Custer Game Lodge is a Good Campsite
The wood needs to be purchased at the general store slightly outside the campsite. It also closes relatively early so ensure you have some on hand before dinner time
KD
10/21/2026
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.1
Happy Camper
Custer State Park is a Great Place to visit, it never disappoints!
Happy Camper
10/21/2026
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.7
Feels like home
Beautiful park - well maintained!
babs
10/19/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great facilities
Great park. Only complaint is that fire wood is really expensive.
BJ
10/18/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
4.3
Facilities
4.4
Great cabins!
Mlmoeller
10/18/2026
Amazing Park
This park should have been a bigger part of our vacation! Y'all in South Dakota are so lucky to have such an amazing place! We will be back!
WiscoHippies
10/16/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great Experience
KB
10/15/2026
Great place
Camp hosts were fabulous. Sites were clean. Just wish they were level sizes.
Traveling Ladies
10/15/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
3.8
Vacay!
Melissa
10/15/2026
Stellar cabin
The camp host was one of the most friendly people we’ve ever experienced at any campsite. The store nearby has everything you might need for a quick dinner or last minute comfort item. Excellent customer service.
Bear Knuckles
10/14/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Love CSP, did not love treatment by staff
Local Guest
10/14/2026
Overall Experience
3.5
Services
3.7
Facilities
4.6
Little privacy with too many campers with lights
While the campgrounds are great during the day, many campers arrive after dark and have very bright LED lights on. One camper even pulled out a large TV to watch football at night. Without any privacy this has a large impact on what would otherwise be a beautiful starry night. It would be great to have some enforcement or at least education about bright lights. Solitude is much better found high in the Rockies or southern Utah.
Craig
10/13/2026
Overall Experience
4.0
Services
4.7
Facilities
4.2
Great campground
Game Lodge campground has been one of the best campgrounds we have been to. Super clean, great location, friendly staff. The facilities are top notch.
Battman
10/12/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Nice time and weather
Lucky Lindy
10/12/2026
No dark skies
The campground and facilities were fine; beautiful park. The one exception being the bright 360 degree outside light on the bathrooms/showers. It lit up half of the campground and our camper (which was four rows away). State parks should be about nature (i.e. seeing the stars, not disrupting wildlife, etc.) and not be lit up like an urban area. Please use dark sky friendly lighting to guild people to the building, if needed (see the DarkSky org website). Bring the stars back to our campsites. Many other states are proactive with this issue, why is our outdoor state of South Dakota behind the curve? Obviously, this is more feedback than a review, but this was the only link SD parks provided.
Ken
10/12/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
4.0
Great , as always !
M&M
10/12/2026
We were amazed
The park overall is excellent. The location is perfect for us to discover the area sites were clean well maintain. The only advice I would have is to improve the ability to get freshwater to our trailer as it was pretty far >50 ft and not even an area where you can park properly to fill the tanks.
Pierre Robidoux
10/11/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.5
Cabin Camping
Dog Family
10/11/2026
Fall Colors 2026
We really enjoyed the ability to see the wildlife up close and the colors on the trees changing.
Fall Colors 2026
10/11/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Fall visit
Very clean facilities at this campground! Very quiet. Our bison visitor was a perk!
WITraveler
10/11/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Amazing
I love how clean the bathroom and showers are, the cabins are amazing and cozy. I would recommend adding contactless foot bars on the bottom of the door in the bathrooms for opening and closing the doors. The mirrors in the cabins coould be full sized ones connected to the back of the doors or more so a lower height where they are currently. Generally blue bell cabins are amazig!
HappyCamper
10/10/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.8
Facilities
5.0
Wonderful stay at French Creek
Shelby H
10/10/2026
Fantastic experience
Our family had a wonderful stay at Legion Lake campsite. The camp host was friendly and helpful. The bathrooms and showers were clean and well maintained. We even experienced a bison coming into camp several different times, which our grandkids loved seeing up close. Everything about our stay was positive and we would highly recommend to others.
KS Fam
10/10/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Reservation difficulties
Arrived at south stockade campground an hour before dark to set up and hammock camp. Drove through the campground and found a perfect spot for two hammocks (tent site). Got completely set up and was told by campground host that the this area was “blocked off”. Made us tear camp completely down just to move 50 yards to an electric campsite which we didnt want or need. Seems ridiculous to close tent sites at the end of sep or beginning of novemeber. Just to force you to pay more for an electric site. ($82 for 2 nights after a $10 out of state reservation fee) The sd camp web site to reserve spots is a pain and i despise using it every time i camp in SD. Why cant we have an envelope and check option for walk up campers like me that like to survey a camp ground before reserving? Needless to say we tore down camp and then set up again in the pitch dark which we were hoping to avoid. Not the first time ive been frustrated with camping in this state or using their website.
dpete05
10/10/2026
Overall Experience
2.7
Services
2.3
Facilities
4.4
Custer State Park
For the RVers coming. Be prepared for very limited dump stations. We were fine, but if you are not experienced with water and waste tank conservation, the locations (actually the lack thereof) is disappointing for such a wonderful park in all other ways.
Bill
10/10/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
3.5
Blue Bell Cabin
We were excited to arrive at the Custer State Park Blue Bell Cabins. Beautiful area, quiet and so clean inside and outside of the cabin even. The windows were even shining clean. We arrived and unfortunately my husband had a low blood pressure fainting episode and broke his ankle in the cabin. The ambulance from Custer Hospital was able to arrive there and transport him without issues. Unfortunately it wasn’t the vacation we were wanting.
The showers and boathouse were also very clean.
We will be back next year and hopefully can enjoy it more.
Buffalo lovers
10/10/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Amazing!!
Beautiful campground. The sites were well spaced out for privacy. We had wonderful shade all around and open woods behind us. We rented Cabin 5 which was a great location and very comfortable and clean. The bathrooms and showers were spotless! Highly recommend this campground!!!
Bode
10/9/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Amazing Campground!!
TRAVELLER
10/9/2026
Great place to visit
We stayed in Stockade North Loop sites 16 and 19. Sites were beautifully surrounded by large pines. Nice shower area, playground and park was easy to get around. The only bad thing is that there is only 1 dump station for the whole park and it is a considerable distance from this campsite. As popular as the park is, it would Be nice to have more dump station options. Just creating a login for the park in order to make reservations? Absolutely painful and so much personal information was required. Never saw a single park ranger while on the wildlife loop.
SouthDakotavisotor91
10/9/2026
Overall Experience
3.5
Services
2.5
Facilities
2.7
GREAT STAY
MIKEOKIE
10/9/2026
Fall Colors
We camped at South Stockade campground site #3. It was a great experience. The campground was beautiful, clean, and quiet. The facilities were clean and well maintained. The park staff was very friendly.
Bob
10/8/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
French Creek campground
Very nice horse stalls. Beautiful campground. Ckean bathrooms and shower house. Would've liked to know that rifle season was starting Oct 1 when I made this reservation.
KS review
10/7/2026
Overall Experience
4.0
Services
4.7
Facilities
4.3
Cabin Stay
Pete
10/7/2026
Custer trip
davec
10/7/2026
Nice campground but site layout is demented
The campground is laid out very strangely. Going in you have no idea if you should go around the loop clockwise or counterclockwise. Problem is the correct answer depends on your site. We went in initially counterclockwise and discovered we needed to find a spot and turn around and come in clockwise.
Getting level in 3E was also difficult because the spot wasn't even close to level. I ended up at 3.5 inches off on one side and at maximum jack extension front to rear.
Bob
10/6/2026
Overall Experience
4.7
Services
4.3
Facilities
4.0
Fall leaves
Deb
10/6/2026
Season end observations
We have stayed in the camper cabins at Bluebell for 6 years. We love that it is so close to the Wildlife Loop and the Red Valley Rd. In the past the wash house has been immaculate but this year there was a lot of grunge around the floor edges and the air vent cover plates are starting to rust. I know it was a challenging year with the blowdown storm and the spring fires. Hoping this was just an off year.
Gloria
10/6/2026
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.3
Great stay
D.Go
10/6/2026
Amazing
The park in beautifully kept and all the staff we encountered were friendly and helpful. I’ve been coming every year for the past 20 years.
Star
10/5/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.9
Excellent
Stayed a Grace Coolldge very well maintained camp host excrllent
Mike and Vicki
10/5/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.2
Nice Stay
Happy from Colorado
10/5/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.7
Facilities
5.0
Best Experience
Everything is great. The location, the trails, the camp host.
Komahabie
10/5/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.3
Facilities
4.5
Buffalo Round Up
We stayed in a cabin. they are all nice. Some are a bit larger than others. it would be nice to know what size you are getting when you rent one. Blue Bell is a very nice quiet place to stay. The shower facility is clean and private. It has a flush toilet. The camp store has everything you need and is staffed by very friendly and helpful personal. It is our favorite place to stay when on vacation or just passing thru the state.
P & R Adventure
10/5/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Heaven on earth
Lucky
10/4/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Always a great experience
SK
10/4/2026
Buffalo Roundup & Volksmarch
Nice campsite, clean facilities, good host and easy access to trails.
G ???Joe
10/4/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Legion Lake is Great
RLucky2
10/2/2026
Sylvan Lake Campground
This is a awesome campground, nice and quiet even with the proximity to Hwy. 87. The restrooms and showers are about the best I've seen at a State Park like this, the sites are spaced far enough apart for your privacy but close enough if you want to say howdy to your neighbor. I've stayed here two times now and will definitely be back in the future. I'd give it a 12 outa 10 myself!
Okie47
10/2/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Buffalo Weekend
MI Girl
10/2/2026
We will be back!
Pam and Joe
10/2/2026
Met our expectations
We enjoyed the quiet setting and the proximity to several fun activities including fishing, bike riding, scenic drives and the bison round up.
We were concerned, however, by the speed with which cars circled inside the campground. Unfortunately, we also saw two park trucks driving too fast as well.
Posting a speed limit and perhaps speed bumps might be helpful.
Lu
10/1/2026
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
Sept 26
I really appreciate that you have a campground (Center Lake) that you can book the day of your arrival. It was a great campground and the park staff and campground hosts were friendly and informative.
Christian
10/1/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Found the Donkeys!!
Loved the cabin we were in. It was right by the creek. Our campground was the perfect distance for all the things we wanted to do. A couple things- the camp host was never around to ask questions of. We wanted to buy wood for a fire and could not find out where to purchase it. Looked in all the literature and reservation material and it was not mentioned. Ended up driving into town to get wood on the second day. Later saw a one line sentence in the literature on the bulletin board by the bathroom saying we could get it at the lodge.
Our last night there another camper checking in knocked on the camp hosts door and he finally came out after about 5 minutes. Another camper showed up, the road was a bit congested there so my 80 yr old mother had to cross on her way to the bathroom. She ended up walking in front of the host and he said to her, "and what do you want?" rather rudely. I think camp hosts need to have posted times they are available and made to know that there are duties that come with a free site. I have been camping for over 40 years and have had good camp hosts and not so good. I have never had one that just wasn't there at all and when he was briefly encountered was rude to the point of aggressiveness. Not a good end to our stay.
The ranger who checked us in on the first day seemed very friendly.
Melanie
10/1/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
4.3
Facilities
3.5
Best Time!
Loved our camp hosts at Grace Coolidge campground. Sandy made sure bathrooms were kept spotless. A great camp experience
Travelers
10/1/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.7
Facilities
5.0
Great campsite
All was great. Fantastic shower and friendly staff. The camp host however was a bit overbearing and confrontational. I think he had been drinking and cant hold his liquor..
Jimmy Jim jim
9/30/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Excellent
The campground host was very polite and helpful. The staff assisting with a reservation change were also polite and efficient.
Prairie
9/30/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.5
Sylvan Lake
Gww
9/30/2026
Happy Camper
Hooper Herb
9/30/2026
Perfect state park
We have camped all over the country and this is our favorite campground hands down! . The wildlife is amazing, the staff is friendly and informative, and Blue Bell campground was quiet, clean, and lovely.
East coast visitor
9/30/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.7
French Creek Horse Camp - GREAT!
TIM
9/30/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
4.3
Facilities
5.0
Great Camping site
Stan
9/30/2026
Another great stay.
Custer is a fantastic park to visit. The campground itself is very clean and the sites are well maintained. Park staff are second to none. Add the scenery, activities, and the plentiful wildlife and you have a solid vacation.
Dave 104
9/30/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.8
Great Camping Sites
Really great little campground for small campers, or tent camping. Bathrooms are clean, and site is well managed. Our only concern was a few of the pines leaning over campsites. With multiple tops and/or large dead branches, the park might consider removal of more of these potential hazard trees. Especially after seeing the storm damage from the wind event in December 2025, we were just more cautious about our campsite. Overall, highly recommend this campground and park. Kids always have a blast fishing at Center Lake and it’s great they’ve kept it stocked with trout.
StrangeGoat
9/29/2026
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
5.0
Most wonderful stay in Custer State Park
Beautiful park. We stayed at Stockade South and Center Lake and were impressed with both places. Vlean facilities, excellent staff! Did not know that the roundup was happening while we were here! Just an added bonus!
Charlotte
9/29/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
French Creek Camp Hosts, Bob and his wife fantastic people!
We had an outstanding experience at French Creek Horse Camp in Custer State Park, thanks in large part to our camp hosts, Bob and his wife. From the moment we arrived, they were incredibly welcoming, friendly, and attentive. They regularly checked in to make sure we were enjoying our stay and always asked if there was anything we needed.
Bob provided exceptional trail recommendations and advice that helped us make the most of our horseback riding experience. His knowledge of the area was invaluable, and his passion for helping campers enjoy the park was evident in every interaction.
The two of them went above and beyond to create a welcoming atmosphere and made everyone feel right at home. Simply put, you could not ask for better camp hosts. Their kindness, hospitality, and dedication made our stay truly memorable. We look forward to returning in the future!
Highly recommend French Creek Horse Camp, and a special thank you to Bob and his wife for making our visit so enjoyable.
Greg and Lynn Mattice
Greg Mattice
9/29/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Non-residents pay more to camp!
Shoe
9/28/2026
Great stay, beautifully kept-up campground
LM
9/28/2026
Great park, great facilities, friendly staff
Our camp host was very friendly, she stopped by to welcome us on our first night. Marcia was especially helpful, giving us maps and brochures.
Bill from Wisconsin
9/28/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great stay
I would absolutely stay again. Have stayed more then once and i love it
Love
9/27/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Another Great Stay!!
Quiet and friendly. Great suggestions from park staff. Restrooms were clean. Mountain sheep and bison viewing from our campsite. A great stay!!
Motorbikemike
9/26/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Our 2026 Trip to SD
My husband and I have been visiting South Dakota and staying in Custer State Park for the better part of 25 years. We look forward to this trip every time we come because of the beautiful surroundings, the comfortable/well run facilities, the abundant wildlife and the friendly people in the campground. Unfortunately, our experience this time was a bit different. our cabin neighbors were different everyday and it seemed like the cabins were just being used as an overnight "hotel" stay. Unfortunately, these short timers prevented us from being able to stay in any of our favorite sites for the 4 days we requested. But even more disappointing was the absence of the camp attendants. We have always enjoyed meeting and having short but welcoming interactions with the individuals who oversee the State Game Lodge Campground. This trip, we did not lay eyes on or have any interaction with these individuals. There was a welcome slip of paper on our cabin door with an incorrect departure date printed on it. I had a copy of my original reservation so did not pay attention to their information. And finally, although nobody's fault, we were disappointed to not be able to have a campfire, even in the campsite fire ring, for the very first time in 25 years.
None of the above will stop us from returning; we love it too much. But we are wondering if things are changing and not for the better.
Shadow's Parents
9/24/2026
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
2.7
Facilities
4.4
Amazing!
This was our first visit to South Dakota. We came west to bike the Mickelson Trail. Custer State Park was an excellent base camp for exploring the area. The three of us shared a camper cabin. We were very pleased with how these basic but comfy shed style cabins were sited with at least a nod toward privacy. We mostly used our camp stove but treated ourselves to a couple meals at the Blue Bell Lodge. The food, atmosphere, and staff were top notch. They even had a velvet voiced country western singer entertaining the diners which made dinner very memorable. Our waiter, Billie, was phenomenal. The paved Wildlife Loop provided plenty of up close buffalo and burro sightings. We explored some of the unpaved roads and were rewarded with an opportunity to observe a bobcat stalking his dinner. Thank you South Dakotans for preserving and protecting this beautiful place.
Lizzard
9/24/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.6
Great campsite
BS
9/23/2026
Legion Lake is the Best
Great hosts, bathroom is always perfectly cleaned. The sites are the best in the park.
We have stayed here a total of 6 weeks over recent years.
This year the park decided to spray asphalt sealer on the entire main entrance, trapping all 22 campers for hours and then dealing with the smell for days.
We complained to the host and was told there is nothing we can do.
They should wait until after the roundup to do this.
AMac
9/23/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Always Great
One our favorite places to camp. The host is awesome and very kind, and always great to talk with.
TheCaptain KJ
9/23/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
3.7
Facilities
4.8
Wonderful!
MadRose
9/23/2026
good but not so good
We arrived mid week and all was well. On Thursday and Friday road construction was going on with trucks and road sweepers that made everything loud and dusty. Weekend was all quite. On Monday morning we were told by construction crew that an oil truck was coming thru and we could not drive on road for at least an hour. We left the site to go fishing at Center Lake and found out there was no access to the lake as it had been just oiled. Needless to say we were not informed of any road construction when we made the reservation earlier the in the week. This would have been very beneficial to our decision to stay at Center Lake. We ended up spending the day at Legion Lake. WE were told by different construction workers that time period could any where from 1-3 hours before we could drive within the campground. Not a good way to end our camping trip.
montecarlosue
9/22/2026
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
4.7
Facilities
5.0
Great experience
2026trip
9/22/2026
Custer Park
Stayed in cabin. Perfect for our visit. Staff very friendly. Everything was clean. Great amenities such as visitor center, staff interaction, roads/trails in great condition.
Wisconsin
9/22/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
9 nights are not enough
This is a wonderful campground with excellent hosts. Sites are not large, but the trees and layout made it seem private enough. There is so much to see and do that we were not ready to leave when our 9 nights were over. The local hikes were the standout experiences, along with the Mickelson Trail from Hill City to Rochford.
Bill&David
9/22/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
Good and Bad
We love this park and come to Custer from Texas almost every year, and have been coming to the park for over 20 years but the park is pricing the average travler out. We cannot stay in the regular cabins anymore as for our family the size cabin needed starts at four hundred dollars per night. We come with our children and they now bring their children but I worry that our grandchildren will not be able to afford to stay at this wonderful place.
Custer Crazy
9/22/2026
Overall Experience
3.0
Services
4.7
Facilities
4.7
September camping
From May through September, we camped at the Game Lodge campground 25 nights. We love it and we’re happy to see rain!
State Park visitor
9/22/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.0
Facilities
5.0
Amazing Trip
We had such a great time. The cabins were clean, nice, and conveniently located by clean bathrooms/showers. The hikes were great! The road and tunnels were so fun with terrific views. The park was located close to cities, Mount Rushmore, and the bike trail. Thanks so much for such a great trip.
Visitor from Utah
9/21/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Fantastic car camping adventure
Bathrooms & shower areas are very clean & comfortable. I do wish they had more sturdy seating in shower areas as im a plus size gal & i was afraid to sit on the thin plastic deck chairs. I have bad knees & had to stand to get dressed. This was a minor inconvenience for me though as it was warm in there & the showers warmed up fast & had enough pressure to rinse shampoo out of thick hair.
Host was absolutely super friendly & very helpful.
GypsyDee
9/21/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.4
The Perfect Park
We camped at Stockade Lake in Custer State park for 7 days while we explored the area. It was a perfect base camp for our grand adventure. From this site, we had easy access to Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Mammoth Site. We even took a dip in Evans Plunge (not the nicest hot spring that we’ve visited, but it was pleasant). The Badlands and Minuteman missile site were a few hours away, but we did that in a day. The campground was clean and the bathrooms were as well. Warm showers and a lovely camp host named Curt made this a highlight of our road trip. If we didn’t live so far away, I would make this an annual trek!
Kongo Kate
9/21/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great Experience at Custer
The park experience was great. Getting set up to make the reservation was the most time consuming of any park I have visited in the US. Multiple add on fees were also annoying.
Michigan Camper
9/21/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
4.3
Facilities
4.0
Feels like home
Nature Photographer
9/21/2026
Custer experienced
The cabin and amenities were great. The staff hosts helpful and the Blue Bells campground beautiful. Highly recommend people stay there.
Natem
9/21/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Helpful
I arrived late afternoon and found the reservations number to be useful as I tried to navigate around the park. I arrived at Center Lake Campground and the host greeted me with lots of useful information soon after. Very peaceful and well run.
Desert Camel
9/20/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
‘Twas a pleasure
Our whole experience of Custer State Park was a joy, from the original phone assisted reservation process, to rebooking without additional fee, arriving at a very tidy camper cabin, interacting with park staff, seeing wild life, and hiking/diving many scenic trails and roads. I cannot say enough about how impressed we were. I wish the state park service in my own state held such a high bar.
Appreciative Joy
9/20/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great Time
Pete
9/20/2026
Great Place
Mich
9/20/2026
Horse camp
Todd
9/20/2026
Perfect
This is by far the very best camping experience I have ever had. Custer State Park was an amazing experience. The state should be very proud of what they have created and the National Parks could really learn from this park.
crcampbe
9/19/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Custer State Park
Camped at Stockade Lake South. Campground was great. Nice tent sites and bathrooms were very clean. The only complaint I have was the over abundance of mice in camp. Even with all the food sealed up and put away, the mice still got into vehicles and chewed on everything.
89mattho
9/19/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
Great Park
R and H
9/19/2026
Worth the Wait
Roy
9/18/2026
Center Lake is my happy place
Rainbow trout
9/17/2026
great time
traveler
9/17/2026
Awesome
The campground was clean and well cared for. The host was awesome. Super friendly, all around great couple!
Horse girl
9/16/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Pleasant Experience
Happy Camper
9/16/2026
Excellent and spotless!
Excellent facilities and State Park was spectacular. Only a few experiences where other campers were inconsiderate. Ex. A lady with a shrill voice walking around campground at 0645 talking loudly on phone, generator noise, and outdoor lights left on. When tent camping that’s a big deal.
J.DogNight
9/16/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Custer Stockade south review
Steve
9/16/2026
Improve campsite location in emails; enforce campfire restrictions
1. Please clarify in email confirmations the campground that the reservation applies and give directions to the campground. Our campsite was GL 38 but we didn’t know what campground it was for.
2. Please enforce campfire restrictions. Our host made a point to tell us no campfires were allowed because of extreme fire danger, yet a big campfire was used by another campsite. We were in campsite GL38.
SDW
9/16/2026
Overall Experience
2.8
Services
2.5
Facilities
3.0
2026 vacation
Cameron
9/15/2026
Sylvan Lake Campground Review
John Doe
9/15/2026
Blue Bell Campground
Stevek
9/15/2026
Awesome
We loved camping (Stockade North campground) and visiting the park. The wildlife loop was great, hikes everywhere, everyone was friendly and our whole family can't wait to go back! Easy access to all the well known attractions in the area too!
sdooley
9/14/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.7
Facilities
3.4
Beautiful and refreshing
KangNi
9/14/2026
Near perfect
GeorgyGirl
9/14/2026
Beautiful
We stayed at the Blue Bell campground for the second time. The scenery is beautiful and the campground is well taken care of.
KP Fort Calhoun
9/14/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Awesome
Gingerbread
9/14/2026
An amazing experience
This was one of our best camping experiences. The staff and campground host was so friendly and very alert to who came into the park. Our site was wonderful and had a great view. We will definitely be coming back.
Krob7
9/14/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great experience
First of all the camp hosts Rick and Marsha were like visiting old friends. Approachable, friendly and accommodating. The bathroom and showers were surprisingly very very clean. It was a very relaxing camp site and we will revisit it again.
Firemedcop
9/14/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Wonderful Place
It was our first time in the Blackhills and we can't wait to return. Our stay was at Sylvan Lake Campgrounds. The tent pad was nice and level. Restroom and shower facility was clean and well maintained. It was kind of nerve recking to book a spot that we had never seen, but this campground had no bad spots. The stargazing was unreal and all we had to do was look up. We will be returning.
1st Timers
9/14/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Wonderful!
Staff was friendly and checked up on us making sure we had what we needed for a wonderful experience! The group campsite was clean and taken care of and ready for us to use with plenty of trash bags for our four days. The bathhouse bathrooms were clean and well maintained!
Teacher8
9/14/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
4.7
Facilities
5.0
Great stay in Custer
Grace Coolidge campground was small and very clean. The park hosts were friendly and very available if we needed anything. Convenient to all the attractions in and around Custer.
Karrie f
9/14/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.3
Facilities
4.5
Nice Campground
Good campground near (not adjacent to) beautiful Sylvan Lake.
BEC
9/14/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Blue Bell
I don't want to tell others, because I don't want Blue Bell to become popular. I don't want to have to fight for my site next time. But I will. I love blue bell, It was so beautiful. The staff were helpful in finding my site. They asked about my next sites on our road trip. They helped in finding out information on a fire that could affect my stay in Spearfish.
Sam
9/14/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Satisfied camper
AJP
9/12/2026
CSP GC4
colorado
9/11/2026
Great park
Great hiking, drove wilderness loop 3 times, Bison were amazin, loved quietnes and friendly host at CL campground. Showers were gret.
Traveler
9/10/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great spot, could have better host
Location was great. Ths only thing that wouldve made it better is a more active camp host. Weve stayed in the park many times before, this was the first time we were never greeted by the host. They did not enforce the burn ban or the noise curfew. This was extremely disappointing.
CampGerl
9/10/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
3.0
Facilities
4.3
Custer State Park-fabulous stay
Jeremy
9/10/2026
Great camping cabin!
Hiker81
9/10/2026
Game lodge
Camp ground is great. But the door slam of womens restroom disrupted our sleep at 3e. End the fire ban....it rained and some folks had fires.
Dj
9/10/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
State park visit
Getting a campground map and surrounding area (ie visitors center and Lodge) at check-in would be helpful. I noticed there was a star party but no time nor location was listed. The laundry room had spiders in particular a black widow that kept coming out to see and then running back behind the dryer and the wall . Our friend’s had a site next to the creek, it poured rain that night and we worried about them being flooded. The campground was very quiet and clean. I liked that you had a fence surrounding the camp keeping buffalos out, even thought they could plow right through that fence! The park sure has growmsince the last time we were there.
Sally
9/10/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.7
Great place to stay and explore
Our family has been visiting and staying in Custer State Park for at least the past 5 yrs every year around August/September. We love exploring the trails and driving through to the many different areas of the park. We have stayed in the camping cabins offered at both Blue Bell and Game Lodge campgrounds. Blue Bell is nestled in the middle of a forested area with a great playground for kids and Game Lodge is located in an open valley area with forest on either side offering breathtaking views of the stars at night (it’s our favorite view of the sky in the early morning, sunset and night) and an older/smaller playground. The camping cabins are the same style and layout at each campground but the care, maintenance and cleanliness of the camping cabins and communal restrooms/showers were not up to the same standards. The volunteers/staff in charge of cleaning/maintaining facilities at Blue Bell did amazing. It was a different case at Game Lodge campground. The screen door frame was damaged so it couldn’t be fully shut, the main door had to be slammed/pushed shut in order for it to latch closed and the lock only latched if you pulled out pushed the door shut hard enough, the floor in the cabin was dirtier than usual, the ac filter light was flashing and the filler itself was caked/definitely needed to be cleaned. The communal bathroom was okay but definitely wasn’t as clean as the ones at Blue Bell. Overall, Custer State Park is an amazing place to explore, all staff and volunteers are welcoming and friendly, and the campgrounds are conveniently located throughout the park.
famvacayadvntrs
9/10/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.4
Great stay!
David
9/10/2026
No more Generators
So many generators being used outside allowed times and longer than 2 hour intervals. It would be so lovely if there could be a no generator campground or at least one loop at Center Lake designated as no use. Another idea would be to make business cards with generator regulations for hosts to hand all campers when checking in at their site. With Starlink and technologies allowing folks to watch movies or work, etc, seems like generator use has grown intensely.
Solar Camper
9/9/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
3.3
Facilities
3.6
Wonderful Stay
We stayed at Stockade North Campground, it was a very nice and spced out campgound. Our family appreciated the layout and didnt feel like our neighbors were listening in on our conversations. The park in the middle is fun for kids and you dont have tk go too far for bathrooms or water. It is very hevily booked but we made it work, we did have to move campground in the middle but thats okay.
Heaton
9/9/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
10/10 - would go again
Earl Disse
9/9/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Camping cabin
Love Custer
9/9/2026
Great campground, great location
JRF
9/9/2026
Tidy park, but loud
There is a racetrack across the road, and if there is an event happening it is LOUD. Really loud. It was very disconcerting and honestly a little scary until we figured out what was going on. The noise kept up until 10 pm. We couldn’t even hold a conversation without shouting.
emilyjoso
9/8/2026
Overall Experience
2.8
Services
5.0
Amazing park, lovely campground
emilyjoso
9/8/2026
Game lodge camping
Quilter
9/8/2026
Just right
Great to have a camp host on sight to talk to.
KT
9/8/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
THE BEST...EVER.
The camp hosts were wonderful welcoming and informative. The facilities were extremely well kept...loved it. Showers toilets everything was highly maintained. Grounds were immaculate and sites offered ample space and serene camping environment.
518Wandersmith
9/8/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.7
Grace Coolidge
We love Custer State Park. This time we stayed at Grace Coolidge CG. Shower house was squeaky clean. Site 10E was not level. Several other sites around us were also not level.
Van Traveler
9/8/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.2
Sylvan Lake tent only
Blue
9/8/2026
Awesome Place to Camp
DeltaC
9/8/2026
Great spot to camp
This was our 4th trip to Custer State Park but first to Sylvan Lake Campground and we will return. Great location to trailheads and the best stargazing! Room for improvement: more hooks in the shower areas and the shower on the women's side never got hot while the shower on the men's side was too hot to enjoy.
astevens692
9/8/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Facilities
3.8
Extraordinary night sky
SDvisit
9/7/2026
Stockade South
We’ve stayed in Custer about every way possible. This was our first visit to Stockade Lake South campground. The pines were very aromatic! The shower house was constantly being monitored and cleaned. Overall experience was probably one of the best we have ever had!
Moose
9/7/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.0
Awesome stay!
Minnesota family
9/7/2026
Game Lodge Review
camper123
9/7/2026
Excellent experience!
CSM
9/6/2026
Good but issues
You need to know your site number before you get there and there is not service to check once you're there. No one was there to check us in or tell us our site number, give us a map, info about thr park or anything else. Thankfully we had Starlink so we were able to set that up and check our site number ourselves. There was also no warning of tight tunnels on 2 out of the 3 roads to the campground.
Mi
9/6/2026
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
3.0
Facilities
3.7
Awesome experience
Bill R
9/6/2026
Wonderful stay
My friend and i had a wonderful stay, a beautiful breathtaking campsite. Stunning landscape, night sky. Would highly recommend
Molo
9/6/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Love CSP
We stayed in Sylvan Campground for 5 nights. It was most delightful. While the scenery is breathtaking, the facilities were well above average. Park personal were so pleasant and very helpful. If I could, I would spend all summer there and give it a ten!!
Happy Campers
9/6/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.7
Center Lake
Very nice campground at Center Lake but be prepared to walk quite far for a shower.
Scpower
9/5/2026
Awesome experience
Loved this location. If you like water, the Stockade campgrounds are within walking distance to the lake. It was a quiet week just before Labor Day. The coyotes were active at night and held a party in the cove near the campground.
SummerKamper
9/5/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
The best state park ever!
This is top to bottom the best state park experience we've ever had. Even with the storm damage from last December, the park and facilities are immaculate. So beautiful and plentiful wildlife
Tortoise
9/5/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
A Week in Heaven
Had excellent rides in the NE and SW corners of the park. A trailer to move around adds to the enjoyment.
Chapel Hill Farm
9/5/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.0
Facilities
3.8
Amazing Park
This was our second trip from Michigan to Custer State Park. This time we camped at Game Ladge. We love everything about this state park. The campgrounds are great value, the roads well maintained and the amenities throughout are first class.
StellaTravelw
9/5/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great week at French Creek Horse Vamp
Camp host were wonderful and helpful. The campground is well kept with grass mowed and showers and bathrooms very clean. New horse pens were great.
Lisa G
9/5/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Holy rocks
It is great they have nice stalls, bathroom is good, electricity to camp sites but need running water to camp sites. They also need extra stalls for those traveling with more then two horses. Also trails need better markings. And could use internet or better cell service. Most of the trails we were on were VERY rocky. There should be a warning on the super rocky trials. We went one one known as "hells hill" that looked like a rock slide. That needed a warning label on it before we went on it. Some were nice. For that reason we will be back to ride the nice trails now that we know where a few are. Will not go on the other trials again.
peaceandquiet
9/4/2026
Overall Experience
4.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
3.0
Absolutely fantastic.
I knew nothing about any of the campgrounds in Custer so it truly was a toss of the dice. Ended up at South Stockade park and it was fantastic. Bathrooms were spotless. Nice shaded sites with trees but plenty of space between sites. I’ll be back!
Campin’gal77
9/3/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
good park for camping
Custer State Park is beautiful and the facilities are great and well maintained. The reservation process was smooth, although the phone app has a clunky interface. I stayed at the Grace Coolidge tent campground; it's in a beautiful spot near a creek, the campsite was very nice, and I really like that they have a tent-only area. However, it is also located very close to the road which gets a lot of noisy traffic. Definitely not a deal-breaker, but something to consider if you are looking for a restful vacation.
Minnesota_hiker
9/3/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
4.5
Facilities
5.0
Stocade North - Campground Review
Custer State Park is great, a lot of activities and things to do with our kids. The campgrounds were clean, but the bathroom shower's could use more water pressure. Overall it was a great time even though there was a burn ban in place, so no campfires.
Bart25
9/3/2026
Overall Experience
3.5
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.3
campers
Being campers at Stockade North, when we were leaving, we wanted to dump our black and grey water tanks. We were told the only place to dump the tanks was either on the east side of the park, by the east side entrance or at legion campground. With us having a 25+ foot camper, the dump station at Legion campground was not practical because of the steep hills and distance. So the only other dump station was at the east side, completely at the other side of the park. It would be so much nicer if there was a dump station near the west side entrance.
loves black hills
9/3/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.3
Great experience
Sharon S
9/2/2026
Fantastic experience
Blue Bell campground exceeded my expectations! We had a camping cabin and it was very comfortable. The bathroom/shower rooms were kept very clean. And the staff were very friendly and helpful. And the chuck wagon dinner is a must do! We also enjoyed the wildlife loop, needles highway, and wind cave(buy tickets in advance) the only improvements I can think of is a cooking station with grills and sinks maybe a black stone/griddle so when fires are not allowed there is a way to cook without having to bring your own grill. Or have a gas grill at each cabin.
Happy camper
9/1/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.5
August camping at Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake and surrounding area is absolutely beautiful with lots of wildlife viewing opportunities. We drove the needles highway, wildlife loop, and hiked around the sylvan lake area, and loved it all! Campground did not feel crowded and facilities were great. Highly recommend. We will be back.
Outdoor family
9/1/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Two day in Custer State Park
Cris
9/1/2026
just lovely
This is a lovely campsite, well equipped, next to a stream on one side. Most importantly the bathhouses were immaculate! Thank you for that, it makes all the difference.
Annie and Tinman
9/1/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
3.7
Facilities
4.7
Great Time!
Dan Meger
9/1/2026
Supreme camping
The campground is very well maintained, pristine bathrooms and showers. Showers are for free and they are hot!! We love this place very much!
Jan Bro
8/31/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.7
Perfect stay for a camping lite experience
MN FamOf4
8/31/2026
Game Lodge campground
Great location for all the Custer State park things. Staff was helpful and so nice. The facilities were very clean. There was lots of wildlife and was quiet and peaceful at night.
Sdilly
8/31/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Enjoyed Custer State Park
Ohio Visitor
8/31/2026
Bathroom
Need more thorough detail maintenance of bathrooms at Grace Coolidge campground
Best State Park
8/31/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
3.6
Custer Camping
The only issue we had was mice at night. Each evening 5+ mice were all over our campsite, climbing on our camper, feet, chairs, etc. which made it unenjoyable to be outside after sunset.
shas0601
8/31/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.6
Great campsite, hidden fees
The campsite was amazing! I stayed at the Center Lake camp. Clean facilities, beautiful woods. The only downside is you get billed if you call park staff to create a reservation. This is not said before hand and doubled the cost.
Dill
8/30/2026
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
4.7
SL12 site
campsite SL12 should have, and can have, a driveway to pull up into the site closer instead of parking up top and hauling stuff down to the site. Bring in a culvert and add crushed rock over where you have the 2 12x2's. would be a lot more accommodating site.
MR
8/30/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Family Vacation
Mr. B
8/29/2026
A Great Stay
Karman Arizona
8/29/2026
A true gem
A true gem of a state park.
Recent Guest
8/29/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Loved it!
This is am amazing state park! One of the cleanest I’ve seen in the US. Plus the scenery is amazing as well. All of the park rangers and volunteers were super helpful and nice. We even participated in some programs that were done very well.
Stampersj
8/28/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.8
Facilities
5.0
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
3.8
Love camping!
There is very limited if non-existent cell service available at the Sylvan Lake Campground. Other than that, everything about this campground is amazing!
Happy Camper
8/28/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.3
Outstanding
Best campground that I’ve been to. Staff kept the facility in top notch shape. Staff were friendly. The host was very pleasant, helpful and accommodating. Trails were easy to follow and were wide enough to make riding a pleasure.
Freebird
8/27/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Short but sweet
Camped at Center Lake, they are that day reservation so you need to go online or call to reserve that morning not before 8am. Took about an hour for us to get through near camp with the website as there is not good cell phone service in the area. The park phone that is available to book sites was not going through which the camp staff stated is very unusual. We stayed one night and had a wonderful time. Beautiful area and it is located at out favorite hiking trail, Grace Collidge Creekside Trail.
Adventuring Flower
8/27/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.6
Beautiful and Friendly Stay
We stayed in the rustic cabin at Blue Bell campground. We were across from the bathrooms and shower which were clean, and a 2 minute walk to the lodge and store which we went to for dinner and to buy essentials. The only feedback or suggestion I have is to make sure you have your own wash tub for dishes, you wash dishes at your cabin. As first time campers I wasnt thinking about how this would work and wound up having to walk back and forth to the pump with my water bottle. The staff seemed to love their jobs and helped us determine the best itinerary each day for traveling around the Black Hills area. Would definitely recommend!
KateMN
8/27/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Nice campground, poor system
EstesMike
8/27/2026
Great Camp Facility in a Great State Park
MA
8/27/2026
Custer State Park Is Awesome
Happy Camper
8/27/2026
Camp facilities
Our time there was great. The only issue we ever had was that the showers are way too hot. There is no way to control the temperature in the showers. There’s just a button you push it and you get what you get. That is the only complaint I have the staff is great. The place is clean. It’s just a scolding shower.
Joe
8/26/2026
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.3
Nice campground
This is a nice campground that provides the necessary amenities. It is a good location for visiting other areas of the park. It is close enough to the must-see Wildlife Loop that we had both bison and bighorns in the "front yard" of the campground. Staff was friendly and helpful, as far as onsite operations go. Dealing with site reservation issues, on the other hand, is left to internet and telephone support, neither of which is adequately available at this location. There is an on-site phone to the SD SP reservation center, but connection quality is too bad to be of any use.
EstesMike
8/26/2026
Overall Experience
3.8
Services
4.0
Facilities
3.8
Spectacular experience
We had such a wonderful time visiting Custer State Park. Sylvan Lake was just spectacularly gorgeous! There was hiking around the lake and behind the lake right from the campground. We enjoyed that there was a town close enough as we needed some repairs for our camper. Such an amazing trip and the most beautiful scenery and hikes!
Lisa
8/26/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Custer State Park
The State Game Lodge campground is our favorite and we go often. We have met many campground hosts and personnel through the last 20 years. Disappointed that the current Host hadnt been visible, never checked in or offered help. I know the person cleaning shower house does a wonderful job. However, last week a tent camper left grease, food debris ,even gravel in sinks making it unusable.. it needed addressed . Also have concerns with people with campfires during a ban
Retired and canping
8/26/2026
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
4.5
Facilities
5.0
Great experience
The park was incredible,
John Slack
8/25/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Custer SP is a 5Star
Mtndad
8/25/2026
Best State Park
KG
8/25/2026
Great Stay
Loved my little Cabin - Great place to stay!
Biker Chick
8/25/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Surprised!
Camping Family
8/24/2026
Black Hills discovery
Happy camper
8/24/2026
Game Lodge Stay
Best state park I’ve been to! Beautiful area and wonderful people.
Rr
8/24/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Now one of our favorites!
TravelsWithIndigo
8/24/2026
Custer 2026
RTC
8/24/2026
Custer State Park
RTC
8/24/2026
Nice Stay!
Wisco Travelers
8/24/2026
Wonderful experience at Legion Lake
We had a Buffalo visit the campsite. It was fantastic to have him so close as we watched from inside our camper
Happy Camper
8/24/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
LOVE Custer State Park!
Camped 6 nights in the Grace Coolidge Campground. Our only regret is that it took us this long to discover the park and surrounding area. My wife commented that these were the cleanest campground bathrooms that she has ever seen! Camp Hosts and Rangers were friendly and helpful. Enjoyed hiking and driving in the park. Did the 7 hikes to earn a CSP Pin and many other hikes. Swam and kayaked Sylvan Lake. Great Times all-around! Enjoyed seeing all the Bison (per Rangers, over 1000 one time on the Wildlife Loop), as well as pronghorn, deer, osprey, and sheep--didn't see any goats or elk.
Charlie K
8/23/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.8
Facilities
4.7
Custer State Park
Eric Y.
8/23/2026
Annual trip
Old Timer
8/23/2026
Legion Lake Campground Review
The camp host was quite friendly. The bathroom and showers were spotless. The site we had was small for three tents but we did it. The Restaurant was good and the staff were very friendly
Solace
8/23/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.5
Game Lodge campground
Great park and a fantastic campground. Large area between sites. Close to good hiking. Beautiful area.
Ranger290
8/22/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great park experience
Our experience at Custer SP was excellent. All facilities, trails and roads were first rate
Dale
8/22/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Stockade Lake Campground
Betty23
8/21/2026
Custer Camping
MNCamper
8/21/2026
Relaxing time
We had a lot of rain while we were visiting and the outhouse ceiling was leaking.
JoyLyn
8/21/2026
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.5
Hard nights sleep
Mattresses are really showing age and not comfortable. Need new mattresses in cabin.
Traveler
8/20/2026
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.3
Beautiful park
Custer state park is gorgeous. Centrally located so it’s a great place to stay and do all of the things in this area (Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Mammoth Site, etc.) We stayed in Legion Lake campground, which was quiet and safe. The bathrooms were remarkably clean and the free hot showers were such a luxury! My only complaint about the campground is that the average age of its inhabitants was about 68 years old. The entire campground was full of retirees and their yappy small dogs; there were no other young families like ours.
CSmith
8/20/2026
Bluebell Cabin
Audrey
8/20/2026
Lame Johnny Road
BoatieMcBoatface
8/19/2026
Peaceful and clean
The campsite manager was friendly and helpful. The facilities were clean and well stocked. The campers surrounding us were respectful, and the area was very quiet in the evenings. This was during the Sturgis rally. We had some bikers in the campground and they were also quiet in the evening and overnight. When they left in the morning, there was minimal noise from the bikes. I did not realize that the lot I was staying in was on the middle of a hill. I was hoping to set up some games to play and was not able to do so due to the slant on the ground. Overall, it was well worth the price, but I will try to find a spot with level ground.
Avid***
8/19/2026
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.3
Great camp ground
Nice quite campground. The cabins are nice and you can have heat or AC depending on what is needed.
Cliff
8/19/2026
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
Great Campground. Needs dumpstation and water.
Its a campground for RVs. It really needs a dump station and an easier way to get potable water. It makes it very inconvenient.
JasoninBRLA
8/19/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
3.7
Facilities
4.4
Great Park
We love Custer State Park and have been back many times. Beautiful scenery, great hiking trails, nice, quiet campgrounds, and clean rest rooms.
Tramper
8/18/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great location and host
The location is great for feeling part of the hills. Came out for Bike week and everything was clean and ready. Parking for Motorcycles is rough and could use leveling. The area is clean and quiet. Love the store and lodge for easy and good products. 4 years coming out to Custer and Blue Bell is one of my favorites
Reddresser2018
8/18/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.2
Stockade Lake North
The park is great and very clean. I have always had great experiences throughout the park. This was my first time tent camping at Stockade Lake North (at an electricity site, not a tent specific site). I did not know in advance that the ground was so rocky. Our site only had one place that was close to flat enough for the 3-person tent. The ground was too rocky (beneath the top layer of soil) to actually get stakes into the ground. It wasn’t too windy, so we didn’t have any problems. I just won’t use a tent in an electric site at this specific campground or recommend that to others. Everything else was perfect!
Screener
8/17/2026
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.4
Ruined the experience and ambiance
We camped in French Creek and found that Lame Johnny road is now a major thoroughfare for tourists as well as the park's Jeep Safari tour. The spoed limit is 10mph and the safari tour jeeps were flying through camp. We yelled for them to slow down and the driver practically flipped us off, just waved his hand at us as if to say "shut up". We are tgere with our pets, children and equine. Those jeeps come through multiple times a day, stirring up dust and zippjng past our animals. Rude, inconsiderate and completely ruined the ambiance of vacationing in the Black Hills. I won't be back.
Rhoda
8/17/2026
Overall Experience
3.0
Services
3.0
Facilities
3.8
Wrong time of year!
We booked this as a stop on a larger trip including many other states and national parks. We've camped at this park in the past and had fond memories of the place. We later realized that the time was overlapping the Sturgis motorcycle event. By then it was too late to change the plans, but we thought that we might be far enough away from Sturgis to avoid the big crowds. Boy were we wrong! Custer SP seemed like the epicenter of activity.
