Nestled in the picturesque Black Hills, Custer State Park is a natural wonderland awaiting your exploration. This expansive park spans 71,000 acres and offers diverse landscapes, from rolling prairies to towering granite peaks. As one of the largest state parks in the United States, Custer State Park is known for its abundant wildlife, including a thriving herd of over 1,400 free-roaming bison. Immerse yourself in Custer’s untamed beauty on a scenic drive, a beautiful hike or at the annual Buffalo Roundup.
Custer State Park Visitor Center
Visit the Custer State Park Visitor Center at the junction of US Highway 16A and Wildlife Loop Road to learn about the park’s iconic bison, chat with knowledgeable staff and watch the 20-minute educational movie that plays every half hour. It’s the perfect first stop on your Custer State Park adventure. The Visitor Center is open year-round, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Explore Things to Do in Custer State Park
Custer State Park Fees
Before visiting Custer State Park, please be aware of the required entrance fees:
Daily
- 7-Day License: $20 per vehicle
- Motorcoach License: $3 per person per visit
Annual
- $36 first vehicle
- $18 second vehicle (with coupon)
- $80 transferable license
- Vehicles traveling non-stop through the park on US Hwy 16A do not need an entrance license.
When to Visit
The best weather at Custer State Park is between May and September. However, if you want to visit when it’s less busy, winter is the perfect time to enjoy peace and solitude in the snow-covered park. Most of the park’s offerings are still available, and you can enjoy special winter activities like snowshoe hikes, ice fishing, snowmobiling, a romantic Valentine’s dinner at the State Game Lodge and more.
Custer State Park Weather
Average temperatures in Custer are relatively temperate throughout spring and summer, when the average high is 83 degrees and the average low is 65 degrees. During winter, the weather ranges from 0-30 degrees Farenheit, so if you’re planning a winter trip, pack your warmest winter gear and waterproof outerwear.
Places to Stay Near Custer State Park
From campgrounds to lodge rooms to pet-friendly cabins, there are plenty of lodging options near Custer State Park. Want a hotel experience surrounded by nature, or would you rather stay right in the middle of the wilderness? Both are easy options. Check out the Custer Resorts website to learn about current specials and save some money as you plan your trip.
Travel Responsibly
Its untamed, natural beauty makes Custer State Park unique. Help maintain that by leaving no trace and being a respectful guest. Always clean up your trash and recycle whenever possible. Removing rocks, plants, fossils or other natural features from the state park is illegal (and penalties are steep), so leave things where they belong. Learn more (and score yourself a free sticker) by living the Forever 605 way.
Respect Wildlife
While Custer State Park is famous for its free-roaming buffalo, it’s also home to hundreds of other animals. On the Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway, you’ll find whitetail and mule deer, antelope, mountain goats, elk, coyotes, burros, bighorn sheep, birds, wild turkeys and prairie dogs amid 18 miles of open grasslands and hills.
These animals are majestic, fascinating and sometimes downright adorable, but remember, they’re wild animals. For your safety and the animals’, never approach, touch or feed wildlife at any point. You should also never remove plants or animals, living or dead, from the park, as these provide food and shelter for other wildlife.
Look After Your Pets
Pets are welcome in Custer State Park, but you must abide by the following rules to keep your pet, guests and the environment safe. Pets must always be on a leash; the maximum allowed length is 10 feet. Outside campgrounds and day-use areas, all pets must be under immediate control and more than 200 feet from other guests.
Owners must always clean up after their pets or face penalties. Pets (except service animals) are not allowed on designated swimming beaches or in park buildings (including welcome centers and comfort stations). Horse owners must stick to designated bridle trails and equestrian areas, as horses can damage native vegetation and their behavior can be unpredictable around other people.
Follow Hunting & Fishing Regulations
Custer State Park is renowned for hunting, offering everything from deer, antelope and elk to pheasant, waterfowl and turkey. If you’re an excited angler, you can catch brown trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass and catfish in the area’s lakes and streams. You must have a valid hunting or fishing license to participate and can purchase one from a licensed agent or online.
Find all park rules and regulations on the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks website.
Learn more about traveling responsibly in South Dakota.
Getting to Custer State Park
Custer State Park is located in a remote part of the Black Hills, though it’s easy to get there from Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), just 37 miles north. Allegiant, American, Delta, United and Boutique Air all fly in and out of RAP.
Nearby Attractions
Custer State Park offers quick access to the rest of South Dakota’s Great 8, from short drives to half-day trips. But the adventure doesn’t stop with the Great 8. Check out this list of activities and attractions.
Crazy Horse Memorial®: 15-minute drive
Wind Cave National Park: 20-minute drive
Jewel Cave National Monument: 21-minute drive
Mount Rushmore National Memorial: 35-minute drive
Badlands National Park: 1-hour and 9-minute drive
Historic Deadwood: 1-hour and 15-minute drive
Missouri River: 3-hour and 5-minute drive
Plan Your Custer State Park Trip
