Custer State Park sprawls across 71,000 acres of rolling prairie and granite peaks in the southern Black Hills, home to one of the world’s largest publicly-owned buffalo herds. The 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road is a must-drive scenic route where you’ll encounter bison, elk, prairie dogs, and burros roaming freely across the landscape. Multiple campgrounds offer everything from primitive sites to full hookups, with the French Creek area being particularly popular among overlanders.
The park stays busy May through September, especially during the annual Buffalo Roundup in late September. Iron Mountain Road and the Needles Highway provide spectacular granite formations and tunnels, though some sections require careful navigation with larger rigs. Entry fees apply year-round, and campground reservations are strongly recommended during peak season.
Buffalo herds and granite spires in the Black Hills
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | Barnes Canyon Trail, South Dakota Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Custer, SD |
| Miles from pavement | 0 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | Partial |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 300 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $28.00 / night |
| Reservation required | Yes |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | April-October |
| Land manager | State Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Dump station, Fire ring, Hookups, Picnic table, Showers, Toilets, Trash service |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |