Custer State Park
Custer State Park
5
About
One of South Dakota’s most iconic landmarks, this park stands out for its granite peaks, rolling grasslands, and clear mountain waters. Stretching over 71,000 acres, Custer is home to abundant wildlife like bison, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and more. Drive down Wildlife Loop Road to spot the begging burros (they approach vehicles for food), hike the Little Devils Tower Trail for a bird’s eye view of the area, and go swimming or boating in one of its five lakes. With warm days and cool nights, summer is an ideal time to visit Custer. Don't miss out on exploring the rest of the Black Hills, including Mount Rushmore. – Tripadvisor
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  • ASGLondon
    London, Canada235 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing
    Amazing scenic views, hiking trails, scenic overlooks and lots of wildlife encounters. I visited Mt Coolidge, Lake Sylvan, the Needles, the wildlife loop, Iron Mountain, and oodles of trails. The restroom facilities were... rustic. But, that's better than nothing. I spent two days, but probably could have spent an entire week. The price of admission is well worth the experience! My only complaint is that the glue on the pack pass stickers is way too strong, it took significant effort to get it off my windshield.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written October 12, 2023
  • Herb M
    Rockport, Massachusetts366 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Custer State Park can be whole trip.
    We visited Custer and Custer State Park for several days, and we enjoyed it so much we would like to return. Custer State Park was a joy, especially the Needles Road and the Wildlife Loop. Needles Road was breathtaking; we enjoyed it one day and went back for a second look, but it was closed for the season! The Wildlife Loop featured the annual roundup of bison, with tagging and branding the animals - fascinating to watch. We spent three full days in this area, with another day at Mt Rushmore. And the town of Custer offered very good hotel and eating. I would like to return to this area and combine the visit with Yellowstone. Be careful because some things (roads, businesses, museums) begin to close late September-October.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written October 21, 2023
  • tammym2737
    Athens, Alabama68 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Defiantly take a few hours or couples days here!! Don't eat to miss.
    Beautiful views, lots of nice hiking trails and driving yrails with lots of wildlife. We went back several days, so glad we checked out this state park. Needles loop is a must see drive, especially with national park higher ridge trail road closed. Anything after October 15 is somewhat shutting down in area, but colors and amazing views are not to miss, good for all ages.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written October 22, 2023
  • MariaBCalifornia
    Chino Hills, California650 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Many animals to see
    My husband and I stayed inside the park at the Custer State Lodge, so made drives through the park every day. We saw bison, wild turkeys, wild burros, deer, and many other animals. We had a great stay here and thought the park was great.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written December 23, 2023
  • Beryl B
    Box Elder, South Dakota257 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Bison Center with Bison
    Awesome park! Always something different to see. If you want to see the whole park plan 3 hours + to drive around the 3 scenic drives. Longer if you want to stop and explore and hike. You can see Visitor center (1 hour) and Bison center (30 minute) for more explanation about the Park. Enjoy ! Here’s a photo of Bison center from yesterday morning-surrounded by bison.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written March 13, 2024
  • Mike X
    Chicago, Illinois3,789 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful
    Take the wildlife loop and the needles highway/Sylvan lake route! If you take the loop, there are tons of bison on the east side of the halfway point. Then the needles highway loop is beautiful with some challenging hikes. The cathedral spires trail looks simple but is no joke. Bring water and be prepared to climb. You're on the honor system to purchase a week or annual pass at one of the automated kiosks.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled on business
    Written April 7, 2024
  • Jenn P
    New Tripoli, Pennsylvania381 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    All the wildlife!
    Impressive and extensive state park for all to enjoy. We’re not campers, but there was ample sites to make home for a few days in the beautiful forest. We took a drive on the wildlife loop and got to experience close up visuals of Buffalo, antelopes, prairie dogs and burros! Please do NOT try to pet these wild animals or feed them. (Except for the begging burros- they love a good healthy carrot) otherwise, Enjoy and let them be. Absolute must if you’re in the area.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written May 8, 2024
  • scottdawe
    West Palm Beach, Florida27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must go !