The Needles Highway is located directly next to the campground and was being ridden non-stop all day by the very loud Harleys. I'm a motorcycle rider myself, so I have nothing against motorcycles, but so many of these guys have straight pipes with no mufflers and often they blast loud music while riding. It's very disturbing for the guests of the park. Fortunately they did stop after dark. But this excess traffic made the road almost impassible, or at least not a pleasant experience for autos during this time. We felt trapped in the campground and unable to actually explore or enjoy the park as we have during previous visits.
Finally, the visitor center, restaurants and gift shops were completely inaccessible for those in cars as all the parking was roped-off only for bikers.
This experience during Sturgis is so unlike the rest of the summer, it should specifically be noted on the reservation system with different prices and a warning. We ended up departing from our reservation early (as did many others) who didn't realize how bad it would be. The reservation system should also mention that the Sylvan Lake Campground has NO dump station and no campfire rings.
Basecamper
8/17/2026
Overall Experience
3.7
Services
3.0
Facilities
2.0
Beautiful Park
We had a great time in the park but I took this survey to tell you how back the reservation system is compared to other states. 1. You shouldn't have to make an account to see availability. 2. You definitely don't need the last 4 digits of my SSN. 3. The mobile version is really buggy. If you put in the wrong phone number for the code it doesn't let you go back and change it, then says you've maxed out your attempts. Also it will get stuck saying you haven't filled our all the required fields when you did. This wasn't an issue on the laptop but when traveling making a reservation via phone is important.
Jennap0586
8/17/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.0
Facilities
4.8
Best state park I’ve visited, campground and shower houses were amazing, but campsite was sub par and unsafe.
Camper1
8/17/2026
Overall Experience
3.3
Services
4.8
RV camping
Best State Park I have visited. Lot to see and do. Very well kept. Professional run
Naturaloak
8/16/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Fun
Please keep your prices of cabins reasonable so families can enjoy the park
Hd
8/16/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great stay
Brook
8/16/2026
Beuatiful location, facilities clean but need to be upgraded
CSP is a gem; 77000 acres wild life preserve. It is by far the most visited state park in SD. Which means it brings in the most revenue of all the state parks. But its facilities, while clean, are not up to the standard set by the facilites on the east side of the state. These less visited and therefore less revenue generating parks have far superior comfort stations. Years aga, CSP kept its own revenue and was able to maintain its infrastructure. That changed when leadership saw the cash flow and started siphoning off funds to support other parks.
Wolfy
8/16/2026
Overall Experience
3.5
Services
4.3
Facilities
3.0
Great experience
Rgu
8/15/2026
Great site
Erin
8/15/2026
Beautiful!
The Game Lodge Campground was centrally located- making it easy to explore the park. State Game Lodge was walking distance to the campground for easy meal access (if needed). The facilities were very nice, great water pressure in the showers, and very clean!
My main gripe was something I hadn’t thought about, which is why I wanted to mention here. I chose a campsite that was along the creek (29). Not thinking about minimal rain fall, the creek was essentially dry and the left behind mud and nearly still water that remained had a very distinct smell. My second night it actually smelt like something had died. I do have a really sensitive nose, so writing this more for others who are the same. It didn’t effect me too much as I was only really there to sleep, but if you are planning on spending extended periods of time I would not book a site next to the creek late in summer.
Another important thing to note- the tent slabs had very compact dirt making it difficult to get my stakes in. I had to get creative and use rocks to help keep my tent up, which would have collapsed without stakes.
Other than that I loved it and miss it already!
Chaz
8/15/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Mouse ran up the tilted clock
Most of the sites at this campground were extremely unlevel. There was no way to tell this from the website or from a map application. I saw some RV's raised up to about a foot on one side. For the rates that this park is charging, I would expect considerable grading of the sites to make them close to level. Be prepared for mice! We caught 9 in 2 nights. That's a record for us and we have been camping for 6 years. The campground is nicely wooded but that also means trimming trees of dead "widow maker" limbs which needs to be done. The campground was quiet and the bathrooms were clean. The shower head in the handicap shower stall in the men's bathroom needs to be repaired. Note that there is not a dump station at this campground and not a convenient one close.
Arizonaboys
8/15/2026
Overall Experience
3.5
Services
5.0
Facilities
3.0
First Camping Trip — Custer Did Not Disappoint
Custer State Park was the perfect place for my first camping adventure! The park is absolutely beautiful, and there is so much to see and explore. I loved being surrounded by the Black Hills, wildlife, and incredible scenery everywhere I went. I was traveling and camping with my German Shepherd, Mina, and really appreciated being able to have her along for the adventure.
Being a first-time camper, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but the experience definitely made me want to camp again. Even with a few adventures along the way—including some weather and smoke—it was still an amazing trip and one I'll always remember.
I would absolutely visit Custer State Park again. Beautiful scenery, peaceful surroundings, and a pretty incredible place to discover that, apparently, I'm a camper now. ??
Iowa Visitor
8/14/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Amazing
This camping spot was a dream. So clean and nice. Lots of space and shade. Wasn’t close to other campers. The camp host was so amazing and nice.
Hanbear8
8/13/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great experience
SapphireCat83
8/13/2026
Beautiful site, but lots of pests
The site was excellent. Quiet. Clean. Beautiful. But there was a major mouse and wasp problem. It created an atmosphere that made me leave early. I barely slept the second night as mice and other critters bombarded my RV. It was very unpleasant.
Stoliver
8/13/2026
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
We love it here
Lori Ask
8/13/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great Park
Happy Camper
8/13/2026
Great experience with one suggestion
Loved staying in the bluebell lodge campground! One suggestion, Please put a cover over the light to the restrooms so that the light sheds downward and not in all directions. We had the light shining right in the window we used to observe the stars and the light came right in.
GeoJen
8/12/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great time at Custer Park
Michigander 51
8/12/2026
Highly Recommended
Skeye
8/12/2026
Stockade south
The couple that is the park resident in Stockade South were awesome don’t know their names but do know they are from Fla and work there 6 months.They were so helpful with where to ride and see the animals and keeping the campsites clean.
Wolf
8/11/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
August French Creek Equine camp stay
Love that there are covered stalls for horses and water near horse pens. Wish that the horse trail maps were consistent. We received a trail map from Park Ranger and a different one at the check in on the wildlife loop. Maps are not accurate - at least on the Heddy Draw trail a trail is shown on both maps that loops back to the over look. Can see the trail at the over look but, when going left, we were unable to find the trail that went back to the overlook shown on the map. Distance on the maps is off a bit. One map shows slightly different names of trails. Sawmill Trail vs Heddy Draw trail. Can be a bit confusing. The downloadable trails app was not useful in my opinion for equine trails. Overall, we did not get lost with use of the paper maps and my Gaia trails app. We did have to circle back on the Heddy Draw trail since we couldn't find the cut off loop and didn't want the longer ride that day. Also, could not find the Robbers Roost Trail shown on one map, trail shown on another but not labeled; trail kept disappearing and we finally gave up on trying to find it. Only reason for 4 stars vs 5 is for a new comer to the area, it was tough trying to find and follow trails with two different maps and trails that weren't clearly marked. Bath house was incredibly clean and well maintained. Kudos to staff for keeping the park and facilities clean and campers well advised regarding campfires and wildlife.
KSfromIowa
8/11/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
Facilities
4.5
Excellent park
Very easy to book, excellent facilities. Camped at game lodge for 2 days and transferred over to sylvan for the 3rd night. Wildlife loop was amazing. Will forever remember the beautiful sunsets and the kind people. Clean and well maintained. Maybe the best park we’ve ever camped at.
FamilyfromNJ
8/11/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
Blue Bell Campground
Custer is always great. We stayed in the small bunk cabins at Blue Bell Campground. Everything was excellent. My only criticism is they desperately need another bathroom/shower stall or 2 for the bunk cabin area. There were several times over our 4 nights that people were waiting either the shower/bathroom stalls. They were always clean but need more of them.
FamFromIA
8/10/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.7
Great experience
G clan
8/10/2026
BB21e
Lot was very unlevel. Could not level unit up at all. Others had the same issue. Visited with camp hosts about the issue which he acknowledged should be better.(very friendly people).
Wyonel
8/10/2026
Overall Experience
4.0
Services
5.0
French Creek
Beautiful park. The hills are the best! You will not be disappointed.
Freda
8/10/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.2
Best Time Ever
Park Hosts were friendly and helpful, Rest rooms and bath house were clean and well kept.
GMAN
8/10/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
Wonderful park!
We camped at the Game Lodge Campground with our two boys (5 and 8) and had a wonderful experience. The campsite was right by a creek the boys found tadpoles and crawdads in and watched little otters play. There is a beach and a playground they loved. The bathrooms were clean and you’re so close to so many other cool attractions like Wind Cave, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Keystone! The people at the education center, visitor center, and the volunteers who drove around the campsite were so kind and a wealth of knowledge! 15/10!
Mkd
8/9/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Legion Lake Campground
Nice and big sites. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. Camp host was very kind and helpful. Quick walk to Legion Lake and Legion Lake Lodge. *you might need two hoses to access potable water
Yages32
8/9/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Really Cool Campground
Nice campground overall. Close to many scenic drives and hikes and all the Black Hills towns. It is on the smaller side and right next to Needles Hwy so expect some road noise and less privacy. Hot water in the showers was hit or miss and folks don't tend to follow the 11pm - 6am quite hours.
Mitch0769
8/8/2026
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
4.2
Facilities
3.6
Best Stay of our trip
We stayed in Stockade South Campground. Experience could not have been better. Clean campground and bathroom. Clearly posted signage, friendly and helpful staff. I accidentally did not book the amount of days i needed at another campsite at Sheridan Lake, so this was a last minute one day stay. It was one of the only campsites available for the day. We were so thrilled to arrive. Everything about it surpassed Sheridan tenfold. The tent only section was incredible. Set off in the back by the trail that followed the cliff overlooking the lake. We set up and not 5 minutes later 3 mother deer and their fawns were 20 feet away grazing. Then 3 turkeys. Then an eagle flew overhead. Kathy came by to check us in, very easy process. She was delightful and also warmed by all of the wildlife. Bathrooms were extremely clean with a fan constantly going to keep the floors dry by the showers. Not booking a campsite for the monday of our trip was the happiest mistake that i made during our trip! We plan to come back to South Stockade Lake campground again just to soak it all up. Thank you for such a great experience in such a short period of time.
Loved our campground
8/8/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Great Family Getaway
The cabin was perfect for our family of five. The restroom and shower facilities were very clean. The campground host we encountered was very friendly.
MNMom84
8/7/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
A perfect trip
Traveling solo with my dog I found this a very friendly and easy trip. Everything from the shower houses to the trails were very well kept and maintained. The cabin rates were very reasonable and comfortable. My doggo and I spent lots of time hiking and exploring.
Shhh dont tell Colorado youre my new favorite place.
Schnauzer mom
8/7/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Picturesque trip
We camped at the quaint Grade Coolidge campground in site 9, an electric pull off site next to the babbling creek. Great shade and hammock trees. This was a small, quiet campground with fairly easy access to the super clean restrooms. It was a great central location to all the sights the park has to offer. We did so much, but still so much more to do. There is no Internet signal with Verizon at this campground so time to unplug. Have your plans/maps ready ahead of time.
Bee4
8/6/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
3.9
Excellent
Stayed in Grace Coolidge tent sites. They were fantastic. Excellent tent pads, down below the road for some privacy. Had a creek running behind. Plenty to do around the park from excellent fishing and hiking nearby. Perfectly clean restrooms with flush toilets.
MrAnderson
8/6/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.2
Grace Coolidge
Fabulous campground.
Clean restrooms and easy access to all of Custer Park activities.
Kings Kastle
8/6/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.0
Blue Bell Stay
Robertson
8/6/2026
Fantastic Experience
DRG
8/5/2026
Great Time
Happy Campers
8/5/2026
Game Lodge CG
Custer State Park has nice campgrounds, just sad that SD residents have to book out a year to get a site
Gonzo
8/5/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
camping at Sylvan lake
We stayed in the tent campsite 26, which was a fantastic site with lots of privacy. The only thing that would have made it better is if there were a water spigot near the site at the end of the loop. Instead, for washing dishes and whatnot, we had to haul buckets of water from the bathroom for washing dishes, which was a bit of a hike.
happycamper
8/4/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
We Love Blue Bell!
We love it at Blue Bell. It is a quiet campground in the heart of CSP. Facilities are clean and well kept and campground hosts have always been friendly.
Happy Campers
8/3/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.5
Facilities
5.0
Custer Visit
We stayed with 3 other families at Stockade Lake South Campground. There was a lot of open space for our kids to run around and play. The campground was very quiet and people were respectful of one another's campsites. The bathrooms were very clean and it was nice to have showers at the campground. We loved being just down the street from Stockade Lake. The only thing I would say needs improvement is the location of the fire pits. They should be moved to an area that is a bit farther away from the tents and campers. Some of the picnic tables need to be replaced. The metal picnic tables are certain sites were really nice. Overall we loved our trip to this campground and look forward to coming back.
26 Custer Visit
8/3/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.0
Days of calm
Having never been to Custer State Park, we weren't sure what to expect. Reviews and stories online give you an image, but the actual experience is like no other. From the drive in to Bluebell Campground and getting stuck behind a herd of buffalo to a campsite full of respectful, clean and quiet campers, it was a win from the get go. The campground hosts, stopped by within a few hours of us setting up our tent and reviewed a few guidelines and offered advice on trails for us to explore. With only two days to do so, we opted for Black Elk Peak and an afternoon at Sylvan Lake. Both were exactly what the soul needed. In between, we did explore Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse & the Wildlife Loop. Not wanting to pack our days too full, this light itinerary kept us engaged, but relaxed. We will certainly be back!
Gusaroo
8/3/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Incredible park!
Lori
8/2/2026
Loved this place
We loved Sylvan Lake. Out of our two week long GART, this was a favorite. The lake is beautiful, and this is close to many things that are worth seeing. We will be coming back next year to complete the rest of what we didn’t get to see.
Perales Family
8/2/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
4.5
Facilities
4.8
Sadly overused space
WY_Camper
8/2/2026
Great place
Florida Girl
8/1/2026
Beautiful Black Hills!
We camped at Stockland Lake Campground within the Park. The camp is shaded, spacious with electric available. Bathroom /shower facilities are clean and the lake is beautiful. It is a central point to the sites we visited. Hiking to Black Elk Peak (6 mile trail) Wilderness Loop , Sylvan lake to swim, Needles Highway, and the scenic drive on Iron Mountain Road to Mount Rushmore. We also took a 2hour drive to Devils Tower Wyoming and 2 Hour drive to visit The Badlands.
Denise Kerr
8/1/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Beautiful
Camp host was very nice and provided useful information. Bathroom/shower house was kept clean but always felt like you were walking into a sauna. The blower used to help with moisture control isn’t sufficient. Otherwise Blue Bell Campground is amazing.
Gina S
8/1/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
Lovely campground
Great campground at Sylvan Lake. Easy to find campsite (SL12). It was great having a wheelbarrow to move belongings to walk-in sites. I only wish water was closer to these sites. It is a bit of a walk to fill a 5-gallon jug and walk it back to the site. I can see why Sylvan Lake Campground is so popular. One issue I noticed was that there were many empty sites even though it said it was full. It is too bad those sites don't open up, or people don't call and say they aren't coming.
Mark
8/1/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.3
Beautiful Park, beautiful time!
Matt and Lacey
7/31/2026
Impromptu trip turned out great
Little Miss
7/30/2026
One of my Favorite Campgrounds
Blue Bell is one of my long time favorite campgrounds. The hosts are always friendly. The campground is well maintained and clean. I did encounter an issue with the water fill at the new dump station - lack of pressure took 35 mins to fill my 50 gallon RV tank - but when I told the hosts they called maintenance right away.
