Everything you need to know before visiting Custer State Park, South Dakota

Custer State Park, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is one of the largest state parks in the U.S., spanning over 71,000 acres. Established in 1907, the park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities. It is perhaps best known for its herd of over 1,000 bison that roam freely across the park's vast prairies, providing visitors with a chance to see these iconic animals in their natural habitat. The park also features scenic drives like the Wildlife Loop and Needles Highway, which showcase dramatic granite spires, lush forests, and picturesque views. Custer State Park is a popular destination year-round, drawing tourists for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching, particularly in the summer months when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities.

This blog will cover everything you need to know about visiting Custer State Park!

1. PARK RULES

First things first, lets cover some park rules before diving in!

» DO NOT APPROACH THE BUFFALO.

» Do not feed or disturb wildlife.

» All vehicles must stay on designated roadways.

» Drones in South Dakota state parks are permitted but must follow state park and FAA rules and guidelines.

» Open fires are prohibited unless in an approved fire grate located in campgrounds or picnic areas.

» Pets need to be on a leash no longer than 10 feet. Pets are not allowed in any park buildings or on designated swimming beaches. Please clean up after your pet, and do not leave pets unattended. Service animals are welcome.

» Removal of any natural or cultural features such as rocks or artifacts is prohibited.

» Any person, regardless of their residency, who is able to lawfully possess a firearm/pistol can conceal their weapon without permit while in South Dakota.

» Visitors are not allowed to jump or dive from bridges, rocks, or cliffs into any of the park's lakes.

» Only state-sponsored geocaches are allowed in the park.

2. WHEN TO VISIT AND PARK ENTRANCE FEES

Anytime of the year will be perfect for visiting Custer State Park, however depending on when you are visiting you may have to plan more thoughtfully regarding weather and closed visitor centers.

Winter? The park is open, however the Needles Highway is closed to non-motorized traffic, the park tends to be quieter, but there are winter programs such as, the Winter Trail Challenge, and great activities like ice fishing and snowshoeing.

Spring? Great time to spot wildlife babies! The spring birds will be migrating, the trees will begin to bud, and restaurants, lodges, and activities open in May with limited hours.

Summer? All roads will be open. All restaurants, lodges, and activities open with full hours.

Fall? Buffalo Roundup will be happening at the end of September, the fall colors will be showing up and the restaurants, lodges and activities will be closing near the end of October.

Fees:

An entrance license is required for all park visitors. Only people traveling non-stop on U.S. Highway 16A and south Highway 87 are exempt from this requirement. Entrance licenses are valid at all South Dakota state parks.

TEMPORARY ENTRANCE LICENSE: $20/vehicle (1-7 consecutive days)

ANNUAL PARK ENTRANCE LICENSE: $36

SECOND ANNUAL PARK ENTRANCE LICENSE: $18 with coupon (the coupon can be found when you purchase your first annual park entrance license.

TRANSFERABLE PARK ENTRANCE LICENSE: $80

MOTORCOACH LICENSE: $3/person per visit

3. VISITOR CENTERS

CUSTER STATE PARK VISITOR CENTER

Located at the junction of Wildlife Loop Road and Highway 16A.

Hours:

MEMORIAL DAY - LABOR DAY: Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

LABOR DAY - SEPTEMBER 30: Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

OCTOBER 1 - MEMORIAL DAY: Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS, AND EASTER: Closed

BISON CENTER

NOVEMBER 6 - MEMORIAL DAY: Subject to seasonal closure

WILDLIFE STATION VISITOR CENTER

Take a step back in time and learn about the prairie grass lands of Custer State Park and how staff, who once lived in this building, strive to keep in healthy.

Hours:

MEMORIAL DAY - LABOR DAY: Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

LABOR DAY - SEPTEMBER 30: Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

OCTOBER 1 - MEMORIAL DAY: CLOSED

PETER NORBECK OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER

Located on Highway 16 near the State Game Lodge.

The perfect place to play, explore, or take in an educational program.

Hours:

MEMORIAL DAY - SEPTEMBER 30: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

OCTOBER 1 - MEMORIAL DAY: Closed

BADGER HOLE HISTORIC SITE

Located 1/2 mile south of Highway 16A on Badger Clark Road.

This cabin was home to Badger Clark, South Dakota's first Poet Laureate.

Hours:

MEMORIAL DAY - AUGUST 31: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 1 - SEPTEMBER 30: call 605-394-2693 for exact times

OCTOBER 1 - Memorial Day: Closed

GORDON STOCKADE

The Gordon Stockade is built on the original site of the the historic structure and tells the story of this short-lived illegal occupation in 1874-1875.

