Custer State Park Lodging Review: Top 4 Places to Stay in the Park

In the rugged Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer State Park makes a great getaway for nature and wildlife lovers, hikers, and families alike. Custer State Park Resorts manages an incredible selection of lodging directly in the park. We stayed in three different resort areas within the park, and visited a fourth. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat by the lake, a historic lodge near wildlife, or a rugged getaway with stables and trail rides, there’s a place for everyone. Here is our guide to the top 4 lodging areas within Custer State Park, including activities and dining options.

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Best Lodging in Custer State Park

• Best for Families, History- and Wildlife-Enthusiasts: State Game Lodge & Cabins
• Best for Hikers, Photo- and Lake-Enthusiasts: Sylvan Lake Lodge & Cabins
• Best for Families and Small Groups: Bluebell Lodge & Cabins
• Best for Groups and Family Fun by the Lake: Legion Lake Lodge & Cabins

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Best for Families, History- and Wildlife-Enthusiasts: State Game Lodge & Cabins

The State Game Lodge was the former “Summer White House” for President Calvin Coolidge. The largest of the lodging areas in the park, the lodge is set in a picturesque valley and exudes historical charm. It’s also the most centrally located lodging, just 1/2 mile from the east end of the Wildlife Loop Road and 1/2 mile from the main Custer State Park Visitor’s Center. Grab a coffee or a drink and enjoy the lodge’s historic front porch. This is a great spot to start your day or to relax after a busy day exploring the park.

Top Things to Do at the State Game Lodge

• Don’t miss taking a Buffalo Jeep Safari from the State Game Lodge. You’ll have a chance to view the park’s famous bison herds up close. You’ll also have a chance to see antelope, burros, deer, elk, prairie dogs, and big horn sheep. This was one of the highlights of our stay! 
• The Wildlife Loop Road is such a unique experience, and starts just 1/2 mile from the lodge. We drove this loop twice and had the most luck seeing wildlife in the morning. Be sure to follow the park guidelines, keeping a safe distance from the bison.

• The Grace Coolidge Creekside Trail runs from the CSP Visitor’s Center to the Grace Coolidge Campground. It’s paved and relatively flat, making it ideal for a leisurely walk or bike ride. We enjoyed walking this on a rainy day, avoiding muddy trails elsewhere in the park.
• Go fishing on Grace Coolidge creek. Be sure to buy your fishing license online (required year-round).
• Hike the Lover’s Leap Trail, a moderate 4.2 mile loop trail starting just behind the State Game Lodge School House. On a clear day, you’ll have beautiful views of the cathedral spires, Mount Coolidge, and Black Elk Peak.
• Visit the Custer State Park Visitor’s Center to learn more about the park and find out where to spot bison. Don’t forget to pick up the trail challenge booklet, so that you can record your hikes throughout the park.
• Stop by the Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center and check out their junior ranger program.

Accommodations at the State Game Lodge

• Historic lodge rooms in the main building have a classic design mixed with modern amenities. 
• Lodge rooms, renovated for the 2024 season, are in a wing adjacent to the main lodge.
• Creekside Lodge rooms are modern and oversized, located next door to the main lodge. The Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours start here.
• State Game Lodge cabins sit about 1/2 mile away from the main lodge, in a peaceful location along the creek. These cabins appear rustic but offer modern amenities. We stayed in a wonderful 2 bedroom cabin, with a well equipped kitchen, TV, and outdoor fire pit next to the creek. The cabins encourage you to relax and unplug, with wifi access only available at the lodge. The Coolidge General Store is conveniently located right next door to the cabins, great for picking up a picnic lunch.

Dining at the State Game Lodge

• The State Game Lodge offers a casual breakfast and lunch, with a more formal setting at dinner. Don’t miss the excellent bison sirloin when you dine at the lodge! There are vegetarian options as well.
• The Coolidge General Store offers gifts, groceries, grab and go food, pizza, ice cream, shakes & malts.