JasonBoothCamps
7/30/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.3
Blue Bell perfect
Rick
7/30/2026
Our Get-together
Jessemin
7/29/2026
Legion
Legion Lake
7/29/2026
Pleasant
Hard to beat Custer State Park! The only problem we’ve ever had is canceling PART of our reservation. Last I checked, we have to cancel the entire reservation to just to cancel a few days. With today’s technology a person’s “bot” or computer program could grab my entire reservation while trying to make a few days available for someone else.
Stab
7/28/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.8
Facilities
4.2
Beautiful Park
Lori
7/27/2026
Great trip to custer
Tim Slack
7/27/2026
Great Stay at Center Lake
I took my kids on a last minute camping trip and we ended up at Center Lake campground in Custer State Park. The park as a whole is fantastic, and we especially loved where we camped. The swim beach was small but clean. My kids loved swimming and it was a little warmer than Slyvan Lake. The showers were always clean and so were the vault toilets. We enjoyed a noce little hike around the lake but didn’t get to do much other hiking. We can’t wait to go back.
CampingFam
7/27/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.7
Facilities
5.0
Need some TLC
Legion Lake Campground within Custer State Park is a very nice small campground. I have been camping there for over 45+ years. The camping spots I had were 13 & 14. The camp fire rings are showing their age and need to be replaced or fixed. Hopefully the park supervisor will read this and they will check out the fire rings in Legion and get them fixed or replaced.
Love Legion
7/27/2026
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
5.0
Facilities
3.8
Game Lodge Cabin: 10/10
I stayed at Game Lodge campground, and it was great. The host was very friendly and helpful — he checked on me at the beginning of my stay, and was available in case I needed help.
The cabin itself was clean and nights were quiet. The facilities were clean and orderly, which I appreciated.
NVDW35
7/27/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Excellent Custer SP
BG
7/27/2026
Great experience
HeyItsKittyJane
7/27/2026
Great Place to Stay
Our campsite had a fancy stone fireplace in it, which was perfect to prevent smoke from getting in your eyes. There were also great trees for hammocking nearby. The bathrooms and showers were clean and really nice to be able to use.
Rusty
7/27/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Beautiful location. Helpful staff
Brie
7/27/2026
Blue Bell Campground
Bruce
7/27/2026
Visit - Game Lodge Campground
Too many loose dogs when park personnel were not around. I protested to host and received a verbal rebuf.. "In THIS campground?" We had 3 neighbors, two spoken to by the host, who waited and released the dogs when the host left. My wife tried to complain a second time and was rebuffed... "I get off in a couple of minutes "
Richard Z
7/27/2026
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
3.8
Facilities
5.0
Always delighted with Sylvan Lake
Returning from Michigan
7/26/2026
Perfect
Best State Park in the country
Road Dog
7/26/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Last resort spot
My least favorite spot. Ive camped all over custer park. This is hands down my least favorite spot so far. The overly noisy group area is right behind this spot. People dont care about campsite boundaries so we had a lot of other guests trample through our spot (not for the water spigot...that i wouldve understood) 1/10 would not recommend that particular spot.
Campsite critic
7/26/2026
Overall Experience
3.5
Services
4.7
Facilities
4.1
Best Experience Ever
We stayed in a cabin at the Game Lodge Campground. The experience was one we will not forget soon. Cabin was clean and comfortable. So much to do in the area.
Traveling Duo
7/26/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great Stay!
mtnmama
7/26/2026
Perfect spot
We had initially booked a tent only site at sylvan lake. I had assumed it was a site with a car pad because this is how state parks are set up in Missouri. We were surprised that it was a walk-in site and we were not prepared for that. For people who have not been to the park it would help to clarify on the booking site that the parking area is very far from the tent sites. Luckily the center lake campground had same day reservations and we found a more appropriate site for us there. We loved that the lake was so close to the lower loop campground. I would suggest changing the shower curtains in the shower house. They were very gross. Also our camping neighbors had dogs chained to trees and I think this violation should have been addressed.
Sara
7/26/2026
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
4.8
Great stay!
I stayed in a camping cabin at Stockade South campground and it was excellent. The cabin was clean and comfortable and ready for me when I arrived.the shower/bath house at the campground was nice and clean, even with a full campground. I look forward to coming back.
CKS
7/25/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Incredible experience
We tent camped at the Game Lodge campground. It was fantastic. The park staff were very friendly and helpful. Not only in the campground but also the general store. It was very clean. There was a creek running right behind our tent. Deer were calmly walking along the creek, 20 yards from our campsite. My 6 year old kept asking, “how does it get any better than this?!” Would recommend 100%
GL
7/25/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Peaceful
We LOVED Custer State Park - we were there for 3 nights and because of my poor planning - we stayed in 3 different cabins. We stayed in cabins 3,5,10. Cabin 3 was the smallest and was not clean under the mattress - nothing horrible just leaves and debri below the mattress. Cabin 5 and 10 were a bit larger and did not have the same debris under the mattress. The Host family was so, so kind as was the couple who kept the cabins clean. Shower facilities were great, and no issues with not having water or waiting to get into the bathroom. Others staying in their park were respectful, and it was just a really, really great first experience, and has quickly become a new favorite place
MN Couple
7/24/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.7
Facilities
4.8
Awesome stay
Campsite host was exceptional with providing options for our stay. She was super helpful, congenial and very customer oriented. She was also very fastidious with the care and maintenance of the facilities, which was greatly appreciated.
Glammie
7/23/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great place
Alex
7/23/2026
Excellent stay!
Game Lodge Campground was a great stay! Campground was clean and well kept. The scenery is, of course, beautiful! Shower house was clean and seems somewhat recently renovated. Plenty of room in the individual shower stalls and appreciate that the water is contained in the shower, not all over the entire floor. I did laundry in the cute little laundry building and machines were clean and worked great. $1.25 each for a wash and dry - bring quarters and your own detergent. Campground location was an easy drive to get to, no mountain driving needed. Amazing!
CamperChrissy
7/23/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.7
Loved every minute of stay!
We’ve been to Custer 9 times over the last 35 years and have always been impressed with the preservation of nature, cleanliness of park (especially bathrooms at Legion Lake), the variety of landscape and wonderful wildlife.
Legionlover
7/22/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.8
Facilities
4.9
Lovely quiet spot
Ljssparkman
7/22/2026
Outhouse smellie
The outhouse was pretty stinky. Didn’t enjoy that.
Erilina
7/21/2026
Overall Experience
4.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Nice park, bad guest
Another guest woke us up at 22:30 saying that we took their spot . So they decided to sleep beside us on the grass. But they’re reservation was for the day after... they are no security at night, so some people take advantage of it, by trying to have a free spot, or letting their lights on the rv on during the night. Too bad it’s a nice place. An employee knock at my door around 20:30 to be sure that i know when to leave the day after, too bad she wasn’t there. to see the two people who decided to sleep with their van on the grass, next to us...
Jojo
7/21/2026
Overall Experience
3.5
Services
4.3
Facilities
4.5
The cleanest campground
Olga
7/21/2026
Happy Reunion
Custer is an absolutely gorgeous State Park and a family favorite. It is well worth the trip from Milwaukee. We camped here with family and friends 8 years ago and returned to make new memories. The people working here were exceptionally friendly and helpful, the scenery was picturesque, and the wildlife abundant—including a bison passing through the campground. We hope to return again soon,
“In-tents”
7/21/2026
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Beautiful Campground in a Great Location
Stockade Lake North is a beautiful campground with spacious campsites in an ideal location near Custer, SD. The campground hosts were friendly and helpful. The campground was clean and well-maintained. We thoroughly enjoyed our four-night stay in our RV.
CW
7/21/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Cabin at Stockade Lake
Nick
7/20/2026
Good visit
Cabin was clean. Stockade Lake South Campground was quiet and well maintained including all trash receptacles and bathrooms. We had a broken window latch in our cabin that was fixed in short order. Camp host was pleasant and helpful with the repair need.
Dadoleyna
7/20/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great Experience
I have camped at dozens of state parks in the midwest and Game Lodge Campground was by far the best one. The campground was so clean, the spaces were spread out, and the other campers were respectful. I was impressed that there is more than one shift of camp hosts and appreciated the bathroom showers being in great conditions. The programming was great too. I wish I could send our state parks administrator to Custer State Park to learn what it takes to make a state park truly inviting and entertaining.
bison44
7/20/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.2
Facilities
4.9
Know before you go
The park is beautiful. Just do your research on the driving conditions. Specifically, the Needles Eye Tunnel. I feel there should be more warning on how tall and narrow the passage is. I was in a large, converted van and was nervous if my solar panels would be scraped off. At that point, there was no way to turn around. It is a single lane with two-way traffic trying to navigate who gets to speed through first. I caused a bit of a traffic jam because I hesitated. My fault for not doing my research. Lessons were learned. Once I finally made it to Center Lake Campground I was good. Sites were level, there is a shower there and the lake is in walking distance. The camp hosts introduced themselves, listened to my harrowing tale and gave me good advice on how to get to Mount Rushmore without going through the tunnel. I was very thankful for them.
Wandering Wanda
7/20/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Amazing Stay At Game Lodge!
I had a wonderful stay at Game Lodge in Custer State Park. My partner and I tent camped in a site right on the creek. The bathroom and shower facilities were the nicest I’ve ever used at a national park! The camp hosts were very friendly and made it known that if you had any questions or concerns, they were there to help! We did a lot of hiking and were able to see plenty of wildlife, while still feeling safe by following park rules. We will definitely be back in the future!
Greenleaf
7/20/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.5
Facilities
4.9
Sampler of the West
Custer is my favorite park in the United States. It has a sampling of nearly every activity and animal the Western National Parks have on offer. I had previously stayed in a cabin at Game Lodge, everything looked clean but my sinuses reacted with immediate congestion and violent sneezing. I reacted to something in there. But one of my favorite experiences was cruising early in the morning around the wildlife loop. Amazingly peaceful
AndrewD
7/19/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.9
Great stay!
We stayed 10 nights in the park. The camping spots were well spaced and most among the trees. Very scenic. We had a spot with electricity. . The bathrooms and showers were kept very clean as well as the camp ground as well. It is close to several lakes which was great. Custer State park and the surrounding area is amazing!
Baja girl
7/19/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Hidden Gem
K Cham
7/18/2026
Great campground for our short stay
Leah Sparkman
7/18/2026
Great Location
NC
7/17/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
Great stay at Custer
Minnenicholas
7/17/2026
Always amazing
I always enjoy staying at Custer State Park. Legion Lake has been my campground of choice the last couple stays. Just the right size to maintain privacy or get to know the neighbors.
MJC
7/16/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.8
Facilities
4.7
Vacation
The area to park is full of water when it rains. Not leaving much room to park without impeding the other site.
Bikeation
7/15/2026
We had a blast
Cudaman65
7/15/2026
Annual Custer trip
Custer State Park should not be missed. It is exceptional.
Our only issue is with the campground shower. You have to push a button outside of the shower to water. No temperature control.
Hugh
7/15/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.7
Beautiful place. Great service.
Mike
7/14/2026
Another amazing stay
Another amazing Custer State Park stay!
Like many areas of the park, the Sylvan Lake campground suffered significant tree damage/loss in the December 2025 storm. We were sad to see our regular campsite so drastically changed, but incredibly grateful for the hard work it took to have the campground, and the entire park, ready for visitors this season.
If hiking one of the many beautiful trails highly recommend starting early in the day when it is cooler and the weather is generally more stable. Thunderstorms tend to develop more frequently in the afternoon, but always be prepared for rapid weather changes.
Definitely check out the ranger led activities and evening programs!
Freddiecat
7/14/2026
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Best campground
Legion Lake Campground is very lovely. Our host Cindy was friendly and a great representative for Custer State Park. I would definitely come back to this campground.
Dave Miller
7/14/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Loved our time at Custer!
SheridanKid
7/14/2026
Amazing Time
CBlake
7/14/2026
Amazing!
We (family of 5) stayed in a cabin and it was absolutely impeccable. Super solid and clean!Talk about glamping... Electricity AND an air conditioner! Solid working windows and screen door. Park hosts couldn’t be nicer. Bath house has full private shower with toilet. Our cabin faced the trees so we have lots of privacy. We would love to stay here again someday. You will not be disappointed!
KTN
7/13/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.9
Stockade South was great
NancyRayGun
7/13/2026
Top notch experience
This was my first visit to Custer SP. My son (12) and I had a great time here. This was one of the nicest parks I've ever been to/camped at. The facilities are top-notch, the rads and trails are fantastic. There is so much to do - hiking, fishing, paddling, etc.... Lots of interactive activities as well (youth programming). Will definitely try to get back for a longer visit. I did not have a reservation so had to book a same-day. That was a bit cumbersome but still managed to get it done.
roscoe
7/13/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.5
Facilities
5.0
Must visit
Custer State Park is a wonderful place to visit. Many wildlife sightings an wonderful roads through the entire park. Needles Highway is a road you must drive.
Buda
7/12/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
Blue Blue Campground site 29
Fantastic campground! It had a very clean restroom and shower area!
Site 29 (electric) at Blue Bell campground was much longer than expected. I could fit my F350 supercab and epro 19 with 15 feet extra!
Dcjo
7/12/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
Beyond Pleased
Our family had a magical stay. Our expectations were exceeded on every account. Everything was clean and well taken care of and in great condition. We are already looking to return again next year.
Happy Camper
7/12/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
Great Game Lodge Campground
Stayed on the outside sites along the fence of Game Lodge Campground. Clean, big, great sites. Had Buffalo just outside the fence one morning. Great access to the visitors center, wildlife loop, Game Lodge, and the general store. Absolutely fantastic and phenomenal trip.
Anav
7/12/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great
It is a fantastic park! My only suggestion is to have a dishwashing station. We saw so many people washing dishes in the bathroom sink. I had a bucket of dishes and a grey water tank. I also saw them doing dishes at the water fillup station. That is my only thing to improve
Jen
7/12/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.7
Great park!!
One of the best parks we have visited. So much to do and see. Maintained better than some national parks. So close to Mount Rushmore
Retired Couple
7/12/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
3.0
Hillview
Site 32E should not have any trailers on it only tents. There’s only about 20 feet of level ground and then it’s a very steep hill in the pull through.
Wolf Pup
7/12/2026
Overall Experience
3.5
Services
4.3
Facilities
3.4
Absolutely Recommend
The campground was phenominal. Clean and well groomed, hot showers, friendly staff, and close prominity to amenities while remaining remote. The unpredictable weather is honestly the only thing that knocked points off, and that is out of anyone's control.
SpoMama
7/11/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
4.7
Facilities
5.0
2026 camping in Custer State Park
All the camp hosts, fish game and parks staff were very friendly and knowledgeable . They were able to help with all our questions and needs. Facilities were clean and always stocked
Idaho born and raised
7/11/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Rivals a National Park
My family of four, two kids under age 5, stayed in the sleeper cabins for three nights. Cabin 5 at Game Lodge Campground was fine, but Cabin 5 in the same campground adjacent to the creek was not as enjoyable because of the biting flies. Nothing kept the flies away. We stayed at Blue Bell the third night and the cabin was larger. All of the cabins were clean and the AC worked great. The mattresses are like dorm room mattresses but better than camping in a tent in my opinion. The facilities were all clean and not busy. The evening programs at Game Lodge Campground were informative and well attended. Kids enjoyed Legion Lake and Sylvan Lake hikes and beaches, and the Grace Coolidge Trail. They completed the required pages and programs and earned their Junior Naturalists badges from Maddy - who was great with the kids! Every park employee and volunteer was friendly and helpful.
