Custer, SD

Travel Guide

A lake surrounded by rocky cliffs and dense forest.
A lake surrounded by forested hills with rocky outcrops and a clear sky.
A mountainous landscape with a lake reflecting the sky, surrounded by dense forests and rocky outcrops.
A calm lake with large rock formations and trees.
A calm lake with a wooden dock, colorful paddle boats, and a rocky mountain in the background.
NEW! Glamping A-Frames, Stargazer 2 at Dakota Dream

NEW! Glamping A-Frames, Stargazer 2 at Dakota Dream

Custer SD
Stay at this cabin in Custer. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Crazy Horse Memorial and Big Rock Park are located nearby.
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NEW! Glamping A-Frames, Stargazer 2 at Dakota Dream
Comfort Inn & Suites Custer - Crazy Horse Area

Comfort Inn & Suites Custer - Crazy Horse Area

2.5 out of 5
339 W. Mt. Rushmore Road Custer SD
$104 nightly
The price is $115 total per night from Oct 20 to Oct 21
$115 total
Oct 20 - Oct 21
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Custer. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Great location for visit to Custer Park and Mount Rushmore."

Reviewed on Oct 8, 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Custer - Crazy Horse Area
Bavarian Inn Black Hills

Bavarian Inn Black Hills

3.5 out of 5
855 N 5th St Custer SD
Stay at this hotel in Custer. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
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Bavarian Inn Black Hills
See all 1,419 properties in Custer
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
NEW! Glamping A-Frames, Stargazer 2 at Dakota Dream

NEW! Glamping A-Frames, Stargazer 2 at Dakota Dream

Custer SD
Stay at this cabin in Custer. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Crazy Horse Memorial and Big Rock Park are located nearby.
NEW! Glamping A-Frames, Stargazer 2 at Dakota Dream
Gold Camp Cabins

Gold Camp Cabins

1 out of 5
11965 Pleasant Valley Rd. Custer SD
Stay at this campground in Custer. Enjoy free parking, a picnic area, and volleyball on site. Popular attractions Four Mile Old West Town Museum and Gates Park ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (388 reviews)
"Clean. Comfy bed. Having coffee on the porch,the view was perfect. Custer Park was the best. Beautiful countryside. 😍 Entry was different. Thought our cabin was under construction. Ha ha ha"

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2026

Gold Camp Cabins
Rustic Rock Haven - Horses Welcome

Rustic Rock Haven - Horses Welcome

Custer SD
Stay at this cabin in Custer. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Mount Rushmore are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (202 reviews)
"Excellent place to stay!"

Reviewed on Oct 7, 2026

Rustic Rock Haven - Horses Welcome
See all properties in Custer
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Custer attractions

A mountainous landscape with rocky outcrops and a winding road.

Custer State Park

9.6/10 (1,471 reviews)
Custer State Park is one of the more well-known attractions to visit during your trip to Custer. Amble around the area's scenic parks or seek out the horseback riding.
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Things to do

Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Audio Tour Guide

$15
per traveler
Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Audio Tour Guide
Mount Rushmore Theodore Roosevelt and Badlands Self-Guided Tour

Mount Rushmore Theodore Roosevelt and Badlands Self-Guided Tour

$33
per traveler
Mount Rushmore Theodore Roosevelt and Badlands Self-Guided Tour
Mount Rushmore Ghost Tour, Keystone - Self-Guided Driving/Walking

Mount Rushmore Ghost Tour, Keystone - Self-Guided Driving/Walking

$5
per adult
Mount Rushmore Ghost Tour, Keystone - Self-Guided Driving/Walking
Mount Rushmore is awe inspiring!

Mount Rushmore Discovery Tour

$275
per adult
Mount Rushmore Discovery Tour
From Rapid City: Custer State Park and Needles Highway Tour

From Rapid City: Custer State Park and Needles Highway Tour

$291
per adult
From Rapid City: Custer State Park and Needles Highway Tour
From Rapid City: Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Tour

From Rapid City: Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Tour

$254
per adult
From Rapid City: Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Tour
See all activities in Custer

Frequently asked questions

Is Custer worth visiting?
Custer is worth visiting for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, with highlights like Custer State Park and Sylvan Lake. Travelers can also enjoy a variety of dining experiences, including North American and Italian cuisine, making it a great destination for those seeking both adventure and diverse food options.
When is the best time to visit Custer?
The best time to visit Custer is from June through August, which is its peak season and most popular with travelers. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of October through December are a good option, as they are considered the low season.
What is Custer known for?
Custer is known for Custer State Park, a significant natural attraction, and is also home to Sylvan Lake. The city was named after George Armstrong Custer, and travelers can visit the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial. The area also offers a North American food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Custer?
A good itinerary length for Custer is two to three days to explore Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake, and the Crazy Horse Memorial. For an extended trip of four to five days, travelers can add activities like the Buffalo Jeep Safari & Mammoth Site Tour or a Badlands National Park Private Tour. See Custer Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Custer?
Custer offers travelers a blend of iconic monuments, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife experiences:

  • Explore Custer State Park, known for its scenic drives and diverse wildlife.
  • Visit the Crazy Horse Memorial, a massive mountain carving in progress.
  • Enjoy Sylvan Lake, a picturesque spot perfect for outdoor recreation.
  • Tour Badlands National Park on a private excursion from the area.
  • Embark on a Buffalo Jeep Safari and visit the Mammoth Site.

How do I plan a trip to Custer?
To plan your trip to Custer, search Expedia for hotels and book flights and rental cars in advance. Consider activities like the Custer Buffalo Roundup (Sept 25th, 2026), a Badlands National Park Private Tour, or a Buffalo Jeep Safari. Remember to pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Custer?
In Custer you can find New American cuisine, offering modern comfort food, gourmet burgers, and creative salads. Travelers also have options for North American fare, Italian dishes like pasta and pizza, and Latin American flavors, particularly Mexican cuisine such as tacos and enchiladas. Steakhouse options are also available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Custer?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Custer by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Custer with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Custer trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Custer?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Custer can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Custer trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Custer trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Custer trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Custer trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Custer?
If it's your first trip to Custer, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Custer hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Custer hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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