    An absolute must see! I wish we had more time here, we only had 1/2 day. The ranger / visitor station guided us on where to drive to see wildlife and we got to see a herd of buffalo cross the road right behind our car. There are some nice hikes here too. Highly recommend visiting here.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written May 14, 2024
  • Patty H
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent
    Love this place. Big thumbs up to wait staff, David and Meribel. Our jeep Safari was wonderful, great people and food was excellent. Jim was our quide very informative and upbeat. Would love to return.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written May 20, 2024
  • Carl L
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So much to do.
    The best state park I've ever been to. Lots of short hike opportunities. The Pinnacles highway is fun and scenic. The wildlife loop is a must. Many " bison red dogs" and buffalo walking around your car (stay in and don't try to feed them). Had to return a second day to find the burrows. They hang out around the Bison visitor center around noon, are very friendly, and like carrots.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written May 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles6,268 reviews
Excellent
5,319
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753
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135
Poor
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29

Audra C
Vineland, NJ576 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Family
We opted for a week pass for 20 bucks and we viewed bison safely from a distance, fed carrots 🥕 to the Begging burros, did several hiking trails around Sylvan Lake and Stockade Lake, and went canoeing at Legion Lake as well as hiking there. The only negatives were that some trails we wanted to hike had no markings and we ended up doing other hiking trails closer to the lakes that were well marked. The other negative thing is that we were able to do almost all of the stockade lake trail but had to turn around and go back when we got to a point on the trail where all of it was surrounded by a sea of poison ivy. Views at the top though of Black Elk Peak, Cathedral Spires, and Crazy Horse Memorial were awesome. This trail is rocky and moderate but doable especially if you have hiking boots and trekking poles. Sylvan lake is beautiful. Although the lake shore trail is fairly easy, my trekking poles needed to be tightened, and in one area of the trail there are high boulders that you need to scale and going backwards with not being able to see and having to not rely on my trekking poles to get me down safely was unnerving. The legion lake trail was very easy and short. Afterwards, my daughter and I went canoeing on legion lake. Have the younger lady help you though. I'm heavier even though I have lost weiight and had not been canoeing in like 18 years. The older guy helping me into the canoe gave no advice on how to get in it. Needless to say I fell out of it and cut my thumb on the side of the canoe and then I hit the side of my nose on wood going under. When I came up, my daughter said, mommy, your nose is bleeding. Anyway, it was just a scratch and with losing weight, I was determined to get back in the canoe. The second time, the guy told me to step right in the center, grab right side of the canoe with right hand, left side of the canoe with left hand, and sit right down. That piece of info would have been helpful the first time! Anyway, we had a wonderful time. A half hour was plenty and the lady helped me out of the canoe. I think her name was Hope. She was fabulous. I'm glad I did it. Be careful if you feed the Begging burros. They can be aggressive and one stepped on my husband's foot. They are wild animals after all. Saw cute prarie dogs, a huge buck, and of course herds of bison. The most disappointing thing in the park was dinner at Bluebell lodge. Eat at the state game lodge instead. Better food and service. The park is a must do in SD!
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Suzy L
Lincolnton, NC214 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020
I cannot say enough wonderful things about this state park. We started early in the day (8am) and did Wildlife Loop first to make sure we had the best chance at seeing the animals. After that we traveled Needles Highway which was a highlight of the trip for me. Make sure to go all the way to Sylvan Lake to take a walk. It was just gorgeous there. We finished the day with Iron Mountain Rd which provided an amazing view of Mount Rushmore from a tunnel. I highly recommend going the end of September as the crowds were minimal and we were able to do things at our pace.
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
This is a wonderful park. We can recommend Lake Sylvan, the visitor center and education center, the wildlife loop, and Needles Highway. You can spend days here. We only were able to visit half the sites, in the day we were there. There is an entrance fee for visitors $20 for up to a week.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Randy K
Atlanta, GA79 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
Spend several days here on an American Safari in one of the largest state parks in the country. Check out the visitors center and the movie about the park. From there do the loop road and you could see like we did some of the following mule and white tail deer, pronghorn and big horn sheep, wild burros, prairie dog towns and of course bison. We did both a solo and local guided jeep tour of the area. An array of camping and lodge accommodations suit many tastes from Sylvan and Legion Lake facilities, to the Creekside Lodge offering modern facilities to the venerable State Game Lodge where we splurged on a room used by President Calvin Coolidge. Another room was used by President Eisenhower. The Blue Belle Lodge in the woods features chuck wagon suppers. The State Game Lodge offers fine dining options with a la carte wild game and fish options. The State game Lodge also features a breakfast buffet or a la carte options. Also you can unwind in a small, but fully stocked bar. All told would go back without hesitation knowing I can relax with nature.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stephanie A
Allentown, PA10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021 • Friends
Absolutely beautiful park with incredible facilities. Take the time to really explore all of the different portions of this magnificient place. Entry is only $20 for a pass that is good for up to 7 days. Stay on property if you possibly can, or there are a number of places outside the park that are also family friendly.
