Most people head to western South Dakota to visit the Badlands and Mt. Rushmore. Admittedly, both of those places are amazing national treasures and well worth a visit. Nonetheless, Custer State Park is a destination that’s a must for wildlife lovers, amateur photographers, and those who love amazing scenery. It’s close to all the popular attractions too!
Plan Enough Time
Custer State Park is among the largest state parks (114 square miles) in the continental United States. Its size is one of the first things many first-time visitors get wrong. “Visitors are always very surprised with how big the park is and how long it takes people to get from Point A to Point B,” says Kobee Stadler, Visitor Services Manager at Custer State Park. The park is 71,000 acres of lakes, pastures, pine forests, historic sites, and granite rock formations. It takes some time to get around the park due to the low speed limits and curvy roads. “So just always make sure you factor in enough time,” suggests Kobee, “especially if you only have one day or a few hours in the park.”
Visit the Top Park Destinations
It would take several days for you to explore all that Custer SP has to offer. If you are just there for a few days, make sure to pencil in these top destinations in the park:
Sylvan Lake
You can’t get any more of an iconic Black Hills landscape as Sylvan Lake. Considered the “crown jewel” of the park, Sylvan Lake is nestled at the base of Black Elk Peak. It features crystal clear water and is surrounded by impressive rounded rock formations and ponderosa pine trees. There’s plenty to do besides soaking the beautiful landscape. You can fish, swim, boat, camp, and take a hike up to Black Elk Peak.
Car braves Needles Hwy Tunnel [Photo/Debbie Wolfe]
Black Elk Peak
When most people think of South Dakota, they envision endless rolling prairies. Even as you drive into the Black Hills, it doesn’t immediately seem like you are very high in elevation.
Black Elk Peak, formerly known as Harney Peak, is the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains. Towering at 7,242 feet it is possibly the most memorable and rewarding hiking trail in the Black Hills. The loop is 7.9-miles and begins at Sylvan Lake. On averages it takes about three to four hours to complete, but the hike features a slow, moderate incline.
Needles Highway
If you love a good scenic drive, then you must spend a couple of hours on the Needles Highway.
Also known as SD HWY 87, the Needles begins in the northwest corner of the park. The drive is roughly 14 miles of one-lane tunnels, hairpin turns, and amazing rock creations. It begins slowly at first with deep pine and spruce forests, then transitions to needle-like granite outcroppings. “The Cathedral Spires along Needles Highway is a really unique part of Custer State Park,” Kobee tells The Buzz, “when you're down in the central and southern part of the park, we have prairie, and then all of a sudden you're surrounded by these huge granite spires.” It’s recommended that you follow the posted speed limit signs and take your time. There are plenty of places to pull off so you can take in the scenery and take fantastic photos. Don’t be surprised if you encounter a mountain goat or two.
Wildlife Loop
Custer State Park is famous for its bison herd. “Our bison herd is very popular,” says Kobee, “a lot of people come here just to see them.” In addition to bison, the park has Pronghorn, deer, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, burros, prairie dogs, coyotes, eagles, and wild turkeys that freely roam within the park’s borders. The wildlife loop is 18 miles of scenic forest and prairie. Go slow–bison often stop traffic as they cross. Kobee says the animals are used to seeing visitors, but you still need to give them plenty of space. “We do recommend a hundred yards or more away from the bison,” says Kobee. Bison may seem docile, but they are powerful animals capable of running up to 35 miles per hour. Heed the warning signs and respect their space and they will reward you with their majestic presence.
Where to Stay
The great thing about Custer State Park is the myriad of places to camp! Within the park itself, there are nine campgrounds all with a variety of scenic sites. Several feature water and electric hookups and are big rig friendly. Right outside of the park, there are many places to camp as well.
Rafter J Bar Ranch & Campground
At Rafter, you will find our resort to be clean, quiet, well shaded and scenic. The Rafter J Bar Ranch is the perfect headquarters for Black Hills sight-seeing, minutes away from Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State park and the 1880 Train.
Custer/Mt. Rushmore KOA
Conveniently located within easy drive to top attractions, Custer/Mt. Rushmore KOA features fully equipped deluxe cabin, 30 & 50-amp pull-thru and back-in sites, deluxe patio sites and several types of tent sites.
Rushmore Shadows Resort
Rushmore Shadows is located conveniently on Hwy 16 just minutes from Rapid City, Keystone, Hill City, Custer State Park, and Mt. Rushmore. Features cabins, tent sites, full hookup RV sites (30 & 50 amp), pine trees, and lots of family fun.