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December 2023 by Chris C.
This is a park not to be missed. Compared to it's connected neighbor Wind Cave (the above ground part) the geographical features are quite different. I wasn't even sure that we'd visit this park when I was planning the trip but am glad that I had planned extra days so we had time to go. If you like rocky hiking trails this is the place for you. Even the loop around Sylvan lake has several rocky parts you have to go through not to mention the extra rock scrambling opportunities off the path should you feel so inclined. The needles highway is a very scenic drive and the cathedral spire hike (only 2.3 miles total out and back) - designated a strenuous one due to a section of very rocky surfaces but has a rewarding view of the rock spires at the end.
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October 2023 by Janet S.
No need to repeat all that has been said. We spent about 3 days in and out of the park ($20 for a week pass), driving every road, from prairie to alpine, it's never ending, take your time and enjoy the drive. Fall is the best time, the leaves were changing, the climate great for walking and fewer tourists once the roundup was over (29th Sept). Oh but don't miss that roundup, it's one of those once in a life things. We stayed at State Park Lodge and Sylvan Lake Lodge. We preferred the latter.
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October 2023 by Nate C.
This park is AMAZING. Visiting here has been one of the highlights of summer vacation.
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August 2023 by Linda R.
We were on an organized week long tour of the area. We thought this park might just be a throw in, we were wrong. Amazing park, beautiful and you can drive through the park in your own vehicle and see the vistas and animals in your own. Looked like really nice camping areas.
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July 2023 by Emma S.
Wow. I had not heard about/researched this park before arriving. We were just trying to find a lake and went to Sylvan Lake because it was in National Treasure 2.BEAUTIFUL. I'm going to talk about Sylvan lake/hiking first and then the Center lake campground.Sylvan lake is very popular and rightly so with its picturesque views. The large rocks and green grass and trees surround it. There's a tiny beach, but other areas that give access to the water. People were kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, cliff jumping, fishing.My favorite was choosing to do the Sunday Gulch trail (3.2 miles + some from walking around the lake). It is a strenuous hike, but very rewarding. I'd recommend going clockwise so that you hit the rocky narrows at the end. So so fun. Saw families out there- might be a bit tough for the younger kids, but preteens and up would enjoy.We camped at Center Lake Campground and were thankful to be able to have a fire (we came from the badlands and you aren't able to have fires in national parks). There was a pit toilet (enclosed men and women's restroom with seat) which was nice and clean. Campground was quiet and clean with large picnic table. We also found enough firewood by simply searching the area.It's a $20 entrance fee for the park and like $29 for campground, but do not hesitate to check out this park! The drive in and out are also epic with many one vehicle tunnels, views of Mt. Rushmore and surrounding hills!
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July 2023 by Google user
What a fantastic state park! The scenery is absolutely gorgeous! There are do many things to see and do in this park. We saw bison, deer, prairie dogs and so many birds. This is someplace you could really spend an entire week exploring and enjoying the beauty of the area.
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July 2023 by Sarah E.
Wow, what an impressive state park! We stayed in the lodge for 2 nights, went on a cookout, got to see tons of wildlife, go hiking, and so much more. I had no idea this was such an awesome place to see and visit prior to arriving, but man did it make the trip worth it. It was mid May so swimming in the lakes was going to be a bit chilly, but I would've loved to take that on too. Next time. Cause we'll definitely be back!
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July 2023 by rj p.
If you're wondering whether or not it's worth the trip; IT IS. Plenty of wildlife and beautiful scenery. There's multiple scenic drives you can take, and plenty of beauty wherever you go. We saw some donkeys, pronghorns, prairie dogs, and I heard some people saw buffalo! It's roads are nice, and the visitors center is AMAZING. The weekly park pass was 20$ for our vehicle I believe. There's nice places to eat, a general store, a tiny gas station, and lots of roadside turnouts for pictures. I'd recommend it to anyone!
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May 2023 by Leah W.
