Title: How Much Time To See Custer State Park
Hey there, fellow adventurers! Dane here, from the Double Decker Fam. If you’ve been following our cross-country travels, you know we’re all about those jaw-dropping, memory-making destinations that scream family fun. And today, I’m here to talk about a gem tucked away in South Dakota’s rugged landscape: Custer State Park.
A Little About Custer State Park
Custer State Park is a nature enthusiast’s paradise with its rolling plains, granite peaks, and clear waters — it’s a slice of wilderness that captures the heart of the American spirit. With 71,000 acres of terrain to explore, it’s the perfect spot to let the kids (all six of them!) run wild and embrace the great outdoors.
How Much Time is Right for Your Family’s Visit?
The big question: How much time do you need to fully experience this monumental park? As a family of 8 traveling in our renovated double-decker RV, we’ve learned how to maximize our experiences, balancing our love for deep explorations with the realism of our children’s attention spans. Let’s break it down for you!
Day Trips: Skimming the Surface
If you’re tight on time and our passing through (perhaps en route to the famed Mount Rushmore just a stone’s throw away), a day trip can give you a taste of Custer State Park’s majestic scenery. Spend your morning winding through the scenic drives—Iron Mountain Road and the Wildlife Loop Road are must-dos to spot buffalo, prairie dogs, and antelopes.
Mid-Day, grab a bite at the State Game Lodge (where President Coolidge famously summered), and then head to Sylvan Lake for a couple hours of hiking or paddle boating. This whirlwind tour won’t cover it all, but it’s enough to make some memories and entice you to come back.
Recommendation: At least 6 hours
The Weekend Warrior: A Deeper Dive
Taking on Custer State Park over a weekend allows you to experience more without rushing. Devote a full day to the Wildlife Loop, keeping an eye out for the park’s famous “begging burros,” who might just stick their heads in your window looking for a snack. Afterward, tackle a visit to the Needles Highway, with its impressive spires perfect for that epic family photo.
Day two can be spent hiking some of the park’s 18 trails—Sunday Gulch Trail is a personal favorite, with its boulder-strewn path and mini-waterfalls (though it’s a bit challenging for smaller legs, so consider this if you’ve got littles). A weekend gives you more time to relax, picnic, and maybe catch a ranger-led program or two, which the kids always find thrilling.
Recommendation: 2 to 3 days
The Full Custer Experience: A Week or More
If your schedule allows, a week in Custer State Park will enable a slower pace to discover those hidden spots and moments of serenity that temporary visitors often miss. You’ll have enough time to take a jeep tour, enjoy fishing in one of the park’s five lakes, or even saddle up for a horseback ride through the backcountry.
Don’t forget to check out some of the educational programs offered, including guided walks and evening campfire talks—an exciting and educational complement to any day’s adventures.
A week also lets you adjust to the whims of Mother Nature; if you wake up to a rainy day, visit the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center or the Crazy Horse Memorial nearby, which is a testament to Native American culture and history.
Recommendation: 7 days or more
Planning Your Stay
Camping in Custer State Park is an experience not to be missed. It offers a variety of campgrounds with different amenities to cater to your family’s preferences, whether you’re in a tent, an RV, or enjoying one of their rustic cabins. Remember to book well in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit during the peak summer months.
In Conclusion
Custer State Park is a family-friendly destination with an itinerary option for all. Whether you’ve got a day or a week, you’ll leave with stories to share and a desire to return.
Remember folks, every family’s pace is different, just like our unique Double Decker RV adventure is to us. Our stay was remarkable, filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters and awe-inspiring views. It’s about what you seek in your travels—the rush of adventure or the tranquility of nature. Find your balance, and you’ll find your ideal time frame.
Before I sign off, make sure to check out the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks for the latest information on park conditions and activities. And don’t miss reading up on some of the park’s history through credible resources to enrich your visit.
Happy trails from the Eyerly family—may the road rise up to meet you, and may the wind always be at your back (especially when driving a double-decker RV). Keep on traveling, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to catch all our whacky and wonderful adventures across these United States.
Until next time, live the journey you love, and love the journey you live!