Custer State Park Needles Highway

4.8/5
(6.3K) · State park in Custer, United States
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One of South Dakota’s most iconic landmarks, this park stands out for its granite peaks, rolling grasslands, and clear mountain waters. Stretching over …

Reviews

Tripadvisor
4.8/5 · 6,278 reviews
Recent reviews
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May 20, 2025
We visited Custer State Park for the Wildlife Loop and Needles Highway. All were beautiful! Mid-end of May there was snow on Needles Highway so be aware of slippery conditions and dress appropriately…Full review by ABB980
May 17, 2025
This is a large and beautiful park. There is a small ranger/Visitor center where you can go get some facts about the part along with a map. The rangers here are the friendliest and most helpful range…Full review by yazdragonfly
May 7, 2025
Went early in the morning and paid $25.00 and saw two Bison’s at a far distance. We saw deer and donkeys and that was it. Very disappointing. We will never waste our time on this park.Full review by Julie B
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Questions & answers

Q:
Planning a trip next summer with our must see's being Badlands, Custer State Park, Mt. Rushmore, Deadwood, …
Q:
Planning a trip next summer with our must see's being Badlands, Custer State Park, Mt. Rushmore, Deadwood, Yellowstone, Zion and Bryce. We have 2 nights reserved at Custer State Game Lodge and 2 nights at Yellowstone. I have decided we will fly in rather than drive from WV. Any suggestions for a great itinerary - please share. I have no idea how much time I need to plan for each of the areas and anything that is a must see. We are not "hikers" - mostly want to view scenery and wildlife, but are able to walk 1-2 miles if needed. Thanks!
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The Badlands was also fantastic. The landscape makes you feel like you’re on a different planet. I’ve done extensive travel over the course of my life, and I recommend the Badlands. …
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The Badlands was also fantastic. The landscape makes you feel like you’re on a different planet. I’ve done extensive travel over the course of my life, and I recommend the Badlands. Again, we were there in late October, and they were very few people.
Q:
Has anyone had any experience with the Chuckwagon Dinner? Trying to decide between doing just the half day trail ride …
Q:
Has anyone had any experience with the Chuckwagon Dinner? Trying to decide between doing just the half day trail ride that includes lunch or the 2 hour trail ride plus the dinner. Thank you!!!
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we did the jeep ride followed by chuck wagon dinner. It was great and recommend.
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Looking to rent a camping cabin and trying to decide between Bluebell and Stockade South! Anyone have any options …
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Looking to rent a camping cabin and trying to decide between Bluebell and Stockade South! Anyone have any options on them?
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We stayed in Custer and drove into the Stockade lake area. I never heard of Bluebell but Stockade is really close to the wildlife loop in Custer park. If you enjoy seeing animals I …
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We stayed in Custer and drove into the Stockade lake area. I never heard of Bluebell but Stockade is really close to the wildlife loop in Custer park. If you enjoy seeing animals I would take a close look at Stockade.
Q:
Can you see Rushmore and Crazy Horse in Jewel Cave and one day
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Yes but I think you have to define see. If you want to do all 3 in depth, it could be challenging for one day. If you are looking to do a cave tour, and visit both Rushmore and Crazy Horse …
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Yes but I think you have to define see. If you want to do all 3 in depth, it could be challenging for one day. If you are looking to do a cave tour, and visit both Rushmore and Crazy Horse to get pictures with a casual review of displays, yes you can do that in one day.
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Trying to decide if the Black Elk Trail 9 is an ok trail for my kids (age 17, 13, 9, & 8.) We are an athletic family and last …
Q:
Trying to decide if the Black Elk Trail 9 is an ok trail for my kids (age 17, 13, 9, & 8.) We are an athletic family and last year did a 6 mile bike ride on the southern rim of the grand canyon, so we love family physical activities. But hiking to Black Elk Peak (Harney Peak) may be a different, more difficult challenge, than what we are used to. Can an 8 & 9 year old handle the challenge of the Black Elk Trail 9 to the peak?
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As i have never met your children, it would unwise for me to comment on their abilities, however, it has been my experience that children that age are incapable of doing the hike to …
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As i have never met your children, it would unwise for me to comment on their abilities, however, it has been my experience that children that age are incapable of doing the hike to the top. Best wishes for whatever decision that as parents you make.
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