Best for Hikers, Photo- and Lake-Enthusiasts: Sylvan Lake Lodge & Cabins

Sylvan Lake Lodge is perched above the shores of Sylvan Lake, with its crystal-clear waters and stunning backdrop of needle-like rock formations. This an ideal Custer State Park lodging choice for hikers, photo- and lake-enthusiasts. The lodge, designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s studio, blends rustic charm with a touch of elegance. The cabins provide peace and privacy, making this an ideal spot for those looking to reconnect with nature. Sylvan Lake Lodge would be an ideal location as a wedding or meeting venue.

Top Things to Do at Sylvan Lake

• Drive the Needles Highway, part of the Peter Norbeck Byway, named one of the Top 10 Most Outstanding Byways in North America. It’s a windy mountain road, with one-way narrow tunnels that simply add to the experience. Take your time and stop at some of the pull-outs to capture plenty of photos. The Hole-In-Wall Picnic Area is a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy a picnic lunch.
• Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddle board (SUP) and head out on Sylvan lake. The boat rental center allows you to easily exchange one boat for another (on a first come first serve basis).
• Go swimming or fishing on the lake. If you’d like to go fishing, be sure to buy your license (required year-round) online.

• Bring a picnic or buy a take-out meal at the Sylvan Lake General Store. Enjoy a picnic at one of the many tables dotting the lakeshore.
• Walk the easy 1.1 mile Sylvan Lake Loop around the lake (partially paved, part dirt). You’ll find waterfalls behind the rocks and stunning views throughout.
• Bring a book and enjoy a relaxing day by the lake.
• The area is also the starting point for many of the top hiking trails in Custer State Park. Some of our favorite hikes in the area are: Little Devil’s Tower, Cathedral Spires, Black Elk Peak Trail, and Sunday Gulch Trail. These all start within a few miles of the lake. Refer to our day hike essentials checklist for basic items to bring along for your day hikes in the mountains.

Accommodations Sylvan Lake Lodge

• The historic Sylvan Lake Lodge has a variety of rooms, ranging from budget to lake view.
• Cabins are sprinkled around the property near the lodge and close to the lakeshore and general store. The cozy 1-2 bedroom cabins come with log fireplaces and vaulted ceilings.
• We had an incredible stay in the Cathedral Spires cabin. The cabin sleeps 20 and has stunning views over the lake and cathedral spires beyond. It has wonderful indoor amenities, such as a high-end kitchen and a wonderful central living area. The cabin’s outdoor area facing the lake has a fire pit, perfect for relaxing and catching up after a day of exploring. As we were watching the sunset over the lake, a deer wandered by, grazing just outside the window. Wifi access is only available at the lodge, though we were able to use our phone hotspots when needed.

Dining at Sylvan Lake

• The Sylvan Lake Lodge’s dining room offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The upscale menu offers lighter options including salads and sandwiches as well as meat, fish, and vegetarian dinner entrees. The service was excellent, including customizing an entree to meet strict dietary restrictions. Our salmon and salads were delicious. Don’t miss relaxing either indoors in the main lounge area or out on the patio with a drink before dinner. This is the quintessential western lodge experience and not to be missed!
• Sylvan Lake General Store offers fast casual dining, that you can enjoy overlooking the lake.

Best for Families and Small Groups: Bluebell Lodge and Cabins

Bluebell’s Cabins are perfect for families, small groups, and those looking to horseback ride and see wildlife. Bluebell is in a rugged and forested area near the park’s western edge, adjacent to the horse camp. These rustic cabins provide privacy and a comfortable retreat after a day of horseback riding or exploring the park. The Bluebell Lodge is known for its hearty meals and friendly atmosphere. It’s a great spot to relax and share stories.

