Custer State Park South Dakota (SD) RV Rentals
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Introduction
Custer State Park: A Premier RV Camping Destination with Rich History and Natural Beauty Custer State Park is a favorite destination for RV enthusiasts seeking a unique and memorable camping experience. This expansive park covers over 71,000 acres in the Black Hills of South Dakota, offering a diverse landscape filled with towering granite peaks, lush forests, rolling prairies, and sparkling lakes. The park’s rich history and cultural significance, combined with its distinctive natural features, make it an ideal spot for RV camping and exploration. RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Custer State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Custer State Park.
RV Rentals in Custer State Park
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Transportation
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Driving/Transportation
Navigating Custer State Park Access and RV Size Restrictions Visitors to Custer State Park have several transportation options available to them with private vehicle travel being the most popular. The park features four primary entrances including the Wildlife Station entrance the Blue Bell entrance the Game Lodge entrance and the State Highway 87 entrance. Each entrance offers access to different areas of the park and various attractions. When traveling by RV it’s essential to be aware of the park’s size restrictions. The park recommends that RVs be no longer than 40 feet and have a maximum width of 8 feet 6 inches. Some roads within the park such as the Needles Highway and the Iron Mountain Road have tighter turns and lower clearances that may be challenging for larger RVs. By being mindful of these restrictions visitors can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience exploring all that Custer State Park has to offer.
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Parking area
RVs are welcome at the park with multiple options for parking. Designated RV parking areas are available throughout the park. Overnight parking for RVs is only allowed in designated campsites. Camping with an RV is recommended for those who wish to explore the park using alternative transportation methods.
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Public Transportation
Custer State Park offers several public transportation options for getting around. Shuttle buses are available during peak season and walking paths offer a scenic way to explore the park. Visitors can also rent bikes or horses for a unique experience.
Top Campsites in Custer State Park
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Reservations camping
1. Blue Bell Campground 2. Grace Coolidge Campground 3. Legion Lake Campground 4. Game Lodge Campground
Located in the heart of Custer State Park Blue Bell Campground is the most popular spot for campers. With 28 campsites it offers a mix of tent and RV sites with some sites accommodating RVs up to 30 feet. This pet-friendly campground is open from mid-May to mid-October and offers a range of amenities including electrical hookups potable water and showers. Visitors can enjoy hiking fishing and wildlife viewing with the park’s famous bison herd often spotted nearby.
Grace Coolidge Campground is a peaceful and scenic campground located along the Grace Coolidge Creek. With 27 campsites including some that can accommodate RVs up to 25 feet this campground is ideal for those seeking a more rustic camping experience. Open from mid-May to mid-September this pet-friendly campground offers potable water but no electrical hookups. Visitors can enjoy hiking fishing and picnicking in the surrounding area.
Legion Lake Campground is a popular spot for families and offers a range of amenities including a swimming beach boat rentals and a restaurant. With 23 campsites including some that can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet this campground is open from mid-May to mid-September. This pet-friendly campground offers electrical hookups potable water and showers. Visitors can enjoy hiking fishing and wildlife viewing in the surrounding area.
Located near the park’s visitor center Game Lodge Campground is a convenient spot for campers looking to explore the park’s many attractions. With 26 campsites including some that can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet this campground is open from mid-May to mid-October. This pet-friendly campground offers electrical hookups potable water and showers. Visitors can enjoy hiking biking and horseback riding in the surrounding area.
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First-come first-served
1. Center Lake Campground 2. Stockade Lake North Campground 3. French Creek Horse Camp
Center Lake Campground is a first-come-first-served campground located near the Center Lake Trailhead. With 71 campsites this campground can accommodate tents and RVs up to 35 feet. Open from mid-May to mid-September this pet-friendly campground offers potable water but no electrical hookups. Visitors can enjoy hiking fishing and picnicking in the surrounding area.
Stockade Lake North Campground is a small first-come-first-served campground located near Stockade Lake. With only 10 campsites this campground is ideal for those seeking a more secluded camping experience. Open from mid-May to mid-September this pet-friendly campground offers potable water but no electrical hookups. Visitors can enjoy hiking fishing and boating in the surrounding area.