KSFamily
7/10/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.4
Facilities
5.0
Special place for a special weekend
WI Cheesehead
7/10/2026
Great Campground
Wonderful campground. We only stayed one night but the dogs and I enjoyed a nice hike and the dogs enjoyed being able to cool down in the lake on a very warm day.
Notails
7/10/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.7
Great Place to Just BE!!!!
We appreciated the space throughout the campground. The facilities were clean. We enjoyed the park, spending time at Sylvan Lake & WildLife Loop. Amazing!!! Thank you for the upkeep of the park and we are grateful to be able to experience its beauty.
Camping for 2+
7/9/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.9
Amazing!
SDcamper
7/9/2026
Great vacation
BH
7/9/2026
July 4th vacation
Quiet and clean!
Annie
7/9/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
Great place to stay
Jack
7/9/2026
Game Lodge Campground
The women's bathroom / shower was not clean. It needs a deep clean / pressure wash to get the dirt out of the corners. It is also annoying to have to push the button every 3 minutes for water. The shower experience here was not nearly as nice as the State Campgrounds at Indian Creek and Farm Island. Those were both clean and awesome.
SS
7/8/2026
Overall Experience
4.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.6
Wonderful State Park!
This is a beautiful state park with so much to do. We really enjoyed the Game Lodge Campground, riding our bikes, and the scenic drives. We also enjoyed dinner one night at the State Game Lodge. Sylvia did a great job!
Carol Ann
7/8/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Southern Stockade South! over July 4, 2026
Annie
7/8/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.7
Facilities
5.0
Great stay
Roam4fun
7/7/2026
Camping in horse heaven
French creek horse camp is wonderful. Each campsite is well laid out and the pens have nice roofs in case of rain. The camp host Kathy was so helpful and professional. The riding is carried and wonderful. Nice areas to hike as well. And you are close drive to Blue bell lodge which has wonderful food and a small laundry. We will be back for sure
Horse girl
7/7/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Paradise!
The Sylvan Lake campground is the best campground in America! The views are spectacular, the hikes nearby, and the lake amazing. The bathrooms are wonderful! Every single one of us commented on how amazing the bathrooms are. Thank you!
Mama of 7
7/7/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great outdoors! Only camped for one night in the upper loop so didn’t use facilities (other than toilets) Campground was quiet and peaceful. Enjoyed watching the bison. Hated people feeding wildlife.
NK
7/7/2026
Great vacation spot
Stockade Lake South campground was one of the cleanest campgrounds we have ever booked. The cabin was clean, the fire pit was cleaned out, the vault toilet was clean and scent-less, and the shower building was clean as well. Five stars, will stay again. Plus location is amazing.
Mudbug
7/6/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Wildlife watching
Midwest wrangler
7/6/2026
July 2026
Sparty
7/6/2026
Custer State Park Camping
We stayed at Sylvan Lake and loved it! My partner and I are young and we felt very safe camping in the park. We loved it so much we decided to stay an extra night at Center Lake. A beautiful place with kind people.
Michael
7/6/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great park, campsite, and facilities!
Great state park! We hiked Black Elk Peak and loved the scenery and animals we saw along the way. Sylvan Lake was also a great place to take a swim and cool off after the hike. We stayed at Stockade Lake North Campground. The bathrooms were super clean, hot water for the shower, and great water pressure.
ForkAndKing
7/6/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
First time trip
Kooifish97
7/6/2026
Fantastic experience
Camp host were the best. Great information and direction
Tom Ritchie
7/6/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
July Visit
JN Nelsen
7/6/2026
Love Custer State Park
Colorado-South Dakota
7/5/2026
Sylvan lake
The fan on the bathroom is entirely too loud, and the paths to the bathroom should be better marked as other campers continually walk through the sites near the bathroom. Also, non campers were driving into the campground and using the campground facilities. One person caught fish at the lake and come to the bathroom and cleaned and cooked his fish on the sidewalk and then left. He was not staying in the campground. Other non campers were using the showers after being at the lake.
The showers were very clean, but the water temperature was very inconsistent. Sometimes there was NO hot water.
Namkao
7/5/2026
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.6
Excellent Experience
We had a great experience, the only thing I would say is that there was some inclement weather during our stay. Being down in the bottom at the French Creek Campground, we did not have cell phone service to pick up the weather. If the camp had Wi-Fi we maybe could have been a little better informed without having to venture out and away from our campers up the hill to see what the weather was going to be.
The sites that we stayed in were not flat, so we had to block our tires up, and they dropped off pretty steep. With no hitching rail up by our stalls, we had to get creative when saddling our horses out of our trailer. A couple of loads of dirt to fill in and flatten out those sites would be great.
Christine D.
7/4/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.0
Custer State Park experience
We stayed in Stockade Lake North Campground for 4 nights. Our site, as well as the entirety of the campground, was so beautiful, had lots of trees, and the restroom was very clean every time I used it. I highly recommend to hike Sunday Gulch Trail during your next visit to Custer State Park, as it is the most beautiful trail I’ve hiked in my years visiting the Black Hills. Jewel Cave National Monument is also a must-see gem!
South Dakotan
7/3/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
Survey response
We always enjoy staying yearly at the Game Lodge. This year we had electrical issues, the 50 amp plug in was loose and not working correctly. They had someone come by the next morning to check on it and asked if we minded just using the 30 amp instead. It worked but was frustrating that a 15 minute fix wasn’t done while we were there. It was a warm weekend and had a hard time keeping camper cooled down. Being a SD resident my whole life and a State Employee for 36 years and I didn’t feel like I mattered.
Tam Bam
7/2/2026
Overall Experience
3.5
Services
3.7
Facilities
4.1
Custer State Park is the Best!
Black hills #1
7/1/2026
Will camp here again
Staff on Thursday were friendly, staff Friday not so much! My car tire was barely on the grass and the woman very rudely said the car needed to be moved off the grass.
Jlm
7/1/2026
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
3.0
Great Experience
Custer State Park is a beautiful place with lots of thing to see and do.
Happy Campers
7/1/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.5
Nice Place to Camp
HistoryBuffAZ
6/30/2026
Good luck with stormy skies
Facilities at Lake Sylvan Campground were very clean and checked on often (including vault toilets). Campground supervisors were very nice and checked in with us at the beginning and midway through our stay. Had a very stormy 3 days which led to water seeping into our tent from where it would pool on the gravel tent pad.
TentCamper
6/30/2026
Overall Experience
4.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.2
Custer-Stockade Sourh
Underdog30
6/30/2026
Surprises around the corner
I was at Game Lodge Camp grounds. It was right by the wilderness loop which we did everyday or twice a day. Only one drive was a no show on animals. Could not describe the awesome experience of the loop
777catblack
6/30/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
A big step up from a tent!
Camping cabin was an awesome choice! We had been tent camping for weeks, and the cabin was a perfect break to reset after that. The beds were comfortable and the shower house was very clean and always had hot water. Only con was that the cabin has a HUGE step up to get onto the patio. I am disabled and that was not fun. Also, the bathroom was a very far walk from the cabin. But it beats a tent so I appreciate the low-cost option of the cabin.
Summer29
6/29/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
4.6
Facilities
5.0
Pleasant stay
We stayed for just one night while touring the black.Hills. The camp hosts were friendly and efficient. The campground was well maintained. I\nT was nice having an RV sanitary dump station on site. The price we paid was fair.
RV Bob
6/29/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Blue Bell and Sylvan Lake Campgrounds
CA Couple
6/29/2026
Beautiful park, difficult to change your reservation
We loved the park, but were disappointed with how difficult it was to modify your reservation.
I had one night booked in one spot and the next night booked in a different spot in the same campground because that was all that was available. When a spot became available for the same 2 nights without having to move sites, I attempted to modify online. I couldn't figure it out. I called and the agent was very friendly, but didn't communicate to me that by changing my spot, I was going to be hit with cancellatiom fees and new booking fees so the site ended up costing me $51 dollars more than it should have.
We were very happy with the site, the campground host, and the overall park, but this would make me think twice before booking again. I get some charges for modifying, but 50 dollars for 2 nights is not something we were comfortable with.
CampingFromAFar
6/29/2026
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
4.0
Facilities
5.0
Great stay
Michael H
6/29/2026
great campsite in a beautiful park
This is our favorite state park, and one of our favorite places to visit in the entire western region. I even talked a friend from Maine into going this year and she loved it more than Yellowstone! I felt lucky to grab a campsite at the Grace Campbell Campground on short notice. I've stayed in the lovely cabins at Sylvan Lake and at Blue Bell Lodge before, but this was my first time camping. Grace Campbell is a beautiful, small campground, with a paved trail along a stream linking it to the State Game Lodge and some fishing ponds. Kids were biking along the trail when we arrived. We set up our tent in a glade of evergreens. The facilities were clean and well-maintained. A camp host came by to confirm the reservation. Our only complaint was that we were arriving rather late, and I asked the staffer on duty when we bought our park pass at the entrance gate which lodges were open for dinner. All of them! she cheerfully informed us, then recommended either Legion Lake or State Game Lodge as being closest to us, settling on Legion as her recommendation. We set up camp and arrived tired and hungry at Legion--to find them closing up. We were informed that they stop seating at 7 and don't offer any more take-out then either. Would've been really nice to know that up front--that's why I asked when we arrived! this information isn't in the Tatanka guide we received either. Another staffer told us State Game Lodge would be serving until 9, so we turned around and headed there. The meal was excellent--and worth the price, but significantly more than we would've paid elsewhere! All in all, a great park, a beautiful campground, just would benefit from better information about the dining options.
NHCamper
6/29/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.3
Facilities
4.6
great campsites
bobo
6/29/2026
Great stay
LDVacation
6/29/2026
Traveling
Phenomenal place. The only thing that disappointed me was the poor singage throughout the park.
Traveling
6/28/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.6
Great views
We called to make reservations. The man on the phone said the total included the day pass required for the state park. Not a problem, that was expected. What was not expected was the rude guy at the gate and the extra $25 park entrance fee. We never saw any official park ranger. We only saw volunteers who could not answer questions. We were not the only campers who were taken aback by the extra fee.
It should be included with reservations.
Ridge Adventures
6/27/2026
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
4.3
Facilities
3.5
Love this park!
J&W
6/27/2026
Just an Ok stay
Campsite was not cleaned (lots of cigarette butts and other debris) plus the ground was very uneven making it a. Hire to level our camper. Fire pit full of debris also. Picnic table not cleaned in quite a while. For what we paid - plus the $25 per week usage fee - we expected some work to have need done on the site. Additionally, many of the programs were far away from our site which meant driving 30 minutes or more. And they were doing road work throughout the park which added more time to the drive.
Historybuff
6/27/2026
Overall Experience
3.8
Services
3.7
Facilities
2.6
Awesome Experience
Sizzle
6/27/2026
Annoying Road Construction
I realize that park roads require maintenance and repair. The state surely could have placed some restriction on the work day time allowed for the contractor. Loud belly dump truck/trailers started through the park as early as 5:40 AM and ran until at least 7:30 PM. Even a 7:00 AM start would have been tolerable.
2026Camper
6/27/2026
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
4.0
Facilities
3.8
Great Experience
Pom
6/27/2026
Third Visit to Custer State Park
My wife and I believe Custer this is the best state park in the country and have included a stay there in each of our last three driving trips from Florida. Is peaceful, dog-friendly, well maintained, and filled with amazing wildlife.
Florida Retirees with Dog
6/27/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.7
attentive & beautiful
Stayed at Center Lake Campground for a night. showers and bathrooms were clean, and camp hosts were attentive and kind. there was a pretty intense thunderstorm that night and one of the hosts went out of her way to let my brother & I know about the thunderstorm warning.
dave
6/26/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
The Best Week
Camped with a couple of families for the week, and had a blast at Grace Coolidge Campground. The closest pond provided some huge stocked trout for the kids to catch, and the pond across the street let everybody practice their longer casts. Bighorn sheep visited the Camp while we were there, and the bison and donkeys provided tins of photo ops along the wildlife loop.
The campground bathrooms were sparkling clean, many thanks to the friendly host.
We got to see fireflies in the evenings, and the loop provided a relatively nice spot for the kids to ride their bikes while the grown-ups talked.
Two things we noticed- the creek on one side of the campground is full of poison ivy, and a couple families were letting their kids wander through it without realizing what it was. Two, people need to clean up after their dogs if they’re camping with them. This was the first time we’ve been there where it was an issue, and it was a large dog who was repeatedly leaving presents right alongside the main path to the bathroom. Ick.
Mountain Momma
6/25/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Clean, quiet, comfortable. Nice playground. Good showers.
Linda
6/25/2026
Noisy
We love Custer State Park! We've camped here dozens of times! Definitely our favorite campgrounds are in Custer State Park
Lawton
6/25/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.9
Great Space!
MT
6/25/2026
What a tremendous park!
Camping cabin was very clean and and a area with great views and easy access to bathrooms.
Two from Ohio
6/25/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great except for the road construction
While staying at the Calvin Coolidge Group camp, which is wonderful, there was road construction just outside our site, which meant alot of noise from trucks, which started early in the morning, and delays using any of the roadways just outside our campsite. I understand that this work needs to be done sometime, but a reduced rate would have been nice for the inconvenience.
Family camping reunion
6/25/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
Holy snapped trees!
We asked the camp host about the thousands of pine trees snapped right in the middle and she said a freak 100 mph 6 hour windstorm came through in December and did tons of damage. They're doing a great job cleaning up but they still have a ways to go! Beautiful park. Beware height clearances if you are headed up to Rushmore.
Trout
6/25/2026
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
5.0
Wait on the Lord
Beautiful area. Lots to see and do.
Heavy Trucks
6/25/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Great Stay!
Out camp hosts were wonderful and checked in on us regarding a lightning threat. They were very friendly and eager to be of assistance if needed.
gorpgal
6/25/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.7
Making Memories
Happy Camper
6/24/2026
Center Lake
Mysterium2
6/24/2026
Custer 2026
Gorgeous views, clean cabins and bathrooms!
Mick
6/24/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Always love the SGL Cabins
Black Hills Jim
6/24/2026
Center Lake
Mark P
6/23/2026
Custer State Park
Custer State Park exceeded our expectations. Absolutely beautiful park, great facilities, great staff. We already started to plan on a return trip before we even left. We spent 4 nights in a tent site at Blue Bell and it was a great site. Very nice campground. We visited the visitors center on 6/10 around 6 pm and the volunteer that was working was so kind and helpful, and knowledgeable. I didn’t catch her name but we enjoyed speaking with her and she was great with our three year old, showing the different exhibits and teaching about the park and wildlife. Can’t recommend Custer enough.
Modan
6/23/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
beautiful experience
Iowa visitor
6/23/2026
Peaceful and clean
Bech
6/23/2026
Another great Custer stay
We have stayed in Custer multiple times. Always a great experience. Campgrounds well managed with clean sites and bathrooms.
Bison watcher
6/22/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Wonderful time at Grace Coolidge
DA
6/22/2026
Mt. Rushmore
Stuart Little
6/22/2026
Amazing Custer State Park
mizaboy
6/22/2026
State Game Lodge Campground Review - June 2026
Black Hills Jimmy
6/22/2026
Loved our stay at Custer State Park
Cabin 3 surpassed our expectations. The restroom and shower were nice and clean. Loved the park!
