Best Camping in and near Custer State Park

Q: Can you camp anywhere in Custer State Park?

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 .

Q: Are there bears in Custer State Park?

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.

88% (27 reviews)

Granite peaks, rolling prairie, and herds of wildlife roam free at this massive South Dakota park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Custer State Park

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Custer State Park

Legion Lake Campground

26 sites · RVs, Tents In Custer State Park

100%

(2)

Blue Bell Campground

58 sites · RVs, Tents In Custer State Park

French Creek Natural Area

1 site · RV, Tent In Custer State Park

French Creek Horse Camp

29 sites In Custer State Park

Game Lodge Campground

69 sites · RVs, Tents In Custer State Park

Campground visitor-we saw him every morning

83%

(3)

Grace Coolidge Campground

27 sites · RVs, Tents In Custer State Park

100%

(4)

Stockade North Campground

43 sites · RVs, Tents In Custer State Park

100%

(1)

Stockade South Campground

36 sites · RVs, Tents In Custer State Park

89%

(16)

Sylvan Lake Campground

39 sites · RVs, Tents In Custer State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Custer State Park

100%

(380)

Bear Den Cabins & Camp

8 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Hermosa, SD

Bear Den is a small camp with 3 Glamping Tents, 2 cabins and shower house. Outdoor spaces for relaxing. We are located approximately 5 miles from Custer State Park, 11 miles from Keystone the Gateway to Mt. Rushmore in the beautiful southern Black Hills. Cabins have electricity, our tents do not have electricity. Cabins and showers are heated and open year round! All sites including 'bring your own tent' sites have access to the shower house and outdoor grilling areas. Pick a spot to pitch your own tent, one tent per space. If you have 2 tents please book 2 sites. We have 3 spots cleared. Hang your hammock in trees around the property. This option includes all access to the shower house and outdoor grilling areas!

96%

(111)

Horse Creek Resort

28 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

98%

(263)

Tent camping near a pine forest

17 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Custer, SD

These tent sites are located in a campground, bordered by the Black Hills National Forest. While staying here you have access to free hot showers, flush toilets, a dish washing station, a charging stations for electronics, a game room and a laundry room.

96%

(168)

Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

17 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

100%

(2)

Spring Valley Cabins

5 sites · Lodging, RVs9 acres · Piedmont, SD

Relax and recharge on a horse farm. Enjoy your morning coffee or sunset walks while petting horses or play with a few goats to unwind. We are conveniently located to trailheads for hiking and ATV adventures. This quiet and peaceful property offers RV hookups including water and electricity or a space to park and camp in your vehicle. Pets are more than welcome. Limited fire pit and grill available at request. Easy access to local restaurants and walking distance to neighborhood bars. 1.5 miles off of interstate. Access to shared bathrooms if needed.

95%

(30)

Black Hills Station

54 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Piedmont, SD

Located in Piedmont, South Dakota, our campground is surrounded by the Black Hills! Whether you’re in South Dakota for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, visiting Mount Rushmore, or looking to reconnect with nature, we’re the perfect place to stay! We are home to the 46 Bar & Casino, and offer tent camping, RV camping, and have cabins all throughout our campground. Our RV spaces feature amenities such as full hookups (30- and 50-AMP), plus water, electricity, and sewer. Some of our on-site amenities are game machines and Wi-Fi. Located right off Interstate 90, there are many outdoor activities and nearby attractions for the whole family to enjoy – bicycling, hiking, and fishing to name a few! Or you can enjoy Rapid City and other nearby towns where there are many delicious restaurants, art galleries, national parks, and museums. We look forward to seeing you all soon!

94%

(242)

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.

100%

(5)

Highland Meadows Resort

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Hot Springs, SD

Highland Meadows Resort sits on 12.5 acres atop a private mesa in Hot Springs, South Dakota. The resort features four private cabins, two glamping tipis, and an earth home on the upper mesa — and a campground on the lower mesa. Tipis are equipped with a king-size bed, sleeper sofa, and basic kitchenette. There's a shared wood fire pit, laundry facilities, horseshoe pit, and a private bath w/ shower for each tipi. Tipis also come with a pack and play for one extra infant/toddler. Kitchenettes come with a microwave, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and some basic place settings. The campground has several tent and RV sites, each with their own fire pit, picnic table, and power. The campground has a common area for larger gatherings and flush toilets with sinks. There are several water spigots in the campground as well: two near the restrooms and one at each RV site. Highland Meadows Resort is located near The Mammoth Site, Wind Cave, Cold Brook Reservoir, and local hot springs. It's a short drive from Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore.

99%

(101)

The Wilderness

1 site · RV, Tent80 acres · West Pennington, SD

Learn more about this land:Tired of the city? Want to get away from people? This 80 acre site is perfect for getting away from civilization and experiencing nature as it was meant to be. Hike in the beautiful Black Hills or make the short trip to Lake Pactola for boating or fishing. If relaxing isn't your speed, take a bike ride on the Michelson Trail or travel one of the many off road trails nearby.

93%

(213)

Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

32 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Custer, SD

Custer's Last Chance RV Park & Campground Is about us and our dream come true. We spent 3 years putting a plan together so we could make the move to South Dakota. Finding the right piece of land wasn't easy and came with a few setbacks. We were lucky to find land in Custer with the French Creek running through the property. The creek features a couple of wide pools. The rest of the creek is fairly narrow with slow moving water. The kids will have a great time exploring the lower acreage. 2024 we added Full hookups to some of our sites, we still offer a few dry camping spots as well. Without you this dream wouldn't be possible. We hope you enjoy your stay!

100%

(16)

No Name City Luxury Cabins & RV

129 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Sturgis, SD

Welcome to No Name City Luxury Cabins & RV!! A full-service resort nestled in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. We are located near Sturgis, Deadwood, beautiful ATV trails, gorgeous hiking trails, and hunting. We have RV a variety of RV sites, tent camping, cabins, full bar/grill, and beautiful amenities. Open year-round. Amenities Swimming Pool Hot tub Playground Cable TV in cabins WiFi Firepit Camp Store Full Bar and Grill Laundry Facilities Propane filling station Picnic Pavilion with 2 grills available for guest use.

86%

(25)

Refuge Hill

3 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Hot Springs, SD

Our tucked away forest and meadow are the perfect place to find peace and relaxation away from the busy tourist spots in the Black Hills. We have a walking trail going throughout the property and we are very close to the Mickelson Trail (1.1 miles from driveway), Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Park, Custer State Park, natural hot springs, and much more. We are family and pet friendly. Great location for a home base for UTV and ATV riding with plenty of extra parking.

The best camping near 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

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.
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.
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp anywhere in Custer State Park?

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.

How much does it cost to camp 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.

When can you reserve campsites in Custer State Park?

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.

Are there bears in Custer State Park?

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.