Ultimate Family Guide to Custer State Park: 15 Best Things to Do with Kids
Custer State Park is one of those places that makes you slow down, roll the windows down, and soak in every moment. Located in the heart of South Dakota's Black Hills, this 71,000-acre state park is packed with wildlife, scenic drives, family-friendly hikes, lakes, playgrounds, and endless opportunities for adventure.
Whether you're visiting for a day or camping for a week, Custer State Park offers something for every age. Our family loved spotting wildlife around every bend, scrambling over giant rocks, cooling off in Sylvan Lake, and discovering why this is considered one of the best state parks in America.
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Okay, without further ado, here's everything you need to know before visiting Custer State Park with kids.
Sylvan Lake is the heart of Custer State Park
Why Families Love Custer State Park
Easy wildlife viewing- herds of bison, prairie dogs and wild burros
Scenic drives perfect for young kids
Short hikes with incredible views
Swimming beaches
Family campgrounds
Educational visitor centers
Picnic areas and playgrounds
Custer State Park Entrance Fee
Bison Calf Nursing on the Wildlife Loop
Entrance Fee: $25 /vehicle and pass is valid for 7 consecutive days (2026)
Unlike nearby Badlands National Park, the Every Kid Outdoors 4th Grade Pass does not cover admission because Custer State Park is managed by the state of South Dakota.
Best Things to Do at Custer State Park
1. Drive the Wildlife Loop Road
If you only do one thing inside Custer State Park, make it this. The 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road is one of the best wildlife drives in the country.
The park offers safari style rides but if you make the effort to go early in the morning you will beat the crowds and see dozens of animals. Our kids loved searching for animals out the windows like a real-life safari.
Animals we saw:
Bison
Pronghorn
Prairie dogs
Wild burros
White-tailed deer
Turkeys
Bighorn sheep
Best Time: Go early in the morning or close to sunset when animals are most active.
Bring binoculars for kids—they'll use them the entire drive.
Petting the Wild Burros
2. Meet the Famous Begging Burros
One of the highlights for our kids was locating the wild burros! Along Wildlife Loop Road is where we encountered the famous wild burros (wild donkeys). We stopped at the visitors center where they have a map of the park and have locations (last spotted) of many of the burros and bison herds. We learned the Burros often enjoy the shady area by the creek. The rangers said we could pet them, so when we spotted them we got right out of our vehicle to meet these these curious animals up close.
Please don't feed them, even if they seem friendly. Human food isn't healthy for wildlife, and feeding encourages unsafe behavior.
Prairie Dogs our Plentiful
3. Visit the Prairie Dog Town
Watch dozens of prairie dogs popping out of their burrows and chasing each other and chirping to each other while the sentinels stand on lookout. Bring your camera and binoculars because they're endlessly entertaining.
4. Drive the Needles Highway
This is one of the most beautiful roads we've ever driven. Our children enjoyed taking turns popping their heads out the sunroof while squeezing through the famous tunnels.
Needles Highway features:
towering granite spires
winding mountain roads
narrow tunnels & incredible overlooks
Know Before You Go: Not recommended for RVs or large campers, Drive slowly, & Pull over often to enjoy the scenery.
5. Go Through the Needle Eye Tunnel
One of the most photographed spots in South Dakota.
The narrow granite opening looks exactly like the eye of a sewing needle.
Kids love climbing around the nearby rocks while parents capture family photos.
6. Explore Sylvan Lake
Many people call this the crown jewel of Custer State Park—and it's easy to see why. The giant granite boulders surrounding the lake almost look like something from another planet and are fun to climb. Although cliff jumping signs are posted, tons of people were enjoying the thrill. The spots we cliff jumped from was about 15 feet deep and was quite safe, we scouted it out with goggles for any large hidden rocks.
TIP Don’t wear an Apple Watch While jumping, I sadly lost mine in the water. My husband dove down with googles to search for it, found 8 other watches, sunglasses and jewelry, but unfortunately couldn’t locate mine)
In late June the water was quite brisk, but our entire family jumped of the massive boulders. There are signs posted that jumping is prohibited but it seems like a popular activity. We dove down to check the depth and where we jumped in was 15 feet deep, plenty of clearance. My daughter loved paddleboarding in the middle of this stunning oasis. We wished we’d brought an inflatable standup paddle board.
Family activities include: swimming, kayaking, canoe and paddleboard rentals- $20/hr, fishing, picnicking, hiking, climbing on giant boulders. This was one of our children's favorite places - we spent two afternoons enjoying the gorgeous place. It can be tricky to find parking at this popular spot, so head there early or late evening to get parking.
Fun Fact: Some scenes from National Treasure 2 was filmed at this location.
Picturesque Sylvan Lake at Custer State Park
7. Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard
Several lakes inside the park offer rentals. Paddling gives kids a whole new perspective of the Black Hills while enjoying some quiet time away from the crowds. Rentals for 1 hour were $30.
8. Hike Around Sylvan Lake
Distance: About 1 mile
This easy scenic trail circles the lake and offers beautiful views the entire way. Its stroller and handicap friendly. You’ll enjoy crossing bridges, exploring rock formations, looking for ducks, climbing giant boulders. If you want longer hikes, Sunday Gultch Trail connects to the 1 mile paved trail.
9. Hike to Black Elk Peak
For families with older kids looking for adventure, Black Elk Peak is unforgettable. My husband was determined to conquer this climb. At 7,242 feet, it's the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains. The historic stone fire tower offers panoramic views across South Dakota. Our family of 6, kids ages (7-14 yrs old).
Trail Information
View from top of Black Elk Peak
Approximately 7-9 miles round trip, depending on which route you take.
Plan
Moderate to strenuous, especially as you approach the peak.
