Custer State Park - My Favorite!

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We’ve lived in our RV 10 years this coming January. We have traveled to many places and still have a lot to visit. If you’d ask me though what my favorite place is I’d probably have to say Custer State Park.  What do I like about it? The Buffalo!  I think they are one of the most awesome creatures God has created. I’m a person who is constantly multitasking like being on my phone or reading while watching TV. However, I could sit and watch the Buffalo for hours. You might say there are other places to see Buffalo and yes there are, however, there’s something about the natural setting in Custer State Park. What I also like is if you stop at the visitors center and ask where the buffalo are, they normally can tell you approximately where to find them. I’ve been to several parks that have them and have never seen them or gotten any assistance from anyone. 

I guess we’ve been to Custer State Park 3 times. Jim and I first went alone. Then the same year we took one of our grandson’s and granddaughter, teens at the time. I insisted we drive into the park the first evening we arrived. As we entered the park it darkened and there was a hard rain. The buffalo started (I’d describe it as stampeding) across the road in front of us.  It was so awesome to watch them! 

​The next time we went we took our two younger grandsons (8 & 10). They enjoyed the buffalo but also enjoyed the begging burros, even naming some of them! 

So where do we stay when we are at Custer State Park?  All three times we have stayed at Heartland RV Park & Cabins, Hermosa, SD.   It’s conveniently located, south of Rapid City, and between Custer State Park & The Badlands (if you take the back way in).  .  It’s also a very nice park. Our younger grandkids really enjoyed the pool.

​Plus, they are members of Passport America and we receive 50% off. The cost for the pass for 1 year is only $44. People ask if it’s worth it.  Yes, it definitely is!  If you stay just two-nights at a park for ½ price, at many parks you’ve covered the cost. There are limitations on use at most parks but you will still get your money back and more.

Other things to see and do in the area:

• Mount Rushmore National Monument – Note: there is no fee to see the monument however there is a parking fee. If you keep the receipt it’s valid for the entire calendar year issued.
• The Badlands – There is a back-way, dirt road in from the campground.  You can find it on the area maps. Just be sure you know where to turn north. The last time we were here and took this route we saw tons of buffalo. First time I think we’ve ever seen them in The Badlands.
• Wall Drug – “Where the Heck is Wall Drug?” - If you haven’t heard of it you have to experience it and if you’ve already experienced it you’ll need to again!  Restaurants, activities, souvenirs & more. If you take the back road into The Badlands, you can do a circle back to the park and visit Wall Drug.
• Crazy Horse – Another must see & do.
• Sturgis – home to the annual motorcycle rally. We’ve visited this town twice. The first was early in the season and not much going on. The second was a week before the rally was to start. Vendors were starting to set-up, people were gathering and you could feel the excitement in the air.
• Roughlock Falls – Spearfish Canyon - Spearfish, SD – for us older folks you’ll recall this waterfall in the film “Dances with the Wolves.

There are many other towns and attractions to visit in this area. But still my favorite would be the Buffalo at Custer State Park!  Plan to get back to nature and spend some time with them.