Hours:

OPEN YEAR ROUND

4. WILDLIFE

Custer State Park is one of the few places in the world to see an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat. You may encounter a variety of wildlife throughout the park's 71,000 acres, including along trails, in the campgrounds, and beside the road. Wildlife Loop Road is particularly known for its common sightings of buffalo, pronghorn, and prairie dogs, but keep an eye out for white-tailed and mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and a host of birds and smaller wildlife as well.

Tip! For the best results, travel the loop during the early morning or later in the evening when wildlife are most active.

Fun fact:

Some of the bison and burros are sold at the state park’s annual auction. This is another way for the park to reduce the size of the herds and prevent overcrowding within the park.

Bison: The park is home to as many as 1,450 head of North American bison, more commonly known as buffalo. Bison can grow to 6 feet tall and weigh more than 2,000 pounds. They are considered the largest native terrestrial mammal of North America. Herds are often seen in the southern part of the park. Ask staff at the visitor centers for bison locations!

Coyotes: Coyotes hunt in all habitats of Custer State Park. Their diet is varied, but consists mainly of small mammals. Coyotes may live as solitary individuals, in pairs, or small family groups in both rural and urban areas of the park.

Bighorn Sheep: A herd of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep was reintroduced to Custer State Park in 1922. Rams (males) have thick, curled horns, and ewes (females) have smaller curved horns. Herds are often seen near the French Creek and Grace Coolidge Natural Areas.

Mountain Lions: Chiefly nocturnal and reclusive toward humans, mountain lions are found within the Black Hills and Custer State Park. These predators feed on several species, including deer, elk, rabbits, and wild turkeys.

Birds: The park's diverse habitat makes for exciting bird watching. You can find the mountain bluebird, white-winged junco, golden eagle, prairie falcon, and western tanager, to name but a few.

Elk: Elk are the second largest member of the deer family with only moose larger. Mature bulls grow and shed heavy, wide antlers each year. They are shy and seldom seen during the daytime hours. They are best found in early morning or evening hours.

Mountain Goats: The mountain goat was not found in South Dakota until 1923, when it was introduced to the Black Hills. Today, they are found in the granite outcroppings and crags around Black Elk Peak, the Needles, and Mount Rushmore areas. The all-white mammal feeds on grasses, ferns, moss, and lichen among other high-elevation plants. Both sexes have sharp, slender, black horns. (You can also spot them at Spearfish Canyon!)

Pronghorns: Pronghorns, commonly referred to as antelope due to their similar appearance, live on the open grassland. The name pronghorn comes from the buck's large pronged horns. The horn sheaths are shed each year. The fastest land animal in North America, pronghorns can run 60 mph for great distances.

Burros: The burros in Custer State Park are not native to the Black Hills. They are descendants from the herd that once hauled visitors to the top of Black Elk Peak. The rides were discontinued years ago and the burros were released into the park.

Prairie Dogs: The black-tailed prairie dog is found on the dry, upland prairie. It is a rodent that lives in large social groupe called towns. Prairie dogs get their name from their bark-like call.

White Tailed deer: White-tailed deer live mainly in the timberlands. As its name implies, the white-tailed deer has white hair on the underside of its tail. When the animal runs, the tail is flipped up and looks like a waving white flag.

Mule Deer: These deer are aptly named for their large ears. Their black-tipped tails, which are short and narrow, are carried down when the deer runs. Mule deer often bound with a stiff-legged gait as if bouncing on powerful springs when they flee.

Let us know what wildlife you see on your trip to the park!

5. TUNNEL INFORMATION

Tunnels are found on three highways in or near Custer State Park. Drivers of travel trailers, campers, recreational vehicles (RVs), and buses should be aware of the tunnel sizes.

Note: The following tunnel measurements may change over time. These measurements are the latest from 2024.

IRON MOUNTAIN ROAD - US 16A N

Doane Robinson: 12' 0" Wide and 11' 4" High

C.C. Gideon: 13' 0" Wide and 11' 0" High

Shovel Johnson: 10’ 9”

SYLVAN LAKE ROAD — SD 87/89

NORTH OF SYLVAN LAKE: Hood Tunnel 8' 9" Wide and 9' 8 High

NEEDLES HIGHWAY — SD 87 N

Needles Eye Tunnel: 8' 0" Wide and 9' 9" High

Iron Creek: 8' 9" Wide

6. ROADS WORTH DRIVING ON

WILDLIFE LOOP ROAD: The 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road takes visitors through the open grasslands and pine-speckled hills that much of the park's wildlife call home.