I had the best luck with the wildlife early in the mornings before the crowds build and roads get busy. Therefore, planning your visit accordingly will help immensely.
The helpful visitors guide (you will receive one from the park attendant) will point you in the direction of the various drives and trails available on the site.
Written September 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ELKW
United States11,824 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
there are 3 scenic drive in the park, the Needle highway (you can see the eye of Needle, and pass through 3 tunnels, and see the pillar rock formations), the Iron Mountain road (you can see the Mt. Rushmore when you drive from South to North, pass through 3 tunnels, 3 pig tails road), and the wildlife loop drive (you can see many bison, and some other animals if you have luck), Besides the scenic drives, there are also several lakes, some of them with spectacular rock formation, you may have some leisure walk along the lake shore, and some lakes have playground or picnic area, sand beach. There are also some historical sites and view points in the park. It is recommended to spend at least a whole full day in the park. Actually, the park admission fee ($20) is valid for 7 days, so you can spend 2 days or more in the park, and this park admission fee is also valid for other state parks, so you can go to more state parks within these 7 days.
Written February 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jerri L
Johnston, IA4,029 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 • Couples
Custer State Park has so many amazing sites and trails. We have visited before, but every visit is different. The park fee of $20 for a week is worth it! We spent time around Sylvan Lake hiking. There is a gift shop and restrooms, and you can rent paddle boards or kayaks. There were people fishing and a few brave souls swimming when we were there over a Memorial Day Weekend. The Sylvan Lake trail is 1 mile and is a fun, not too difficult, very scenic hike. There are other longer, more difficult likes nearby. Needles scenic Highway is another great drive! The granite spires are amazing and the views are spectacular! It takes about 45-60 minutes to enjoy. And throughout the park you can glimpse wildlife if you are watching. We saw pronghorn antelope, coyote and bison on our day trip.
Written May 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Thoke39
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020
Custer state park was the highlight of our trip to SD! Highly recommend the wildlife loop, but be sure to ask the park ranger what area they have spotted bison in. Needles highway is amazing, but be careful if you have a large vehicle as it gets very narrow and there are a lot of one way tunnels. We stayed in Hill City and stopped on our way there to do the wildlife loop, and on the way back we took Needles highway into Custer since it was on our way home back to CO. Would definitely come back and spend some time fishing on the many lakes!
Written September 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

caribbeantraveler91
Pennsylvania1,290 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Couples
There is so much to see in this park, you could spend hours exploring. We drove the wildlife loop, although we didn’t see much activity at the time, the landscapes are beautiful. I have to say the highlight of this trip were the burros. They were all over the road and so friendly. They would not let you leave without feeding them, which the park does not recommend. We drove the needles highway, drove through the tunnels, saw Eye of the Needle Rock and arrived at Sylvan Lake, where we followed the walking path around the lake. What a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. This park is certainly worth visiting while in South Dakota.
Written September 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mary J
Lake Geneva, WI33 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Solo
This review is only for Twin/Twin room. I pd $125.00 for this room that didn't even have a table or lamp next to the bed because there wasn't any room. The sheets were the cheapest available; the mattress needed to be replaced; the blanket was so small and scratchy material(disgusting); the coverlet looked like it was an old curtain. The coverings barely covered the bed. There was only one pillow per bed so it was impossible to sit up in bed to read or watch tv. Only one person could watch tv because the other bed had no capacity to see the tv. And of course, you can't read in bed because there is no light. The sink was in the bedroom, not for style, but because there was absolutely no room in the bathroom. The shower was so small and the glass door was broken so it just sort of waved back and forth. Probably dangerous if it fell off the top track. This room (and again I'm not reviewing all the rooms, just the "Twin/Twin" room) is disgusting and a dive. Don't stay here. For the price that the lodge is charging, it should have nice accommodations.
Written May 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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