Bob & Grace Farias
6/22/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great Campground
Van camper
6/21/2026
Surprising Beauty
Just amazing area for all kinds of great adventures AND relaxation…
Kim-Tam Pack
6/21/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Amazing
Tuneman
6/21/2026
2026 vacation
Doug & Deb
6/20/2026
Delightful
Dave
6/20/2026
Great Campground at the Game Lodge
We stayed a couple of nights at the Game Lodge campground. Showers and bathrooms were super clean, the campground was well maintained and quiet and overall it was just a wonderful experience. I'd highly recommend it as a place to camp in the Black Hills.
Camper
6/19/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Loved my stay and wish I had more time.
I stayed at one of the Blue Bell cabins. The cabin and the facilities were clean and comfortable. I hiked two days in the Sylvan Lake area. I loved the Sunday Gulch trail. I felt like I was in Wonderland. I loved the lopsided handrails and oddly skewed bridges. That trail along with driving the not to miss Iron Mountain Road left me feeling that the whole region had a whimsical vibe that I loved. I will definitely come back to explore more areas.
JAB
6/19/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.6
Custer State Park is awesome
Camping the US
6/19/2026
Great park
We stayed at Blue Bell campground for 2 nights in a cabin. The campground hosts were very polite and helpful. Our cabin was cozy and comfortable. The showers and restrooms were clean and well maintained.
John
6/19/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great campgrounds, horrible website
Loved the free Kayaking morning and the Catch and Cook activities at Center Lake. The campground was clean and comfortable.
The only issue was, Sunday. A new camper was running their generator (2hr limit per regulations) and playing their booming music all evening. The mobile camp host did their mini van rounds three times with out addressing the noise. We tried to stop the mobile camp host but he had his windows up and eyes straight ahead. I’m just happy we were halfway across the campground so we could turn on our fan to ground out the bass.
Also, fix your website before 2027. I could not create an account because we have a PMB.
Curious Compass
6/19/2026
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
4.0
Facilities
4.4
Camping Trip to Custer
We camped at Stockade South. This is a smaller campground designed for smaller camping units. It is also well off the main roads. As such it is quiet and relaxing. Overall very enjoyable experience.
Mike
6/18/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.7
Facilities
4.8
Beautiful
Happy camper
6/18/2026
Great family fun
Staying in the cabins at Blue Bell campgrounds at Custer State Park was a perfect stop when visiting Mount Rushmore. The cabin had 2 sets of bunk beds (twin-over twin & a twin over full size), a small table, and convenient shelves and hooks. There was a nice metal table and fire ring outside.
Happy Trails
6/18/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Pay for site then pay park entry, too $$
Made reservation via 1-800 phone #, asked several times if the campground had flush toilets, they assured us they did. Booked for 2 nts, $69, then had to pay $25 for park entry. No flush toilets, only vault toilets!! Also camp host were constantly buzzing around on gold cart going to sites to make sure people pd, have never seen that before!! Not a very peaceful place! Overall we pd too much $$ for nothing!
Road trip
6/17/2026
Overall Experience
3.0
Services
1.5
Beautiful park
I stayed in the Blue Bell campground for two nights. Beautiful spot, tons of trees with tons of shade. Highly recommend staying here! The spots are nice and level, plenty of space for car camping / RVs, and the bathrooms are very clean. The lodge nearby is convenient, and the food is decent, if a bit expensive.
Car Camper
6/17/2026
game lodge - beautiful campground in a beautiful park
I stayed in the Game Lodge campground for 1 night. Beautiful, well maintained, and the bathrooms are clean. I was car camping, and the camping spot was nice and level. There aren't a ton of trees, so not a ton of shade.
Car Camper
6/17/2026
Back to Nature and Affordable
Bathrooms and cabin were cleaned. Very affordable price. Fun atmosphere and friendly atmosphere. Easy to get around love the scenery and unlimited fishing opportunities.
PugMom
6/17/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Enjoyed it
Very scenic and a variety of things to do and see. Didn’t see a sign for bluebell campground heading south on 87. Did we just miss it? If not, one would be helpful.
BW
6/16/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.6
Appreciate extended window for reservations
pDub
6/16/2026
Nice campsites - but. It as secluded and shaded as previous years
pDub
6/16/2026
EPIC
From bottom to top, incredible wilderness and strenuous scrambling to get to top of Little Devils Tower from Trail #4 in Custer Park. I cannot believe this is right in the backyard of our country! THE MOST spectacular scenery and stunning landscapes through Black Hills, South Dakota! This was a last minute decision to stop and stay and I was able to book a reservation to camp at Center Lake which was quiet, clean and safe. I appreciated the specialized attention from the Park Rangers host to say hi and ask if I needed anything. Love the hospitality. Can't wait to come back to explore more.
VStrange18
6/16/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Custer State Park
COTravelers
6/16/2026
Our Wonderful Custer Experience
Our first out of state camping trip to Custer park was fabulous in every way. The park is very well maintained, with helpful rangers and staff, and our campground facilities at Grace Coolidge campground were outstanding. The bathrooms were spotless during our week-long stay, the campground was quiet and friendly. We toured every corner of the park, wildlife loop road, the scenic drive to Mt. Rushmore and on to Crazy Horse, Sylvan Lake & Needles Highway along with a trip down to Hot Springs to the Mammoth Site, and up to Spearfish Canyon and the Badlands. The natural beauty and awe of wildlife were highlights of our Black Hills experience. We can't wait to return! Thank you for your hard work and dedication to such important parts of our land and history.
Mimi
6/16/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
Great place to camp
Cowals2004
6/15/2026
Outstanding
Blue Bell campground was outstanding! The grounds nice, location terrific, and the lodge meal wonderful. All staff we came in contact with were professional, helpful, and friendly.
AmigoAzule
6/15/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Book It Now. Don't wait. Yes, you will enjoy it. No Regrets .
Fantastic experience! The cabins were all close to restroom facilities within the park. The views are all very picturesque from each of the cabins. And YES the mattresses in these cabin are definitely an upgrade compared to other SD State Park Cabins. GFP need to make that mattress investment in ALL State Park Cabins.
Sodak Charger
6/15/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Nice campground
LLS
6/15/2026
Peaceful campground
Phylon
6/15/2026
Great Park!
DJM
6/15/2026
Perfect, as usual.
Custer State Park is world class in every way.
SD Climber
6/15/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Classic Camping Experience
only thing would be to consider dimming or switching to a less bright light near the Stockade Lake North Campground entrance when it it not staffed. It would be awesome to have a darker campground area if possible. It was visible from my site and a bit distracting for good sleep + birding.
adVANturing
6/15/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Facilities
4.5
Memories
Tent camper
6/15/2026
Amazing Stay
Jrny42
6/14/2026
Experience ~ Great State Park~lots to do. We hiked, biked and enjoyed all the wonderful wildlife. Our campground was clean & very nice to have hot showers. Our camp host was extremely helpful.
Touring Van from Arizona
6/14/2026
Quiet Camp ground
We really enjoy camping at Blue Bell. It’s peaceful, sites have good separation, and the staff is friendly. The one disappointing part is the water hose at the dump station does not have a treaded end. Flushing a black tank becomes a challenge to stay dry.
Jim
6/14/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.6
Great Amenities!
Melvin
6/13/2026
Repeat visitors
This is the fourth time we have stayed in camping cabins at Custer state park. The cabins are clean, the shower houses are never out of toilet paper or soap. They are cleaned daily, trash emptied daily also. Showers are cleaned daily with none to minimal grit on the floors. There are three shower stalls, 3 separate toilet stalls and two sinks in front of a large mirror.
The staff and neighbor campers are friendly and quiet. We have always felt safe leave camp chairs, hammacks, shoes outside our cabin and have never had issues with anything stolen or messed with. Stockade Lake south is our favorite. It's close to a couple of trails, good fishing, and the closest to Custer (the town) if a run for ice is needed. We have stayed at Bluebell once, and we drive there to eat buffalo burgers (it's our favorite lodge to eat at) even if we're not staying at the Bluebell cabins. Bluebell cabins are closer to the horse corral if you plan to spend time there on your visit. The horseback rides are great! I went with kids (not because I really wanted to). It was beautiful! The horses were tame and we crossed creeks on them too. I really enjoyed it!!
Outdoors guru
6/13/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great experience!
Joseph G
6/12/2026
Beautiful!
mrs.wolf
6/12/2026
Stockade South is great
FloridaMan
6/12/2026
Great time
Like S Dakota
6/12/2026
French Creek
French Creek is a wonderful horse camp. This year there were loud partiers for 3 of our nights, and felt that the camp host could have quieted them down.
z
6/11/2026
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
4.0
Facilities
4.8
Custer Fishing
Hiker54
6/11/2026
Blue Bell
family_campers
6/11/2026
Love Camping
Love Camping
6/11/2026
yooperindakota
Our only concern was the showers were on the cool side. Would have liked a warmer shower
landlooker
6/11/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.5
Facilities
4.0
Blue Bell cabins
Great experience, spacious and clean cabin and accommodations
Parkfan
6/10/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Rented the entire north Grace Coolidge tent campground
Girlscout troop
6/10/2026
Center Lake Campground
We camped at Center Lake Campground. Vault toilets were clean but wish there was running water for hands and a dishwashing facility. The hot water in the showers was wonderful.
Eddie
6/10/2026
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
5.0
Perfect Park Experience
We loved everything about this beautifully maintained park. It was scenic; abundant in beauty, wildlife, and recreation. Check-in was extremely easy and the camp host super helpful. Resources such as firewood, fuel, ice etc. were conveniently located throughout the park.
Annamarie
6/10/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
3 bathrooms for that many cabins????!!!!
We stayed at Blue bell campground in the cabins. Cabin was clean it had two sets of bunk beds, so not the fancy cabins LOL. Park was great! Only complaint is they had 3 bathrooms for all the cabins in the area. Each one had a shower and toilet in the same building, so if all you wanted to do was brush your teeth you had to wait 30 minutes for someone to get out of the shower!!!! That's a long time wasted waiting to brush teeth!!! They need toilets and sinks separate from showers.. also nice if they double the amount of both!!
1st timer
6/10/2026
Overall Experience
3.8
Services
3.0
Facilities
4.3
Best Time Ever
LoveCuster
6/10/2026
Outing
There was loud partygoers into the early morning hours. No quiet time enforced. Drinking and driving.
Doc
6/10/2026
Overall Experience
4.0
Services
4.3
Facilities
4.7
Awesome Time
This was our first time coming to Custer State Park. We had a great camping experience at Stockade South. We hiked a bunch of different trails throughout the park. All of them were great. We also drove the Wildlife loop and saw bison and the wild donkeys. We really enjoyed Needles Highway to as it reminded us of our trip to the Rockies in Colorado.
Hiker
6/10/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Amazing Park
Custer State Park is an amazing destination. We stayed for a week in Bluebell Campground. The sites were spacious enough to not feel crowded and everything was immaculate. Camp hosts were knowledgeable and friendly. I cannoy say enough positive things about our whole experience there. The park itself is breathtaking. We saw so much wildlife and were able to hike a couple trails. It is a great central spot to visit attractions outside the park, too. We visited Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, the Badlands, and even an impromptu visit to Devils Tower. However, you wouldn't even have to leave the park to have fun. We drove the wildlife loop and all the side gravel roads numerous times throughout our visit. The scenery and wildlife sightings kept drawing us back out.
OctoberTN
6/10/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Absolutely Amazing!
Strongeau
6/9/2026
SD Beauty!
French Creek camp was so beautiful and clean! Very impressed with amenities for horses and people.
RidefortheKing
6/9/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.9
Excellent stay at Custer
The horseback riding at Blue Bell stables is outstanding.
Midwest Family
6/8/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
custer state park
game lodge campground is one of the nicest and well taken care of parks we have stayed in. we live in WVA and always stay in game lodge campground on our way home from our trips out west. the wildlife loop is like a mini Yellowstone and the needles highway can't be beat. you are also close to Crazy Horse monument, Rushmore and several nice towns like Custer, Hill City, Hot Springs and Keystone
ron and donna
6/8/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.7
All good!
All was well at Custer Sylvan Lake camping area. Note: The map located by the restroom indicates 3 places to get water. However, there was only one spigot. It was not a problem, just a little confused by the map.
ALS
6/8/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Centennial trail base
Custer visitor
6/8/2026
Game Lodge Campground
HSLW
6/8/2026
Wonderful stay!
We stayed in one of the cabins at French creek horse camp. The cabin was clean, had electricity, heat, and a/c. We were very comfortable sleeping in there. The main bathrooms were very clean and I was super surprised and pleased to see that the showers were free. The water in the showers was always warm/hot and not cold. Horse stalls were nice and the added roof and water was a huge plus.
Sorrel
6/7/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Very pleased
We had mechanical troubles with our pickup and we were worried we'd overstat our reservation due to an inability to pull our camper. The campsite hosts were friendly and understanding of the situation.
Andrew
6/6/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
Loved our Legion Lake stay!
Such a great campground nestled between a beautiful lake and some amazing forest views! Camp hosts and neighbors were all very friendly, the bison came through the park during our stay, and the surrounding trails were all great!
JP
6/6/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
One of my favorite places!
This park is beautiful with forests, drives, lakes, wildlife and hikes. Every staff we met was friendly and helpful. The bathrooms were the cleanest we have experienced!
Thank you for providing a great vacation environment.
Kim
6/6/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.7
Facilities
4.8
Very supportive staff
I stayed in a tent camping space, BB15E. I actually camped in my van. The camp host was super nice and right next door which was reassuring for a woman travelling alone. The restrooms were right next door too. It was definitely natural! My night included thunderstorm and hail, and the next day bison wandered through the campground. It was a great experience.
Bremerton visitor
6/6/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
French Creek horse camp
Everything at the campground was outstanding! The only issue with the visit was a lack of trail signage. The map was good, but trail signs would make things clearer. Thanks to the hats workers who cleared the dead fall off most of the trails. That last bit along French creek was bad.
BCHU member
6/5/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
First-timeer
Jaydo
6/5/2026
Beautiful Area
We greatly enjoyed our stay at Custer State Park. The highlights of our trip were seeing Patches, the baby burro, on the wildlife loop, Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway and Sylvan Lake. It was easy to get on the walk/bike path at Game Lodge.
NE HUSKER
6/5/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Bluebell camping
The campground was fine, but our campsite was awkward, requiring the camper door to open onto a road with the table and a tual campsite behind the camper.
Suz
6/5/2026
Overall Experience
3.3
Services
3.7
Facilities
4.0
Amazing
The Custer State Park Game Lodge Campground was very clean and views were awesome. We stayed in a cabin along the creek and enjoyed watching kids catching fish. We saw several deer, ducks, and geese while enjoying coffee on our deck.
Diveguy
6/5/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Camping CusterSP
The campground was quiet and clean. Disappointed that the only dump station in Custer State Park was 10 miles opposite direction from where we staying (Stockage-North) and direction we were traveling.
2CMERCA
6/4/2026
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
4.3
Facilities
3.5
May 2026 stay
CSP Early Annual Stat
6/4/2026
It was great
Bri
6/4/2026
Bison visitors
Thru hikers on the centennial are allowed to camp near the restroom building. We met a few while there and thought I should share that possibility. The camp host at Legion Lake was really watching out for us campers. This year we had bison in the campground nearly every day. They just ate some grass and moved on. But the hosts warned us on what to do, and not to do.
Likes good coffee
6/4/2026
Overall Experience
4.7
Services
4.3
Facilities
4.0
What a Gem
JandJ_Travel
6/3/2026
Goseesouthdakpta
Campground was not over crowded facilities were very clean
Goseesouthdakota
6/3/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Excellent campground hosts
The campground hosts at the Sylvan Lake campground were terrific. Friendly and competent people.