Length: 18 MILES

EXPECT TRAVEL TIME OF ABOUT 45 MINUTES.

OPEN YEAR-ROUND
PETER NORBECK SCENIC BYWAY: The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway complements the park's three scenic drives and includes some of the most dramatic natural and historic features in the Black Hills. Sites include the Needles, Mount Rushmore, and a bird's eye view of the rocky peaks and forested hills of the Black Hills National Forest.

EXPECT TRAVEL TIME OF 2-3 HOURS.

SUBJECT TO SEASONAL CLOSURE

IRON MOUNTAIN ROAD: This winding road runs between Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the junction of US 16A and SD 36. Constructed in 1933, only a portion of this road lies within the park, but it is a must-see. Along the highway, visitors will find wildfire exhibits, pigtail bridges, magnificent Black Hills scenery, and tunnels that frame Mount Rushmore.

Length: 18 MILES

NEEDLES HIGHWAY: The Needles Highway is more than a 14-mile road - it's a spectacular drive through pine and spruce forests, meadows surrounded by birch and aspen, and rugged granite mountains. The road's name comes from the needle-like granite formations which seem to pierce the horizon along the highway.

Length: 14 MILES

EXPECT TRAVEL TIME OF 45 TO 60 MINUTES.

CLOSED IN THE WINTER

7. PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Programs are free and open to all ages - just don’t forget to purchase your entrance license! These dates may change throughout the year so check the state parks website for more accurate dates for this year!

JANUARY

January 1: First Day Hikes

FEBRUARY

February 10-11: Valentines Weekend

MARCH

March 17: Bluebird workshop and hike 

MAY

May 1: Summer trail challenge begins

May 17-19: Military Appreciation Weekend

JUNE

June 1: National Trails Day Event

SEPTEMBER

September 26-28: Annual Governor's Roundup Up Arts Festival

September 27: Annual Governor's Buffalo Roundup

OCTOBER

October 18-19: Halloween Night Hike

NOVEMBER

November 2: Annual Fall Classic Bison Auction 

November 28: Winter Trail Challenge Begins

November 28 - January 4: Annual Festival of Trees and Caching Through the Snow Events

7. THE FAMOUS BUFFALO ROUND UP

What is the purpose of the Buffalo Round Up?

Custer State Park began to gather the herd back in the 1960s when the decision was made to eradicate the disease brucellosis from the herd.

The herd was certified brucellosis free in 1965 allowing the sale of live animals. Since that time, the roundup has been used in conjunction with the fall sale as a way to manage the size of the herd and to provide an opportunity to brand and vaccinate the calves.

Studies show that during normal moisture years, the park's grassland can support about 1,400 head of bison. That number fluctuates depending on rainfall and the available rangeland forage. The buffalo are their own to forage. The park does not supplement their food supply. 

The park inventories the range conditions each year and determines the number of buffalo to be sold at the fall auction in November. To keep the buffalo numbers compatible with available forage, the size of the herd varies. Last year (2024) there were about 1,400 buffalo in the herd.

For Custer State Park, the Buffalo Roundup is a management tool to prepare for the annual buffalo sale. The event is open to the public and attended by thousands of guests each year. 

IF YOU'RE GOING...

BUFFALO ROUNDUP FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025

» The roundup takes place near the corrals on Wildlife Loop Road.

» Two viewing areas are set aside for spectators (the north and south viewing areas).

» Parking begins at 6:15 a.m., please plan to arrive early.

» The Buffalo Roundup will begin at 9:30 a.m. Guests must stay in the viewing areas until the herd is safely in the corrals. noundup will begin at 9:30 a.m. Testing, branding, and sorting will begin 30 minutes after the Roundup is complete and will go until all animals have been run through the corral system.

» Reservations are not required.

» Food concessions available on site.

» Free park entrance Friday, Sept. 26.

8. HIKING TRAILS IN CUSTER STATE PARK

Custer State Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails that showcase the park’s diverse landscapes, from rolling prairies to rugged granite peaks. With over 18 miles of trails, hikers can explore everything from easy, family-friendly routes to more challenging backcountry paths. Below is a list of some hikes we did at Custer State Park that we loved.

