State park · Custer State Park · South Dakota

Game Lodge Campground

Game Lodge Campground is one of the state-run campgrounds inside Custer State Park in South Dakota's Black Hills, on the east side of the park near the Wildlife Loop. With 59 sites and the broadest mix of price tiers of any Custer campground, it is the sensible first search for travelers who want a central base among the bison without committing to Sylvan Lake's tight access. It suits RVers and tent campers who value being inside the park and can live without full hookups.

Game Lodge Campground at a glance

Hookups Mixed: none or electric
Max RV length Exact site
Cost $16–$34
Fees Rate depends on tent/RV and electric category.
Reservations South Dakota GFP; one year ahead

Source-backed: Official Custer campground table (checked 2026-08-05). Rates and site details change — verify with the operator before you book. Compare it with every other park we track in the price index.

Why RVers stay here

Game Lodge Campground is one of the state-run campgrounds inside Custer State Park in South Dakota's Black Hills, on the east side of the park near the Wildlife Loop. With 59 sites and the broadest mix of price tiers of any Custer campground, it is the sensible first search for travelers who want a central base among the bison without committing to Sylvan Lake's tight access. It suits RVers and tent campers who value being inside the park and can live without full hookups.

Inventory ranges from tent-only and non-electric sites to electric sites; there is no sewer at any pad, so an electric site is not a full-hookup site. Rates run $16 for tent, $23 basic, $27 modern non-electric, and $34 electric, plus the separate $25 park vehicle license. Drinking water, showers, flush toilets, and a dump station are listed during the full-service season. Reservations open one year ahead through South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks at 6 a.m. Mountain. Rig fit is decided by the exact site; do not assume every Game Lodge site takes a large motorhome. Our Custer guide covers it briefly, so treat this as a starting point and confirm site dimensions and season dates in the reservation listing.

  • Central east-side location inside Custer State Park, convenient to the Wildlife Loop.
  • The broadest mix of site tiers in the park, from $16 tent sites to $34 electric.
  • Drinking water, showers, flush toilets, and a dump station in the full-service season.
  • Bookable one year ahead, unlike same-day-only Center Lake.
  • !No sewer at any site; electric is the most you get, and many sites are non-electric.
  • !Large-RV fit is site-specific; the state lists Blue Bell and Legion Lake, not Game Lodge, for large rigs.
  • !The $25 park vehicle license and any reservation fee are on top of the nightly rate.

What our guides say about Game Lodge Campground

Excerpts from the RV Parks Guide articles that cover this campground. Each links to the full guide.

Our verdict

Book Game Lodge if you want a flexible, central Custer State Park base with electric available and can dry-manage tanks. Skip it if you need sewer, or if you run a large rig and want the state's own large-RV recommendation (Blue Bell or Legion Lake).

Game Lodge Campground: frequently asked questions

Does Game Lodge Campground have full hookups?

No. Some of the 59 sites have electricity and others are non-electric; there is no sewer at any pad. Water, showers, and a dump station are shared facilities.

How much does Game Lodge Campground cost per night?

$16 tent, $23 basic, $27 modern non-electric, and $34 electric, plus the separate $25 park vehicle license.

What is the max RV length at Game Lodge Campground?

There is no campground-wide figure; the exact site controls fit. Enter your equipment details in the South Dakota GFP reservation system and check the individual pad before booking.

When can I reserve Game Lodge Campground?

One year before arrival at 6 a.m. Mountain (7 a.m. Central) through South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.

Is Game Lodge a good base for the Wildlife Loop?

Yes. It sits on the east side of Custer State Park convenient to the eastern end of the Wildlife Loop; allow extra time because bison can stop traffic without warning.

More campgrounds around Custer State Park

Compare alternatives before you book — or browse the whole South Dakota hub.