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A historic lodge among pine trees beside a road in Custer State Park

Where to stay

Where to stay in Custer and the Black Hills

Stay in Custer for the most central base, inside Custer State Park for the wildlife and the lodges, in Keystone for Mount Rushmore or in Hill City for small-town charm.

The areas

Choose your base

Shops and motels along the wide main street of Custer Most practical

Custer

The town at the centre of it all

Motels, cabins, B&Bs and a few hotels along Mount Rushmore Road, with restaurants and fuel. Custer State Park is five minutes away, Crazy Horse ten, and Mount Rushmore under an hour.

Best for: First visits and road trips

Hotels in Custer
The stone and timber State Game Lodge in Custer State Park In the park

Custer State Park

Historic lodges among the bison

Four park resorts, the State Game Lodge, Sylvan Lake Lodge, Blue Bell Lodge and Legion Lake Lodge, with lodge rooms and cabins, plus campgrounds. Open from spring to autumn.

Best for: Wildlife, hiking and families

Hotels in Custer State Park
Shops and boardwalks on the main street of Keystone Closest to Rushmore

Keystone

The town below Mount Rushmore

Hotels and motels a few minutes from Mount Rushmore, with attractions, restaurants and the Keystone end of the 1880 Train. Busy and touristy in summer.

Best for: Mount Rushmore and short stays

Hotels in Keystone
The main street of Hill City lined with pines Small-town charm

Hill City

Galleries, wineries and the 1880 Train

A relaxed little town between Custer and Keystone, with lodges, cabins and B&Bs, good restaurants, wine tasting rooms and the Mickelson Trail.

Best for: Couples and slower trips

Hotels in Hill City
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What kind of place should you book?

Motels and hotels

Custer, Keystone and Hill City have many independent motels and small hotels, plus a few chain hotels. Rapid City, about 50 minutes away, has the widest choice of large hotels.

Cabins and lodges

Cabins in the pines are a Black Hills classic, from simple camping cabins to cosy log cabins with a kitchen and a porch. The Custer State Park resorts add historic lodge rooms.

Campgrounds and RV parks

There are many campgrounds in and around Custer State Park and the town. Book park campsites well ahead for summer.

When to book, and what it costs

June to August is the busiest and most expensive time. Prices peak during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in early August, when rooms across the Black Hills sell out months ahead. May and September offer lower prices and quieter roads, though some places open late or close early.

Things to check before you book

  • Opening dates, as many places close from autumn to spring
  • Air conditioning, for hot summer afternoons
  • Parking for trailers or RVs, if you need it
  • Whether a cabin has a bathroom and kitchen, or uses shared facilities
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Where to stay FAQ

Where is the best place to stay in the Black Hills?

Custer is the best base for Custer State Park, Crazy Horse and the caves. Keystone is closest to Mount Rushmore, Hill City is the most charming, and Rapid City has the most hotels and the airport.

Can I stay inside Custer State Park?

Yes. The park has four resorts with lodge rooms and cabins, plus campgrounds. They open from spring to autumn and book up months ahead for summer.

How far ahead should I book?

For July and August, book several months ahead. During the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in early August, rooms across the Black Hills sell out and prices rise sharply, so book very early or avoid those dates.

Is Custer open in winter?

Custer is a year-round town, but many motels, restaurants and attractions close from autumn to spring. Book ahead and check opening dates if you travel between October and May.

Plan your Black Hills trip

Book your room, then plan your days

Once you have a base, compare safaris, scenic tours and helicopter flights nearby.

Browse Black Hills tours Compare all tours