Black Hills · South Dakota
Custer's Gulch RV Park is a private full-hookup RV park in the Black Hills of South Dakota, near the west entrance to Custer State Park and under three miles from the town of Custer. Our Black Hills guide calls it the natural base if Custer State Park, the Needles Highway and Sylvan Lake are your priority rather than Mount Rushmore, and it is close to Crazy Horse Memorial and Jewel Cave as well. It suits big-rig travelers who want utilities and space near the southern Hills.
| Hookups | Full (30/50-amp) on all but two sites |
|---|---|
| Sites | ~60, extra-large RV sites plus cabins and tent sites |
| Max RV length | Extra-large sites, big-rig friendly |
| Cost | Approx. $50–75/night (approximate) |
| Reservations | Direct |
| Best for | Custer State Park and Needles Highway access |
Custer's Gulch RV Park is a private full-hookup RV park in the Black Hills of South Dakota, near the west entrance to Custer State Park and under three miles from the town of Custer. Our Black Hills guide calls it the natural base if Custer State Park, the Needles Highway and Sylvan Lake are your priority rather than Mount Rushmore, and it is close to Crazy Horse Memorial and Jewel Cave as well. It suits big-rig travelers who want utilities and space near the southern Hills.
The practical picture: around 60 spacious sites, extra-large and big-rig friendly, with 30/50-amp full hookups on all but two, plus cabins and tent sites. Rates are approximately $50 to $75 a night, booked directly with the park. June and September are the sweet spot for the region; July is high season, and the Sturgis rally in early to mid August empties inventory across the entire Black Hills and multiplies rates. The trade-off is that this is a Custer-side base, so Mount Rushmore and Rapid City are day trips rather than next door. Keep the big rig off the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road tunnels; drive those in a car.
Excerpts from the RV Parks Guide articles that cover this campground. Each links to the full guide.
Regional guide
Black Hills RV Parks: Where to Camp Near Mount RushmoreNear the west entrance to Custer State Park and under three miles from Custer town, Custer's Gulch offers around 60 spacious full-hookup sites (30/50-amp; all but two are full hookup). It's the natural base if Custer State Park, the Needles, and Sylvan Lake are your priority rather than Mount Rushmore, and it's close to Crazy Horse and Jewel Cave too.
Read the guide →Our verdict
Book Custer's Gulch if Custer State Park, the Needles and Sylvan Lake are your focus and you want big-rig full hookups nearby. Skip it if you want to be closest to Mount Rushmore or Rapid City.
Yes. All but two sites have 30/50-amp full hookups with water and sewer.
Approximately $50 to $75 per night in 2026, rising sharply during the Sturgis rally. Confirm at booking.
The park markets extra-large, big-rig-friendly sites. Give the operator your full length when booking direct.
It sits near the park's west entrance and under three miles from Custer town.
Book directly with the park. Reserve months out for July and treat the Sturgis rally window as sold out well in advance.
Compare alternatives before you book — or browse the whole South Dakota hub.