Best for older children and teens
Bring: binoculars, lots of water, snacks, wear hiking shoes & sunscreen
10. Visit Legion Lake
Legion Lake is another wonderful family stop. Enjoy swimming beach, kayak rentals, fishing, picnic areas & restaurant nearby. The calm water makes it a relaxing place to spend a summer afternoon.
11. Go Fishing
Fishing at Sylvan Lake
Custer State Park has excellent fishing opportunities. The 4 Popular lakes include: Sylvan Lake, Legion Lake, Center Lake, and Stockade Lake. The waters are stocked with trout, bass and perch. My son had luck and caught a nice trout while fishing at Sylvan lake. Be sure to have the proper South Dakota fishing license.
12. Stop at the Visitor’s Center or the Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center
With multiple visitor centers at Custer State Park, its the perfect place to start your trip. These are great stops for information, maps and even where to spot the bison on the wildlife loop.
Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center – A hands-on nature center with interactive exhibits, wildlife displays, and educational programs, Junior ranger activities perfect for families. During our visit the activities included evening canoeing, rock climbing, gold panning, and archery. Some activities require advanced signup like rock climbing and archery.
Bison Center – Learn about the history, ecology, and conservation of Custer State Park's famous bison herd through engaging exhibits.
Custer State Park Visitor Center – Start your adventure with maps, trail information, wildlife tips, exhibits, and helpful park rangers.
Wildlife Station Visitor Center – Discover the park's incredible wildlife through exhibits, educational displays, and seasonal ranger-led programs while overlooking the scenic Game Lodge area.
13. Stop at the Sylvan Lake General Store and Eatery or Enjoy a Picnic
Pack a lunch or grab food at the Sylvan Lake General Store and Eatery! For a sweet treat, we enjoyed the churros with ice cream. While you're there grab a t-shirt or souvenir or rent a kayak/ paddleboard. There are also several lodges that offer dining at Custer State Park. There are numerous scenic picnic spots throughout the park surrounded by pine forests, lakes, and granite cliffs.
14. Cool Off at the Swimming Beaches & Jump of the Boulders
Summer temperatures can get warm and a quick swim in a lake is ideal. Popular beaches include: Sylvan Lake, Legion Lake, Center Lake. When we visited in June the water was a bit brisk, but it didn’t stop us from swimming. So technically there are tons of signs posted to not jump but all three days we visited there were dozens of brave souls jumping from the boulders. We dove down with googles and discovered that it was about 15 feet down to the bottom so plenty of clarence. Our entire family of six enjoyed the thrill of jumping -even my 7 year old. We took the plunge from multiple spots and at differing heights. (Don’t wear your Apple watch. Sadly, I lost mine in the depths of the lake)
15. Watch the Buffalo Roundup (September)
If you're visiting in late September, don't miss one of South Dakota's most famous events. Each year cowboys and cowgirls round up approximately 1,300 bison for health checks and herd management. It's an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike. We visited in June, but headed to Custer State Park Bison Center to see the stockyard, check out the exhibits and view a video of the roundup.
Hiking Cathedral Spires
Best Family-Friendly Hikes
Sylvan Lake Shore Trail
1 mile, Easy
Perfect for all ages
Sunday Gulch Trail
3.5 Mile Loop, Moderate- difficult
Ladders and rock scrambling, Best for older kids
Tower at Black Elk Peak
Black Elk Peak Trail
7 miles
Moderate to difficult
Incredible summit views
Little Devil's Tower Trail
About 3 miles
Great rock formations
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June-August)-Enjoy swimming, all attractions are open, ranger programs available, although it can be crowded & hot afternoons
Fall (September)- One of the best times to visit. Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful fall colors and Buffalo Roundup
Tips for Visiting Custer State Park with Kids
Bring binoculars to see the animals
Start your day early for the best wildlife viewing and to secure spot at popular Sylvan Lake
Bring plenty of water—shade can be limited in some areas.
Wear sturdy tennis shoes or hiking boots, especially if you plan to explore rocky trails.
Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, as the mountain sun can still be intense.
Keep a safe distance from all wildlife, especially bison. There have been rare cases of bison attacking.
Download maps or grab them at Visitors Center before arriving since cell service is limited in parts of the park.
Plan extra time—there are so many scenic pull-offs you'll want to stop often!
Camping at Custer State Park
Where to Stay
Families can choose from several campgrounds inside the park, including:
Game Lodge Campground
Legion Lake Campground
Center Lake Campground
Sylvan Lake Campground
Stockade North & South Campgrounds
There are also park lodges and cabins if you prefer not to camp. Nearby VRBO’s are a great option too, which is what we decided on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do you need at Custer State Park?
You can see many highlights in one day, but two to three days gives families enough time to enjoy the scenic drives, lakes, wildlife, and hiking without feeling rushed.
Is Custer State Park worth visiting with kids?
Absolutely! Between the wildlife, scenic drives, lakes, easy hikes, and unique rock formations, it's one of the most family-friendly destinations in the Black Hills.
Can you see bison year-round?
Yes! While sightings are never guaranteed, bison live in the park year-round. Early morning and evening typically offer the best opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Custer State Park quickly became one of our favorite stops in the Black Hills. From watching bison graze across the prairie to climbing around the granite rocks at Sylvan Lake and driving the breathtaking Needles Highway, every day offered a new adventure. Whether your family loves hiking, wildlife, swimming, or simply taking in beautiful scenery, Custer State Park is a destination that creates lasting memories for visitors of all ages. Added it to your bucket list for family vacations. Be sure to follow Discovering Anew for more family travel itineraries and US adventures. Save this pin for later and follow Discovering Anew for more Midwest adventures.