French Creek Horse Camp is a unique campground designed specifically for equestrian campers. With 35 campsites this campground can accommodate tents and RVs up to 30 feet. Open from mid-May to mid-October this pet-friendly campground offers potable water but no electrical hookups. Visitors can enjoy hiking horseback riding and wildlife viewing in the surrounding area.
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Alternate camping
1. Rafter J Bar Ranch Campground 2. Hermosa Tent and RV Campground 3. Backcountry Camping in Custer State Park
Located just a few miles outside of Custer State Park Rafter J Bar Ranch Campground is a popular alternative for campers looking for more amenities and larger RV sites. With 140 campsites including some that can accommodate RVs up to 65 feet this campground offers full hookups Wi-Fi and a range of amenities including a pool hot tub and laundry facilities. Open year-round this pet-friendly campground is ideal for those looking for a more comfortable camping experience.
Hermosa Tent and RV Campground is a small family-owned campground located just a few miles outside of Custer State Park. With 25 campsites this campground can accommodate tents and RVs up to 35 feet. Open from May to October this pet-friendly campground offers electrical hookups potable water and showers. Visitors can enjoy hiking fishing and wildlife viewing in the surrounding area.
For those seeking a more adventurous camping experience Custer State Park offers several backcountry camping options. Visitors can obtain a free permit from the park’s visitor center and hike into one of several designated backcountry campsites. These campsites offer no amenities and require campers to pack in and pack out all gear and supplies. Open year-round backcountry camping is ideal for experienced campers looking to connect with nature and escape the crowds.
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General activities
Here are some popular recreational activities and landmarks in Custer State Park that attract outdoorsy RV campers With over 70 miles of trails Custer State Park offers hikers of all skill levels the chance to explore its stunning scenery. Some of the most popular hikes include the Black Elk Peak Trail which leads to the highest point in South Dakota and the Sunday Gulch Trail which takes hikers through a scenic canyon. The park’s paved roads and trails offer cycling enthusiasts plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery at their own pace. Some of the most popular routes include the Wildlife Loop Road which offers the chance to see bison pronghorn and other wildlife and the Needles Highway which winds through towering rock formations. Anglers will find plenty of opportunities to cast a line in the park’s many lakes and streams. Some of the most popular spots include Legion Lake which is stocked with trout and Stockade Lake which is known for its bass fishing. For those who want to get up close and personal with the park’s famous bison herd a buffalo jeep safari is a must-do activity. These guided tours take visitors through the park’s backcountry where they can observe bison and other wildlife in their natural habitat. For a truly unique way to explore the park horseback riding is a great option. The park offers guided horseback tours as well as horse rentals for those who want to explore on their own.Hiking
Biking
Fishing
Buffalo Jeep Safari
Horseback Riding
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Alternative activities
Here are some alternative recreational activities and landmarks in Custer State Park that attract RV campers who aren’t so into typical outdoorsy activities The park’s scenic drives offer breathtaking views of the Black Hills and surrounding landscape. Some of the most popular routes include the Needles Highway which winds through towering rock formations and the Iron Mountain Road which features pigtail bridges and stunning vistas. For those who prefer to observe wildlife from a distance the park offers plenty of opportunities to see bison pronghorn deer and other animals in their natural habitat. Some of the best spots for wildlife watching include the Wildlife Loop Road and the Cathedral Spires area. With its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife Custer State Park is a photographer’s paradise. Some of the most Instagram-worthy spots include Sylvan Lake which is surrounded by towering rock formations and the Needles Eye Tunnel which offers a unique perspective on the park’s rock formations. The park’s visitor centers offer a wealth of information about the area’s history geology and wildlife. Some of the most popular centers include the Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center and the State Game Lodge which served as the summer White House for President Calvin Coolidge. For a relaxing evening activity campfire programs are a great option. The park offers a variety of programs including ranger talks music performances and storytelling sessions which are held at various campgrounds throughout the park.Sightseeing
Nature Watching
Photography
Visitor Centers
Campfire Programs
Season-specific experiences in Custer State Park
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Spring activities
