Custer State Park

Custer State Park Custer State Park in the Black Hills encompasses 71,000 acres of spectacular terrain and an abundance of wildlife. "©2012 John Smith").
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Everyone knows the highlights. But your favorite place in the Park might be the one you haven’t found yet.This Labor Day...
09/04/2026

Everyone knows the highlights. But your favorite place in the Park might be the one you haven’t found yet.

This Labor Day weekend, slow down and wander a little farther. Follow a quieter trail, pull over at the overlook you usually pass or find a patch of shade where the only thing on the schedule is staying awhile.

With 71,000 acres to explore, there’s plenty of room to find a place that feels like yours.

Come find where you roam in Custer State Park.

09/01/2026

The countdown is on! Just 24 days until the thunder returns to Custer State Park for the 61st Annual Governor’s Buffalo Roundup on Friday, September 25.

While we wait, take a look behind the scenes with 's Into the Roundup series. From the people who care for the herd to the preparation that makes this iconic event possible, the series shares the stories behind one of South Dakota’s most treasured traditions.

Watch the trailer below, then explore the full series at:
https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/into-the-roundup

For Roundup schedules, maps and visitor information, visit:
https://gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/docs/csp26_rounduptrifold.pdf

Who’s counting down with us?

We would never tell you which park should be your favorite. That would be unprofessional.But if your favorite happens to...
08/31/2026

We would never tell you which park should be your favorite. That would be unprofessional.

But if your favorite happens to have granite peaks, winding roads, quiet trails and a few thousand bison roaming around…well, you clearly have excellent taste.

Custer State Park is still here when you need a scenic drive, a trail to wander or simply a little space to breathe. Come back to your favorite place—or visit for the first time and see what all the fuss is about.

Your favorite park is waiting. Yes, we mean us.

School started back up this week for our locals, and Custer State Park wants to wish all Custer County students—and all ...
08/28/2026

School started back up this week for our locals, and Custer State Park wants to wish all Custer County students—and all the kids who visit this amazing place—a great school year!

Between classes, homework and activities, don’t forget to step outside and take a break once in a while. Your parks are still here, even when you’re busy at school.

And students, it might be worth reminding your teachers that a field trip to your favorite park could cover science, history, art and physical education all in one day. Sounds pretty educational to us.

Have a wonderful school year, keep learning and make time for a little outdoor adventure along the way.

08/28/2026

The sun may get most of the attention, but the moon knows how to make an entrance, too.

Watch this little moment from Custer State Park—then step outside and see if you can find the moon for yourself tonight.

Don’t let the mileage fool you—Cathedral Spires Trail packs a whole lot of adventure into 1.2 miles.This strenuous trail...
08/26/2026

Don’t let the mileage fool you—Cathedral Spires Trail packs a whole lot of adventure into 1.2 miles.

This strenuous trail climbs into the heart of the Needles, where towering granite formations rise hundreds of feet above a secluded mountain valley. The steep route includes rocky terrain and some scrambling over boulders, but the view from beneath those jagged “cathedral” walls is well worth the effort.

The Cathedral Spires are a registered National Natural Landmark, recognized for their unique geology. Their name comes from the formations’ resemblance to the soaring organ pipes found inside a cathedral.

Plan for one to two hours, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and keep an eye on changing weather. Parking at the trailhead along Needles Highway is limited, so an early start is always a good idea.

Want to keep exploring? The trail also connects with Black Elk Trail No. 4 and the Little Devils Tower Trail.

Find trail details and maps in the Custer State Park Trail Guide.

Trade your Labor Day routine for winding roads, mountain trails and a campsite under the Black Hills sky.Spend the long ...
08/26/2026

Trade your Labor Day routine for winding roads, mountain trails and a campsite under the Black Hills sky.

Spend the long weekend searching for wildlife along Wildlife Loop Road, hiking somewhere new or simply relaxing around the campfire after a full day of exploring. Whether you fill every hour with adventure or leave plenty of room for doing absolutely nothing, Custer State Park is ready for one more summer weekend.

Make your camping reservation and spend Labor Day in the Park: https://reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com/

Some places hold more than history—they hold a personality.Tucked into the trees near Legion Lake, the Badger Hole was t...
08/24/2026

Some places hold more than history—they hold a personality.

Tucked into the trees near Legion Lake, the Badger Hole was the home of Charles “Badger” Clark, South Dakota’s first poet laureate. Clark built the cabin and spent the final 30 years of his life in Custer State Park, writing poetry, reading from his extensive library and welcoming a steady stream of friends and admirers.

Today, the cabin remains much as he left it. We tell Badger’s story here because the Badger Hole offers more than a glimpse into the past—it helps us understand how the landscape, independence and spirit of the West shaped both the man and his words.

Visit the cabin, then take a walk along the Badger Clark Historic Trail and experience a quieter piece of Custer State Park.

The Badger Hole is located south of Highway 16A on Badger Clark Road and is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn more: https://gfp.sd.gov/csp-sights/

Finish this sentence:“I know I’m back at Custer State Park when…”…the granite spires come into view?…the first bison jam...
08/21/2026

Finish this sentence:

“I know I’m back at Custer State Park when…”

…the granite spires come into view?
…the first bison jam changes your plans?
…the pines start smelling like home?
…your favorite stretch of road appears around the bend?

Everyone has that one sight, sound or feeling that says, I’m back.

What’s yours? Finish the sentence in the comments.

🎉Congratulations to Mara, our Week 14 Adventure 250 prize winner!Mara completed her Adventure 250 adventures at Custer S...
08/21/2026

🎉Congratulations to Mara, our Week 14 Adventure 250 prize winner!

Mara completed her Adventure 250 adventures at Custer State Park Park and won an RTIC 20 Qt Soft Cooler, sponsored by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota!

Mara received her prize from Game, Fish and Parks staff at GFP Outdoor Campus West. Located in Rapid City, Outdoor Campus West is a great place to connect with the outdoors and learn about South Dakota’s wildlife, conservation, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. It’s also home to hands-on educational programs and activities that help people of all ages discover their passion for the outdoors.

Custer State Park is the perfect place to make Adventure 250 memories, with scenic drives, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, fishing, camping, and countless opportunities to explore the outdoors. Whether you're spotting bison, enjoying a picnic, or taking in the scenery, there's always another adventure waiting!
Adventure 250: Make Your History is all about exploring new places, trying new adventures, and earning points toward weekly prizes and exciting grand prize packages.

Only a few weeks to go! There’s still time to get outside, complete your adventures, submit your activities, and put your name in the running for a weekly prize.
Grab your family, head to a South Dakota State Park, and start making your history!

Learn more and participate today: gfp.sd.gov/history2026

Address

13329 US Highway 16A
Custer, SD
57730

Telephone

+16053942693

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