Custer State Park is a wonderful state park and a top stop not to be missed. The park offers never-ending beautiful landscapes and very scenic drives, including the Needles Highway and the Wildlife Loop road. Visitors can enjoy drive loops through varied geography from prairie to alpine areas. The options to see wildlife are great, with lots of animals including thousands of buffalo, pronghorns, burros, prairie dogs, deer, and a myriad of other wild animals. There is so much to do and see for those who love the outdoors. Activities include rocky hiking trails, such as the strenuous but rewarding Cathedral Spires hike, kayaking, and rock scrambling. The park provides lots of options for stays between the lodge, the campgrounds, and the cabins, along with a number of different inside-the-park options for dining. Restrooms are scattered throughout the park. Fall is considered the best time to visit for great climate and fewer tourists. The annual buffalo roundup is noted as a once-in-a-lifetime event. Visitors are encouraged to take their time, enjoy the drive, and book accommodations early as they fill up fast.
A wonderful state park that is worth a visit. We all did drive loops. Saw lots of animals and very beautiful landscapes.
Restrooms: Scattered throughout the park
November 2023
Custer State Park remains a top stop when we visit the good Dakota, even when we're hours from the park. This year we noticed some new stops- there's a Bison Center & a new lookout on the wildlife loop road. I'm looking forward to checking those out.
October 2023
So beautiful, very pup friendly!Dog-friendliness: Truly dog friendly!Picnic area: Clean, neat!
