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Welcome to Custer's Gulch RV Park where wildlife, such as deer and elk roam around the grounds just as they did 125 years ago when General Custer camped in this very same spot while on his expedition to the Black Hills. Custer's Gulch, one of the newest RV parks located in the Black Hills, has over 60 full service sites. Located near the west entrance to Custer State Park and less than 3 miles from Custer City, this allows easy access to all the most popular tourist attractions. The links above will give you helpful information while planning a fun filled vacation in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.
From jct US 16/385 & US 16A: Go 4 mi E on US 16A.
Check in was friendly. The gal working in the office was very helpful explaining the rules and took time to go over a map of the area. The amenities on-site are great: laundry, shower/bathroom, office with stuff you can buy such as smore ingredients etc, firewood, ice, trash, propane. I'm going to go back to the showers and bathrooms. I'll admit, I'm particular about bathrooms and showers- if they're dirty or dark I'm grossed out. These are the cleanest showers and toilets I've experienced camping. Very well lit, clean, no little camping spiders that you normally see in these types of places. I happily showered every single day and had no issues using the restroom either. The lots are okay sized, not a ton of room for the kids to play on our lot but the campground was so quiet I didn't have an issue with them running around the place. Lots of people walking dogs and riding bikes on the premise. No loud, late-night parties or anything, we slept well all week. The gulch is nestled in a flat area surrounded by rocks and tall trees, super pretty. We did do some rock climbing which was enjoyable. We haven't had any issues with hosts or employees being in our business or lots like I've read in past reviews. Location is good, about five minutes from Custer. This worked out as they have a grocery store, dollar general, and lots of neat shops- running into town for forgotten items was a breeze. Not a bad drive to the other attractions either. *** Editing from a 5 star to a 2 because I was just taken by surprise. We were tucking the kids in for bed and intended on leaving our screen door open so we could hear them while we sat out by the fire... we just had an older gentleman walk up to our camper door and ask if our air was on. I told him it was and he proceeded to tell me that we cannot run the air and have the screen door open as "they're not paying to cool the outside". I'm a little bit speechless as I assumed the almost $450 we spent to stay payed for our minimal electricity usage. We've barely been at the site due to exploring the attractions. Definitely rubbed me the wrong way and took me back to my childhood with my dad yelling at me about keeping the door open. We've done a lot of camping and I've never had someone tell me what I can and can't do with my camper door as a paying customer. Guess the reviews about the staff popping into lots and interjecting their thoughts is true. Unfortunately you've lost future customers. Tip for management, if you have quiet, paying customers that aren't causing issues- leave them be. I get being cost-efficient, but we've more than paid for our usage 🙄
My family and I love staying here! The campsites and cabins are clean and well maintained. The air conditioner works great. My kids love watching "Marmy" a yellow-bellied marmot that lived behind our cabin. And my wife and I enjoyed sitting on the porch watching the thunderstorms in the evening.
It's the perfect location to get to everything the state and national parks have to offer, as well as all the shops and restaurants of Custer.
Can't wait to come back.
We stayed here 5 days and loved every bit of it. A bit expensive, as is every campground d in the black hills. The office staff was amazing, especially the lady (reddish, blonde hair). The grounds, bathroom, etc were all super clean. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Absolutely beautiful campground! We stayed in one of the camping cabins, which look to be new. They have extremely well built bunk beds. My 17 year old is 6'6", 250 pounds, and the bed didn't BUDGE when he climbed up there. The mattresses are very comfortable. The entire campground is set back off the main road, nestled in huge granite outcroppings, and you hear zero road noise. The bathrooms are SPOTLESS and have plenty of hot water. The fire pits have a very sturdy cast iron grill that are adjustable in height and perfect for supporting a few heavy pans. They sell ice, firewood, and essentials (including laundry soap and quarters for on site laundry). It's only minutes away from Custer, which has lots of little shops and fantastic restaurants. I would highly recommend visiting this campground! They have RV spots, 4 cabins with electricity (no water), and tent sites.
*Edit to all those one star reviews complaining about check in... On my email confirmation, it says TWICE that check in is 2 pm. It's also listed numerous times on the website. And the Wi-Fi issue... Yes, it's spotty. But all that did for us was force us to actually talk to each other, play cards, socialize with our neighboring campers, or just enjoy a nice fire and the beautiful stars. Use the lack of technology to enjoy what's around you. We stayed right by the main office and did not have one bad conversation with any staff. We grabbed ice and firewood after the office closed and they said no worries, just pay us back when the office opens. Everyone that worked there was always smiling and polite. We had a mix up when we booked (I booked I think in February, but they called in April to say they double booked by a day, so we pushed our entire stay back by one day), and they gave us gift certificates that were valid at any business in the town of Custer just as a sign of good will.
Great place, great people! Absolute peace while we were there this week. We've got kids and didn't feel out of place (but we keep a close watch on them), but this place isn't a kids paradise by any means. Not bad for them at all, as it's really just a base to go explore all the area has to offer (and it has a lot to offer!). We really enjoyed the serenity of the campground. Employees were not intrusive but seemed like they were there for anything needed. The ONLY reason for minus one star was the water wasn't great. Very stained rusty. We've got a triple filter system and still couldn't get it out of our sinks/toilet. Evidenced by stains in the bathroom facilities too. Totally clean bathrooms, don't get me wrong, I showered in there one night to shave and it was totally clean and fine; just a little surprised as we've stayed at some sketchy places in years past that didn't give us the water issue in our rig. I wouldn't let it dissuade me and would absolutely stay here again in a heartbeat! Thanks for letting us be a part of your campground and beyond wonderful area!!!