Wisconsin campers
6/2/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great experience
Blue Bell campground cabin camper
6/2/2026
We Love Custer State Park
Custer State Park is a must visit. We have been car camping across the US and decided to splurge on one of their cabins at the Blue Bell Campground. Needless to say, we loved our time here and don’t regret it. We can tell people care about this park - both the visitors and the staff. It’s a beautiful area that seems well taken care of, and we saw tons of bison and other wildlife. We won’t forget our time here!
Jane
6/2/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Experience
The whole experience would have been way better if the staff weren’t so rude. My daughter and her other 3 friends were yelled at by grown staff members. Zero hospitality, definitely need more training on human decency.
Jesse
6/2/2026
Overall Experience
4.0
Services
1.7
10 / 10, Would Repeat Our Stay
We stayed in a small cabin at Blue Bell Campgrounds. We knew it could be anywhere between 30 - 80* when we booked for the week before Memorial Day and were so excited and relieved to unpack our things into a cozy little cabin while it was rain/snowing on us after we arrived. Our cabin was a tiny room with a bunk bed and twin bed, a little table, and a bookshelf. We turned out the small heating unit and all four of us slept great. We wouldn't have needed the heater the other nights, but it was way nicer than sleeping in a tent in 30*, which we have done before. But this was nicer. :)
The bathrooms were clean, warm, and with warm/hot water in the showers.
Also, a huge shout out to the great staff with the horses. We have an 8 and 10 year old who haven't ever been around horses before, and the staff were so sweet and kind to the kids and the horses during their first ever horse ride. Core memory unlocked.
Becca B
6/2/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.6
Wonderful
Hawk1005
6/1/2026
consistently a great park
beefoust
6/1/2026
Nice clean cabin
Cliff
6/1/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.9
Clean, quiet, private
We stayed in a cabin in the Stockade Lake South campground and it was an amazing experience for the price! And the bathrooms were cleaned several times a day, cleanest ones of any park we have ever camped at. Will definitely return to this park!
Midwest traveler
5/31/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.5
Facilities
4.8
What a place!
Beautiful park and helpful, kind workers! Bison were literally in our campground so that was nerve-wracking. I wish each campground could be fenced in.
Daniel
5/31/2026
Overall Experience
4.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
Great facilities
Happy Campers
5/31/2026
This park is spectacular!
The staff at the campground were so friendly and beyond helpful. We were greeted by a smiling gentleman that checked us into our campsite.This some man( I wish I could remember his name) gave me a booklet an gave some tips of points of interest .The next morning ( my birthday) we woke up to a herd of buffalo in the campground! Wow! The park staff did a fantastic job of keeping everyone safe and rounding up the buffalo and diving them outside of the campground! After breakfast we took off for the Needles highway,what a road! It is just like the description and MORE! Heed all the warnings it is steep and very narrow tunnels made of rock formations,but worth the journey. We were rewarded with breath talking views and an out of this world experience! Then the wildlife loop,the name says it all animals on all sides! I would give this park a 20 out of 10. We will be coming back!
Ilsa Billings
5/31/2026
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Gamelodge review
Absolutely loved camping at Gamelodge and loved the restriom and showers which were very clean.
Preema
5/30/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
a little help
Make sure you know your campsite as they no longer put who has reserved the site, tons of people showing up and think the spots are available
Traveler
5/29/2026
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
3.3
Facilities
3.4
Great place to stay
APeterson
5/29/2026
Great fun
Old camper
5/29/2026
First Timers in South Dakota
Beautiful campground surrounded by towering trees, wildlife and the staff and hosts were so nice and helpful. After seeing the other campgrounds in Custer, we knew we hit the jackpot with Blue Bell. The Lodge was very nice, food was great and Victor, the bartender, was amazing!
JEMAdventures
5/29/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Game lodge
Campsite 3e was great. Bathroom door slam woke me up several times. I hace cancer and need resf. Please reduce the slamming. Thanks
Dj
5/28/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Camping Reservation
Kate
5/28/2026
Great experience!
The hosts and CSP staff were friendly and helpful. The campground was quiet and well maintained. Both the shower house and vault toilets were clean. I only gave a 3 for the internet as I had a weak signal...but I'm camping, so didn't expect access to the internet!
Love the Black Hills
5/28/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.7
Lovely visit
Lala Lady
5/28/2026
Great place to stay!
Behenicole
5/27/2026
Site size
The photos on the website do not accurately represent the sites, it was so crowned not flat that we were constantly walking on uneven ground.
Van van
5/27/2026
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
4.3
Facilities
3.8
Wonder Full!
Custer State Park is truly a lovely location and the location is great for visiting the wonderful sites of The Wildlife Loop, Needles Hwy, Iron Mtn Hwy to Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, as well as many other hiking opportunities.
HappyKamper
5/26/2026
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.3
Greatest Place Ever
jimmyjoe
5/26/2026
Wished we could stay longer!!
The campground hosts were so nice and helpful, with maps and advice for where to go and what to see.
Meganj68
5/25/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Beautiful place amongst the trees!
Loved the campsite in the trees. There was plenty of space between sites gave the sense of privacy. The showers were excellent and well maintained and very clean. While we thought at first that Stockade North wasn’t the ideal campground, we discovered it was perfect for us because it was so relaxing and the Stockade Lake trail was our best hike of the last four months road trip. It was close enough to Sylvan lake and Wind/Jewell Caves nearby. We also enjoyed the Chuckwagon Hay ride cookout was excellent, a highlight of our trip.
Nfannie
5/24/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.3
Fishing was great
ModBug Adventurer
5/24/2026
Loved it!
We loved Sylvan Lake, as well as the main park. We stayed at the State Game RV park and loved the nice trails to the store and in and around the restaurant and convention center.
Road Warrior
5/24/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
3.4
Custer Cabins
The key to the cabin was not where it was supposed to be and all offices were closed and phones unanswered. The campground host was very nice and was able to let us in.
DV Family
5/23/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Legion Lake Campground stay in Custer State Park
Campground host, Cindy and volunteer, Pat, are exceptional folks. Pat's recommendations for the best hikes were perfect! We nicknamed him 'Sunday Gulch' as that hike was not on our radar until we talked to him - one of the best hikes in the park, but it is only for the very healthy hiker. We were there for four nights and enjoyed every night. The campground at Legion Lake is quiet and if you want a leisurely walk, across the road is a short hike around Legion Lake itself. Had Bison come through the campground, a bit un-nerving for folks from northern WI, but also very interesting. This campground is centrally located to most things we wanted to do while in the state park system. If we return, you bet we will stay in that campground again!
Wisconsin Couple
5/23/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.7
Facilities
4.4
Another Great Time at Custer
Happy Camper
5/23/2026
Dreams are made of this...
For the past 35 years it's been on my bucket list to camp at Custer State Park. This was truly a dream come true.
Abqtraveler
5/22/2026
Overall Experience
1.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Excellent
SD Campers
5/22/2026
Where the buffalo roam
Birdie
5/22/2026
Still the Best
We have frequented Custer for years and it never disappoints. The campground hosts are friendly and the showers and bathrooms are always well maintained.
Lisa K
5/21/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.3
Facilities
4.9
Game Lodge Camping Cabin
Camper
5/21/2026
Camping at Legion Lake
We Kampin’
5/20/2026
Excellent facilities, even greater people!
EM
5/20/2026
Great First Experience to SD
ARB729
5/19/2026
Good Time as Always
The only thing that kept this particular visit to Custer (Game Lodge Campground) from being a "5" for overall experience was the construction on 16A, but it was a minor inconvenience. The pilot cars and temporary Stop Lights were efficiently done. We actually saw more Bison than normal, and in areas we'd never seen them before! Great birdwatching, too!! There was a small fire outside of the campground area - and once we found out it was contained it was interesting watching the helicopter pilot scooping up water from the pond and flying it over to dump!
HappyCampers
5/19/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.7
Signage
Need signage added at Stockade lake north campground loops to show which sites are in which loop and a one way sign needed on the loop for sites 30 and up. Or have a map of the two loops at the entrance with direction of travel and site number ranges. We went the wrong way in the loop and had to disconnect our tow vehicle to turn around. It wasn't just us either. During our stay we saw a number of campers stopped at that intersection for a long time trying to determine where to go and often going the wrong way. We liked Stockade Lake better than our second campsite at legion lake but appreciate having choices to extend our stay.
Campgcpl
5/18/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
4.0
Facilities
4.5
Bluebell Campground
Mark
5/18/2026
Stockade Lake Group Campground Review
josh
5/18/2026
One of our favorite parks
cvenem1
5/18/2026
Fantastic park - can't wait to come back!
Level camp site. Friendly camp hosts. Incredible wild life. We dined at the Game Lodge restaurant and the food was top caliber and delicious. Staff throughout, both at the campground, restaurants and interpretive areas was knowledgeable and friendly. It was such a privilege to see so much nature around us. Really a special place! We'll be back!!!!
StrayDog
5/16/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
One of the places to camp
We have stayed here multiple times. Great location in the park to do all the park activities. Camping sites well cared for with plenty of room.
Nebraska Bison watchers
5/15/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
We’ll be back
We were passing through South Dakota to North Dakota for the night and camped at Custer State Park. The campground is pristine and campsites are well taken care of. Having only one night to enjoy the scenery, and area it was not enough for this gorgeous park and the wildlife there.
Smurphette376
5/15/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
2.8
Great time in Custer
Jon jones
5/15/2026
Great Visit
Custer State Park is an amazing place to visit and camp, we love it!
Happy Camper
5/13/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.0
Really enjoyed Custer State Park
Jen29
5/13/2026
Wonderful stay at a wonderful camp
My wife and I tent camped at Custer Blue Bell campground and it was a great stay! The camp is situated perfectly within the park and the amenities are excellent.
Mike McKanna
5/13/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Always an amazing experience!
We are always impressed with the cleanliness and how well the campgrounds within Custer State Park are kept. We come once or twice a year because the hills are our happy place, and always stay in camping cabins. We appreciate the quality, affordability, and atmosphere of the park campgrounds!
Minnesota Mom
5/12/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.6
Beautiful!
Beautiful park. Full of nature. Really enjoyed seeing then bison, deer and other wildlife roaming in their habitat. The campgrounds are wonderful and the bathrooms )with showers) are clean. I can’t wait to visit again.
Dawn
5/12/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.6
Enjoyable experience
Camper
5/11/2026
Blue Bell Campground was delightful
fairlywell
5/9/2026
Excellent
Big Mac
5/8/2026
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
4.0
Facilities
4.3
Beautiful State Game Lodge Campground
State Game Lodge Campground is an absolutely beautiful facility. I only wish it was easier to get a site. Reservations are hard to get even 90 days in advance unless people live on their computers.
kplo
5/7/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.7
Facilities
4.8
Easy to reserve and awesome campground
Super clean, easy to drive through and get in and out of campsite, wonderful bathroom/ shower house. We were there when temps were still in the 20s at night so dump station wasn't open in the campground but double dump station and fresh water was open just up the road (in the park). Campground is in a perfect location for everything the park offers. Highly recommend!
Deb
5/7/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Best Camping
T&V
5/6/2026
satisfactory
Bub
5/4/2026
Great Experience!
April Fool
5/2/2026
Custer State Park was fantastic.
Buster
4/28/2026
Great state park
We stayed in the Great Lodge Campground near the Visitor’s Center. It was very clean and well maintained. The host was very nice, helpful and friendly. The Creekside trail is accessible from the campground, which is handy. Lots of wildlife active in the park.
There is a fee to enter the park, plus another reservation fee, in addition to the campground site fee. It makes one night close to $75. It is a great park, so “you get what you pay for” seems to apply.
JamiJames
4/27/2026
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.5
Loved it
Happy Camper
4/26/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.7
Facilities
5.0
So Peaceful
Nash Nomad
4/25/2026
Thanks SD state parks!
Melon goobler
4/25/2026
Custer Cabin
This was my first time staying at a cabin at the Game Lodge campground and I loved it. It was nice to have a shelter to come back to after a long day of hiking. The cabin was nice and cozy with electricity, heat, and AC (which we didn’t need to use).
Justin K.
4/22/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
great stay
camp site host was great !! very friendly and welcoming. Cleanest bathrooms that I have been in over many years camping in state campgrounds
custer vacation
4/21/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.2
Facilities
3.8
LOVE THIS PLACE!
Granola
4/15/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.6
Nice Spring Break
What a peaceful and relaxing time we had. We were even visited by the very informative host. We hope to do it again next Spring Break!
Stewie6124
4/7/2026
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great wildlife viewing
HoneyBeeTraveler
4/3/2026
Thanksgiving
We are thankful for a Thanksgiving trip to Custer SP that included watching bighorn sheep and bison move through our campground. Our camp host also amazing.
Bob
12/2/2025
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
4.7
Facilities
5.0
Game Lodge cabin stay
We love staying at Custer State Park at the Game Lodge campground. We were more than excited to learn that the showers and restrooms were open during our stay! The campground hosts were amazing, friendly and kept the grounds spotless! We’re so thankful for our parks system and all that are a part of it!
Bbuol
11/19/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
It went smoothly
Buck
11/19/2025
Wonderful campsite
BD1
11/13/2025
Private Bison Jams
What a wonderful time of year in Custer State Park! We shared the Game Lodge Campground with two dozen bighorn sheep, herds of deer, and few stray bison. Animals definitely outnumbered the humans. Not only did we have our own private bison jams, the trails were quiet, and we also saw too many elk, pronghorn, and prairie dogs to count...and don't forget the burros, they are always happy to see you. The key is to get off the beaten path. Take that gravel road. Head out to the Wildlife Loop at dawn and/or dusk, but drive slowly. Take the time to just sit, observe, and listen. You'll be surprised what happens when you just wait quietly.
The Game Lodge Campground was fantastic. We were surprised to have running water, hot showers, and clean restrooms.
Custer Camper
11/10/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.6
GL32E
Happy Camper
11/7/2025
1 night
When I drove by the campground I was impressed with the roominess between spaces and overall beauty of the campground. The bathrooms were spotless and comfortable.
Dtim
11/6/2025
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Beautiful fall
Happy Camper
10/30/2025
Hike
I absolutely love this park! I wish it was closer to home for me. I have yet to hike a trail that didn’t offer something spectacular. This was the first year we stayed in a camper cabin. Offered everything we needed since we spend most our time on the trails. The park is extremely dog friendly as well. The first time I visited with my pup I e-mailed just to ask if there were any places she wasn’t allowed. It almost seemed in their response that they were excited my pup got to share the experience with me. We have been there a few times now and will continue to go back, hopefully yearly.
A girl and her dog
10/28/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great Experience!
We camped in the Blue Bell Campground (site BB3E) for 2 nights and had a wonderful experience. The campground was clean and quiet. The restrooms were very well maintained and very clean. (And the showers were nice and hot!) Campground hosts were very friendly and available. We would definitely stay in this campground again.
sharpers
10/26/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Blue Bell Stay
GeoPro
10/26/2025
Great stay
Wonderful cabin and great facilities! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here.
Kellbell
10/25/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.3
Buffalo Round-Up
Mary Jane
10/23/2025
Clean and quiet!
Custer State Park campground. We stayed at blue Bell Campground, it was immaculate! The bathrooms were so clean. I was very very impressed. Showers were warm and water was hot! Campers were respectful and the campground host checked in with us when we arrived. Quiet hours were honored, and it was an overall wonderful experience! We will definitely be back!
Hallermann
10/23/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
4.2
Facilities
5.0
Never Disappointed
Custer State Park never disappoints us! It is one of the nicest state parks in the US. I talked to folks from all over the US and they all comment on how beautiful and nice the park is!
GD Influence
10/22/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.5