If you’re seeking a distinctive escape with fewer crowds compared to the bustling National Parks and enjoy warm weather in the summer look no further than Custer State Park, South Dakota. A realm of exploration unfolds both within the park and its surroundings, making camping here an extraordinary means to immerse yourself in the natural allure that lies beyond your everyday hustle. Additionally, the park’s strategic location positions it as an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions like the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the captivating Wind Cave National Park, located just to the south.
As you plan your journey, keep in mind that camping in Custer State Park is an opportunity to bask in the beauty of the Black Hills, experience its unique allure, and create lasting memories in the heart of nature’s masterpiece.
1. Black Hawk Creek RV Park & Camping
Nestled just a stone’s throw away from the interstate and a mere 5-minute drive from Rapid City, the inviting oasis of Black Hawk Creek RV Park awaits. This year-round haven beckons all who seek the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. From comfortable RV sites to cozy cabins and well-appointed camping spots, Black Hawk Creek offers a range of accommodations that cater to every traveler’s preferences.
What truly sets Black Hawk Creek RV Park apart is its harmonious integration with the needs of horse enthusiasts. Adjacent to the campsite lies the haven known as “Black Hawk Stables,” a horse boarding facility that creates an idyllic escape for both riders and their equine companions.
While Black Hawk Creek RV Park may be a scenic 38-mile drive from Custer State Park and other National Parks, its allure and amenities more than makeup for the distance. For those venturing to the iconic Mt. Rushmore, this campground shines as a premier choice. It caters not only to campers but also extends a warm welcome to horse travelers, offering a unique opportunity to lodge alongside your four-legged friends. As you plan your adventure, the campground’s proximity to various attractions further enhances its appeal, ensuring your journey is as memorable as your destination.
2. Blue Bell Campground
Nestled on the western fringes of Custer State Park, the Blue Bell Campground finds its place just a short distance north of the Blue Bell Entrance Station. This particular entrance holds a special spot as one of the favored gateways into the park, making it a convenient haven for campers. Boasting a collection of 31 well-appointed campsites, the campground extends a warm welcome to RV enthusiasts, complete with electric hookups to enhance your camping experience.
A highlight of this campground is its proximity to the meandering waters of French Creek, rendering it a haven for fishing aficionados seeking angling adventures amidst picturesque surroundings.
As an added convenience, the Blue Bell Lodge lies a short journey away, offering an array of amenities that complement your camping escapade. Here, you’ll find a cozy eatery, a laundromat to freshen up your attire, a charming boutique for your shopping desires, and a gas station for your travel essentials.
With a focus on your comfort, the campground presents modern amenities including flush toilets, invigorating showers, and potable water. It’s worth noting that the Blue Bell Campground’s seasonal operation spans from May 1st to October 14th, aligning with the inviting embrace of the summer months and the nice warm weather at Custer Park. Given its popularity, reservations are highly recommended for those seeking to secure a spot at this sought-after campground. Throughout the summer, the campground tends to be in high demand, ensuring a bustling atmosphere of fellow nature enthusiasts seeking solace in this scenic haven.
3. Game Lodge Campground
Situated a stone’s throw away from Highway 16A, the primary east-west thoroughfare meandering through Custer State Park, you’ll find the Game Lodge Campground. Nature enthusiasts who set up camp here enjoy the convenience of being a mere hop, skip, and jump away from the main Visitors Center, as well as the eastern park entrance. Embracing the needs of a diverse array of campers, the Game Lodge Campground extends a warm welcome with its assortment of 59 campsites, all equipped to cater to RVs with electric hookups.
Adding to its allure, Grace Coolidge Creek gracefully winds its way through this haven, infusing the campground with an air of tranquility that’s truly captivating. A wealth of nearby attractions awaits, as the Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center and the esteemed State Game Lodge are nestled within proximity, offering abundant exploration opportunities within the heart of Custer State Park.
Designed with your comfort in mind, the campground presents modern amenities including flush toilets, refreshing showers, and a convenient RV dump station. Game Lodge Campground prides itself on providing a year-round haven for nature enthusiasts, with full-fledged facilities available from April through November 15th. Whether you’re basking in the vibrancy of spring, the height of summer’s glory, or the enchantment of autumn’s embrace, this campground remains poised to embrace your camping escapade amidst the captivating landscapes of Custer State Park and other National Parks nearby.
4. Center Lake Campground
Positioned in the northern expanse of Custer State Park, the Center Lake Campground presents an advantageous location for those intending to explore both the park’s wonders and the iconic Mt. Rushmore on their journey. The pristine waters of Center Lake adorn the landscape, offering a picturesque backdrop for an array of activities including swimming, fishing, and boating. Spanning a generous expanse, the campground boasts 71 campsites that can comfortably accommodate both tents and compact RVs.
Embracing simplicity, the amenities at the Custer Lake Campground include basic facilities such as vault toilets and potable water. This seasonal sanctuary welcomes visitors from May to September, standing as the sole campground within Custer State Park that entertains same-day reservations. A unique feature worth noting is the option to secure a campsite by phone or online, starting from 6 AM MT on the day of your excursion. This presents a valuable opportunity, particularly if you find yourself unable to secure an advanced reservation at other campgrounds within Custer. At the Center Lake Campground, the chance to secure a spot remains a possibility, promising an unforgettable camping experience amidst the serene landscapes of Custer State Park.
5. Grace Coolidge Campground
Positioned at the heart of Custer State Park, the Grace Coolidge Campground emerges as a centrally located haven just off the well-traversed Highway 16A. The campground’s strategic placement provides unparalleled convenience, offering swift access to the park’s main Visitor Center as well as the esteemed Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center. Boasting a collection of 26 campsites, the campground offers a range of choices to suit every type of camper, including six tent-only sites thoughtfully situated on the opposite side of the highway from the primary campground.
Modern amenities amplify your comfort during your stay, encompassing flush toilets and refreshing showers that enhance your camping experience. Adding to the convenience, the Coolidge General Store is a mere mile away, offering provisions for your needs.
Grace Coolidge Campground indulges in a seasonal embrace, opening its arms to visitors from May 17th to October 13th, to enjoy the best weather Custer State Park has to offer. For those eager to secure a spot in this serene haven, advance reservations are imperative. Embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility, crafting unforgettable memories within the embrace of Custer State Park’s captivating landscapes as well as other National Parks.
Weather in Custer State Park
Custer weather experiences warm and predominantly clear summers, while its winters are marked by extended freezing periods, snowfall, and partial cloud cover. Throughout the annual cycle, temperature fluctuations typically range from 15°F to 79°F, with rare instances of temperatures dropping below -5°F or exceeding 89°F.
Looking for a Camping Spot Near Custer State Park?
If you want to camp near Custer State Park or one of the National Parks, Black Hawk Creek RV Park is just 2 miles from the bustling interstate, a mere 5-minute drive from the vibrant city of Rapid City, and a half-hour drive to Mount Rushmore.
With an array of accommodations to choose from, including well-appointed RV sites, cozy cabins, and comfortable camping spots, the park offers a variety of options to suit every preference.