Went to see the tunnels and found so much more beautiful landscape. We arrived at the entrance and paid directly to a person. We paid for the South Dakota Annual pass since other locations we were going to be visiting. Pictures don't do any justice for this park. Stunning views and parking area for pulling off. We took a wrong turn on a mountain road and ended up missing part of the park and scenery. Would like to return soon to see what was missed. Several large tour busses went into the tunnels. I was worried about our small car. They must have good training, . Anyways, if you are in the area, you should see this park. Clean and scenic location.
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May 2023 by Jennie M.
Custer State Park is what you make of it. At 70,000 sq feet you have choices about where you go and what you see. The entrance fee is $20 per vehicle. Very reasonable considering the Badlands NATIONAL PARK is $50 per vehicle. We chose to take Needles Highway, stop at the Hole In The Wall Picnic Area. Needles Highway has awe inspiring views. Not to be driven by those who are scared of heights. Also, not to be taken if your vehicle exceeds 8 ft in width or 9 ft in height. There are 3 single lane tunnels carved through rocks. Anything larger will simply not fit.The Highway is full of switchbacks, full of u curves as it winds its way up through the needles.Hole in the Wall Picnic Area still had snow even though it was 70 degrees outside. It was melting but it was still there!
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January 2023 by Kevin W.
It was pretty but it felt not worth to me in terms of cost and things to do. I would not go again.
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October 2022 by Susie A.
Huge park! We stayed 3 nights at the Blue Bell Campground which after driving by all the others I liked the best. It feels remote although there is a lodge nearby. The roads in this park are so curvy you can only go 35mph at most. Gorgeous scenery! We took the Iron Mountain Road to Mount Rushmore. Super twisty so much so that by the end I couldn't wait to get out of the car! Maybe because I wasn't driving...but I wouldn't want to! It was really cool to see Mount Rushmore in the distance through the tunnels. They planned that right! We also took the Wildlife Loop Road but because we were there after the bison roundup we only saw one big bull on the top of a rise not far from the road. Was a great drive so we weren't disappointed. We hiked to Black Elk Peak from the Sylvan Lake parking lot. What an epic hike with great views! Give yourself 4-5 hours and bring snacks and water. The dogs had a blast! The other hike we did was Cathedral Spires. It only took a couple hours and when we got to the Cathedral area we were all alone! It was definitely a religious experience! Amazing vegetation and flowers. I know this is a super popular hike so we felt so lucky it was quiet and peaceful. The beginning of October the weather was amazing and there weren't crowds anywhere.
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October 2022 by Stephen P.
State parks are usually modest sized, modestly pleasant places to go fishing, camping, and a bit of hiking. Custer in comparison is huge, with a variety of animals across multiple ecosystems. The prairie, forest, and Needles would each be great on their own, it's amazing to combine in a single day of scenic drives. Several very good hikes of varying difficulty and length. The visitor center was just built a few years ago and definitely worth a stop to learn a bit through its modern exhibits. Lots of visitor-friendly and well situated amenities like historic lodges, campgrounds, and restaurants.
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October 2022 by Ashley Chmielewski
$20 is fair admission for how much there is to see here, and is good for a whole week. I took the wildlife loop twice so the number of cars and people dwindled down. There were more bison in one place than I've ever seen (remember to not get out of your vehicle - they are dangerous, even when just grazing). A lot of people brought carrots and fruits to feed the burros. There are a bunch of pull-outs so you can stop for photos. The lakes are breathtaking but lots of people. If you like the water, consider staying at the lodges. The overlooks are beautiful. There's a good amount of signage. Park rangers do patrol in case you need help. Needles Highway requires patience. Read your maps so you know if your vehicle can make it through. I've visited Sylvan Lake before so I skipped it this time and went to Legion Lake instead. The Bison Center is finally open and, though small, packed with information and people willing and able to answer your questions. Please come and learn why conservation for the wildlife here is so important.Picnic area: I didn't use them but there are plenty.
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September 2022 by Nancy E.
This is one of our favorites spots!! We usually spend time here every other year. It is so lovely here. Wildlife loop is one of our favorites. Big recommendation is to drive slow and look for animals!! We were in an hour long traffic jam today!! The bison herd decided they all needed to cross the road. It was fantastic. The burros are great too. We are on the hunt for the elk herd which we haven't found yet but hope to!! This is a great place.