Spring Activities in Custer State Park Spring is the perfect time to observe wildlife in Custer State Park. Elk bison pronghorn and even the occasional mountain lion can be spotted along the Wildlife Loop Road which is a popular route for RV campers. The park’s diverse ecosystem provides a beautiful backdrop for this scenic drive. With the snow melting and the weather warming up spring is an excellent time to hit the trails in Custer State Park. The Cathedral Spires Trail and the Little Devils Tower Trail are favorites among RV campers for their stunning views and moderate difficulty levels. Custer State Park is home to several streams and lakes that are teeming with fish making it a prime destination for anglers. Spring is the perfect time to cast a line in Legion Lake Stockade Lake or Center Lake all of which are easily accessible by RV. The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 200 species of birds calling it home. Spring is the ideal time to catch a glimpse of migratory birds such as warblers vireos and flycatchers. The American White Pelican can also be seen during this time of year. Located in the heart of Custer State Park the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center is a must-visit for RV campers. The center offers educational exhibits a gift shop and ranger-led programs providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the park’s history and ecology.Wildlife Viewing
Hiking
Fishing
Bird Watching
Visiting the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center
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Summer activities
Summer Activities in Custer State Park Summer is the perfect time to explore Custer State Park on horseback. The park offers guided horseback rides that allow visitors to take in the breathtaking scenery and observe wildlife up close. Rides range from one hour to all-day excursions. For a more adventurous way to explore the park RV campers can take a jeep tour along the Needles Highway or the Iron Mountain Road. These scenic drives offer stunning views of the park’s unique geological formations and wildlife. Cool off from the summer heat by taking a dip in one of Custer State Park’s many swimming spots. The park’s lakes such as Sylvan Lake and Legion Lake offer crystal-clear water and beautiful surroundings. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a camping trip in Custer State Park. The park offers several campgrounds that cater to RV campers providing amenities such as electric hookups showers and laundry facilities. Originally built as a summer home for President Calvin Coolidge the State Game Lodge is now a historic hotel and restaurant located within Custer State Park. Visitors can take a tour of the lodge dine in the restaurant or stay overnight in one of the cozy rooms.Horseback Riding
Jeep Tours
Swimming
Camping
Visiting the State Game Lodge
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Fall activities
As the leaves change colors Custer State Park transforms into a fall wonderland attracting RV campers from all over. One of the most popular activities during this season is the Wildlife Loop where visitors can spot free-roaming bison elk and deer. The loop is a scenic drive that takes you through the park’s grasslands and rolling hills. Another must-see landmark is the Needles Highway a 14-mile drive that takes you through towering granite spires and offers breathtaking views of the Black Hills. It’s a narrow and winding road but the scenery is worth it. For those who love history the Custer State Park Visitor Center is a must-visit. Here you can learn about the park’s rich history and natural wonders. The center also has a gift shop and a theater that shows educational films. If you’re looking for a challenging hike the Harney Peak Trail is a great option. The trail takes you to the highest point in South Dakota where you can enjoy panoramic views of the park. Lastly the annual Buffalo Roundup is a unique event that takes place in late September. Visitors can watch as park rangers round up the park’s bison herd and drive them to their winter pasture. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t want to miss.
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Winter activities
When the snow starts falling Custer State Park becomes a winter wonderland offering a variety of activities for RV campers. One popular winter activity is snowmobiling with over 300 miles of groomed trails that take you through the park’s breathtaking scenery.
Another must-do is ice fishing on one of the park’s many lakes including Stockade Lake Center Lake and Sylvan Lake. Ice fishing is a great way to experience the peacefulness of the park during the winter months.
For those who prefer to stay indoors the State Game Lodge is a historic hotel that offers cozy accommodations and a variety of activities including a spa a restaurant and a game room.
If you’re looking for a winter hike the Sunday Gulch Trail is a great option. The trail takes you through a scenic canyon and offers stunning views of frozen waterfalls and ice formations.
Lastly the annual Christmas at the State Game Lodge is a festive event that takes place in December. Visitors can enjoy holiday decorations caroling and a visit from Santa Claus himself.