BARNES CANYON TRAIL

4.7 miles one way - Moderate

Trailhead location: Wildlife Loop Road

Turn on the airport road on the north end of the loop road. A second trailhead is located on the Badger Hole Road. On we amport road on the north end of the loop road. A second trailhead is located on the Badger Hole Road.

BISON CENTER TRAILS

Red Dog Trail: 1 mile loop - Moderate

Bison Trail: 3 mile loop - Moderate

Trailhead location: Located just east of the Bison Center, these two loops wind through mixed grass prairie of the park.

BLACK ELK PEAK TRAIL #4

3.25 miles one way - Strenuous

Trailhead location: South of Sylvan Lake on Needles Highway (87), shares Little Devils Tower trailhead.

BLACK ELK PEAK TRAIL #9

3.3 miles one way - Strenuous

Trailhead location: Park at Sylvan Lake Day Use Area and walk east.

CATHEDRAL SPIRES TRAIL

1.5 miles one way - Moderate

Trailhead location: South of Sylvan Lake on Needles Highway (87) along the north side of the road. Can also be accessed by hiking Black Elk Peak Trail

LEGION LAKESHORE TRAIL

Less than 1 mile loop - Easy

Trailhead location: At west end of fishing dock parking lot.

LITTLE DEVILS TOWER

1.5 miles one way - Strenuous

The last half mile is a steep rocky incline with large granite boulders you will need to scramble over.

Trailhead location: Less than one mile south of Sylvan Lake General Store on Needles Highway (87), clearly visible from the road.

SUNDAY GULCH

3.2 mile loop - Moderate

Trailhead location: Follow Sylvan Lakeshore Trail, trailhead is behind the dam.

SYLVAN LAKESHORE TRAIL

1 mile loop - Easy

Trailhead location: Can be accessed from any portion of Sylvan Lake.

8. MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES

Swimming is allowed at the park's five lakes: Center Lake, Legion Lake, Stockade Lake, Sylvan Lake, and Game Lodge Pond.

There are no lifeguards on duty. Jumping from cliffs and rocks into the water is illegal and strictly prohibited. Pets and glass containers are prohibited from all zoned swimming beaches.

Boating is permitted within Custer State Park with the following restrictions:

» Sylvan Lake, Electric motors only

» Legion Lake, Electric motors only

» Stockade Lake, All boats allowed

» Center Lake, Only slow, non-wake boating allowed Boat ramps are available at Stockade and Center Lakes.

PFDs are mandatory for all people riding in a boat on South Dakota waters.

Fishing is allowed anywhere in Custer State Park. A valid South Dakota fishing license is required and can be purchased online at gfp.sd.gov.

Only one trout from a Black Hills stream can exceed 14 inches, but there is no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is 5.

Camping

Reservations are required for camping in Custer State Park. Campsites and group areas can be reserved one year in advance. Camping cabin reservations can also be made a year in advance, but must be made at least two days prior to your arrival. Read below for the camp fees.

Fees: Camping fees vary per campground. There is an additional non-refundable reservation fee of $7.70 for nonresidents. A $2 fee is assessed to all phone reservations.

A park entrance license is not included in camping reservation fees and must be purchased separately.

Primitive camping: For a primitive outdoor experience, backpackers should try the French Creek Natural Area. Hikers using this area can camp anywhere along the canyon bottom. Open fires are prohibited. Campers must self-register at the stations located on each end of the natural area. The fee is $7 per person, per night.

Custer State Park Resorts 

STATE GAME LODGE: As the largest resort in the park, the State Game Lodge features both hotel rooms and cabins. Choose from historic lodge rooms in the main lodge, a wing of hotel rooms attached to the main lodge, modern hotel rooms at Creekside Lodge, and single-family cabins in the valley.

LEGION LAKE LODGE: Named for the American Legion Post that once leased the land, Legion Lake is a quiet lakeside retreat. It's perfect for lakeside patio dining, summer picnics, and lazy days at the beach. You can fish, boat, and swim at Legion Lake, or rent a variety of watercraft vehicles. You can also pick up fishing licenses, park passes, and all the supplies you might need at the Legion Lake General Store.

BLUE BELL LODGE: Live like the cowboys at this lodge. Saddle up for a trail ride through the park's hidden spots. her around for our evening chuckwagon cookouts, a Blue Bell tradition with live entertainment!

SYLVAN LAKE LODGE: This stone and timber lodge sits atop the sloping hills and the breathtaking beauty of Sylvan Lake.

Hope this blog post helps with you epic trip to South Dakota!