Things to Do at Bluebell

• Guided trail rides leave from the horse camp right next to Bluebell. You can choose from 2 hour, half day, and full day rides. If you want to bring your own horse, check out the horse camp next to Bluebell.
• The Hayride & Chuckwagon Cookout is a 3 hour evening wildlife tour with a stop for live entertainment and steak dinner. If you want to get into the western spirit, this is a great whole family activity. If you’re allergic to hay or prefer not to do the hayride, you can combine a Jeep Safari with dinner and entertainment.
• Drive the Wildlife Loop. Bluebell sits at the west entrance of the Wildlife Loop. If you drive a few miles further south, you can see more wildlife in Wind Cave National Park. We saw bison, antelope, and wild turkeys on our one outing through Wind Cave National Park. Note that the cave itself is closed during the summer of 2024.
• Visit the Mount Coolidge Lookout and Fire Tower to get incredible panoramic views. Our visit was on a cloudy day. We’re hoping to go back to enjoy the views that everyone talks about.

Accommodations at Bluebell

• Most of Bluebell’s cabins are western 1-2 bedroom cabins with kitchenettes and outdoor fire pits. Because they are so nicely spread out, the Bluebell cabins feel private and are incredibly quiet. One group cabin is available, sleeping up to 24. The cabins are walking distance to the general store, the dining hall, and the horse camp. Wifi access is available at the lodge if you need it.

Our cabin was a 1 bedroom, full log cabin, with a very cozy interior with fireplace, and a relaxing front porch, picnic table, and fire pit. This was a great spot to come back to after a full day of exploring the park.

Dining at Bluebell

• The western themed Bluebell Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving western fare. We didn’t have a chance to try this restaurant, though our neighbors gave it high praise.
• Chuckwagon dinners include a 3 hour scenic evening wildlife tour with a stop for live entertainment and a steak dinner. They also offer vegetarian meals on request.

Best for Family Fun by the Lake: Legion Lake Lodge & Cabins

Legion Lake Lodge is fantastic for families and active travelers. The lodge, housing the general store and dining, sits on the shores of Legion Lake. The lake is ideal for swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding (SUP), and hiking. The cozy cabins are just steps away from the water, making this a wonderful Custer State Park lodging choice if you enjoy hiking and water-based activities. The area is less crowded, providing a laid-back atmosphere perfect for families and groups looking to enjoy a peaceful retreat. The lodge boasts a popular casual restaurant with a deck overlooking the lake. The deck is perfect for evening meals as the sun sets over the water.

Things to Do Legion Lake

• Walk the scenic Legion Lake Trail around the lake. This is a scenic and relatively flat trail, with a mix of paved and dirt sections.
• Walk to the Badger Hole, where you can visit the well preserved home of Charles Badger Clark, a poet laureate. We combined a visit to the Badger Hole with a walk around Legion Lake and the trails beyond Clark’s house.
• Go swimming or fishing on the lake. If you’d like to go fishing, be sure to buy your license (required year-round) online.
• Rent a canoe, kayak, or paddle board (SUP). You can easily change boats during your rental time slot in case you want to try a few different boats.
• Drive the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, which was named one of the 10 Most Outstanding Byways in North America. Leave plenty of time for this drive. There are so many beautiful pull-outs where you can stop and take photos.

Accommodations Legion Lake

Most of the rustic cabins at Legion Lake have 1 bedroom, some with lofts. The cabins are intentionally close to one another, encouraging gatherings around the campfire. The cabins come equipped with kitchens and decks, some with lake views. There is 1 cabin that sleeps 12 for a larger group. Just as with the other cabins, there is no wifi access in the cabins. It is available at the lodge when you need it.

It’s easy to walk from the cabins to the lodge and lake. We didn’t have a chance to stay in Legion Lake cabins. We did enjoy a picnic on the lake and walks around the lake and Badger’s Hole.

Dining Legion Lake

The Dockside Grill, with beautiful views over the lake, serves casual fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, they offer picnic pickups, in case you would like food to go.

Where is the Best Place to Stay at Custer State Park?

There is no one answer to this question. Finding the best Custer State Park lodging is about finding a place that matches your pace and preferences. Each of Custer State Park Resorts’ locations offers a unique way to experience the many things to do in this incredible state park. We enjoyed all of our lodging experiences with Custer State Park Resorts. That said, Sylvan Lake’s combination of hiking, paddle boarding, swimming, and photography made this our ultimate favorite. Where would you like to stay?

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