Custer State Park Vacation Rentals & Homes

Custer State Park

The Custer State Park Visitor Center is open year-round. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, it’s open from 8 AM to 8 PM. From Labor Day to September 30, it’s open from 8 AM to 6 PM. From October 1 to Memorial Day, it’s open from 9 AM to 4 PM. It’s closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

At Custer State Park, the entrance fee is $25 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, $20 for motorcycles, and $4 per person for motorcoaches. Annual passes are $40 for residents and $60 for nonresidents. Vehicles passing through on US Highway 16A do not need a fee.

From Rapid City: ~40 minutes via Hwy 16 and SD-87. From Mount Rushmore: ~30 minutes via Hwy 16A and SD-87. Nearest airport: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), 1 hour away.

Custer State Park offers various parking options: cars and motorcycles pay a $25 daily fee; RVs up to 35 feet can park at campgrounds like Blue Bell, with electrical hookups and overnight parking permitted. Motorcoaches pay $4 per person. Vault toilets are available year-round.

Accessibility & permits

Wheelchair Ramps Accessible Parking Accessible Restrooms Accessible Picnic Areas Curb Cuts Stabilized Trails Accessible Fountains

Emergency

For emergency contact at Custer State Park, call the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks customer service at 605.223.7660, or contact the park directly through the numbers provided for the lodges, but for immediate ranger assistance, it is best to call the park's local authorities or emergency services. However, specific emergency contact for park rangers is not explicitly listed; you can also try contacting the park through the main customer service number.

Cell service availability:Partial

Custer State Park in South Dakota’s Black Hills spans over 71,000 acres of scenic drives, wildlife-rich grasslands, granite peaks, and historic lodges. Home to around 1,300 free-roaming bison, the park offers unforgettable encounters via the Wildlife Loop Road, Needles Highway, and Iron Mountain Road. Hiking, fishing, swimming, and photography abound in all seasons, with summer drawing crowds for its warmth and events, and winter offering snowy tranquility. Established in 1912, the park also showcases Black Elk Peak, the highest point east of the Rockies. Whether you’re camping under the stars or staying in historic lodges, Custer State Park provides an immersive South Dakota wilderness experience.

Area (mi²): 111
Annual visitors: 2 100 000
Established year: 1912

Top 3 Facts about Custer State Park

The park is home to over 1,400 free-roaming bison, which are managed through hunting to prevent overcrowding and ensure adequate habitat, maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Black Elk Peak is the highest point east of the Rockies in the U.S.

Features iconic scenic drives like Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road.

Family programs

Ranger-led Tours
Workshops & Hands-on Activities
Scavenger Hunts
Family Camping & Overnight
Arts & Crafts

Travel Tips

Plan Ahead

Check weather before your visit—conditions change quickly in the Black Hills.

Pack Appropriately

Bring layers, water, and trail snacks; hiking boots and rain gear recommended.

Respect Wildlife

Stay at least 100 yards from bison; never feed wildlife; observe from a safe distance.

Stay Informed

Follow Leave No Trace principles and check park alerts before your trip.

Seasons

Spring brings green hills and active wildlife. Temperatures range 50°F–70°F. Ideal for hiking and photography, with fewer crowds.

Summer highs average ~80°F. Best for scenic drives, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Popular season—expect crowds and book ahead.

Crisp air and brilliant foliage in September–November. Great for hiking, wildlife, and festivals. Temperatures 45°F–65°F.

Quiet, snow-covered landscape ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Cold (20°F–30°F); some facilities may be closed.