find the perfect spot for your needs! This includes dry camping as well! *If you want the experience of tent camping but didn’t bring a tent along, we have you covered! We have a 2 person tent equipped with cozy bedding and pillows, ready for a good nights sleep. *Charging station on site: our charging station is solar powered and can provide power to any device that uses a USB charging port. This is located behind the blue tent in a small box labeled “Charging Station.” *6 gallon container of potable water available in camp with a fresh well water tap available a short distance away. *On site waste disposal: We have a garbage bin located near the entrance gate. You pack it in, we’ll pack it out for you. *Restroom access: Lightning Under the Oaks, is happy to provide a composting toilet for your restroom needs. This is located inside the blue pop up tent
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from 
$24.50
 / night
94%
(256)

Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Custer, SD
Property description Our property is nestled between Hwy 385, the Mickelson Trail, and the National Forest. We are located between Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park along Hwy 385 and the Mickelson Trail; about 30 minutes from Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Mountain. The nearest towns with restaurants are Pringle, (2 miles S); Hot Springs, (24 miles S), Custer, (9.5 miles N).; Hill City, (24 miles N), and Rapid City, (50 miles N). The blacktop driveway grants easy access for every type of vehicle. A couple of ponds, creeks, and dispersed willow, pine, and aspen trees enhance the diversity and beauty of the landscape. It is peaceful here and we enjoy sharing it with our guests during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat has our home, a big pole barn (RV storage), a garage/wood workshop with an attached restroom for all guests, a regular hot water shower cabin, a solar shower building, 2 small home-built camping log cabins, 7 RV sites, 9 clearly marked tent and car-camping sites, and several water hydrants fed by our well, providing great quality drinking water. 2 pets maximum per campsite, no pets allowed when booking a cabin. Check-In is 2 pm to 9 pm; Check-Out is 10 am for the cabins and 11 am for all other sites.
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from 
$45
 / night

Other options near Custer State Park

Camping in Custer State Park guide

Overview

About

Nestled in the Black Hills, Custer State Park is a top destination for wildlife viewing. Herds of bison, “begging” burros, elk, antelope, and bighorn sheep freely roam the 71,000 acres that make up the park. Spot them from the many trails around the park, or get up close on a buffalo safari jeep tour. Don’t miss the iconic Needles Highway, one of several scenic drives. Active visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and water play at several lakes and streams. With nine campgrounds offering RV and tent camping, historic lodges, and camping cabins, it’s easy to spend a few days here and explore all the park has to offer.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for viewing wildlife: Lots of wildlife can be found near Game Lodge Campground, which offers sites with RV hookups and a dump station, plus easy access to the State Game Lodge.
  • Best for exploring park and area highlights: Located near the Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake Campground is also closest to Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.
  • Best for a taste of the Old West: Go horseback riding and enjoy a hayride and chuckwagon roast near Blue Bell Campground.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Plan ahead. Most campsites at the park can be reserved up to one year in advance. Book online or by phone as soon as you know your travel dates. Sites for summer weekends tend to fill up almost immediately.
  2. If you can’t book anything ahead of time, try for a spot at the Center Lake Campground, which offers same-day reservations only, starting at 6am. 
  3. If your plans are flexible, try going in the off-season. Game Lodge Campground and French Creek Horse Campground are open year-round, though facilities will be limited in the wintertime.

When to go

Summer is the most popular season at Custer State Park, though the weather can be extreme, with afternoon thunderstorms that can bring lightning, high winds, heavy rain, and hail. A popular event is the annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival held in late September. In the summer and fall, enjoy a wide range of naturalist and interpretive programs. The park is open year round, but many campgrounds, lodges, visitor centers, and even the Needles Highway, are closed over the winter. 

Know before you go

  • Several lodges inside the park offer restaurants, convenience stores, and gift shops. For additional supplies, the towns of Custer, Keystone, and Hill City are nearby.
  • The Blue Bell, Sylvan Lake, Game Lodge, and Grace Coolidge campgrounds offer wheelchair-accessible sites and restrooms.
  • Cell reception in the park can be very spotty, but wifi can be found in the lodges.
  • Do not drink from any of the lakes, rivers, or streams in the park.
89%
29 ratings · 11 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you cannot camp anywhere in Custer State Park. Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds and camping areas within the park. Custer State Park offers various campgrounds, including:

  • Blue Bell Campground
  • Center Lake Campground
  • Game Lodge Campground
  • Grace Coolidge Campground
  • Legion Lake Campground
  • Sylvan Lake Campground

These campgrounds provide a range of amenities, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. It's essential to reserve a campsite or cabin in advance, as camping outside of these designated areas is not permitted in Custer State Park.

Camping fees at Custer State Park vary depending on the type of campsite and amenities. Tent and RV campsites with electric hookups typically range from $20 to $35 per night. Modern cabins and lodges are also available, with prices ranging from $50 to over $200 per night. For more information on accommodations and pricing, you can explore Custer State Park camping options on Hipcamp.

You can reserve campsites in Custer State Park up to one year in advance. It is recommended to make your reservations as early as possible, as the park is popular and campsites fill up quickly, especially during the peak season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. You can learn more about the available campsites and amenities in Custer State Park by visiting the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks website.

Yes, there are black bears in Custer State Park, located in South Dakota. While they are not as commonly encountered as other wildlife, it's important to follow proper bear safety guidelines when camping and hiking in the park. This includes storing food and scented items in bear-resistant containers or lockers, and maintaining a safe distance from any bears you might encounter.

  1. Custer State Park