Custer Trail Campground
The Custer Trail Campground is located on the north side of Deerfield Lake. It offers multiple tent sites, as well as more established sites for RVs, popup campers, and small vehicle units. The overall landscape combines open skies with forested hills and a small lake, creating a peaceful setting for most campers. Perhaps best of all, the wide expanse of dark skies creates amazing opportunities for night sky viewing.
The campground provides a boat launch, and nearby trails create opportunities for even more exploration of the Deerfield Recreation Complex. For those outdoor enthusiasts searching for a campground "off the grid," this site is one of the best options on the Black Hills National Forest. For the safety of others on the water - paddleboarders, kayakers, and smaller boats - Deerfield Lake is a no wake lake.
NOTE: Please be advised that camping fees at Custer Trail Campground are only for camping and using the boat launch within the campground. Access to other nearby recreation sites in the Deerfield Recreation Complex, such as the Lake Shore Picnic Area, Mountain City Picnic Area, and Deerfield Cove Boat Launch near Dutchman Campground, have a separate day-use fee.
A Beautiful Hideaway in the Black Hills
Although a small site, Custer Trail Campground provides a wide range of recreational opportunities. Whether you are boating on Deerfield Lake, fishing the shoreline, paddleboarding, hiking, or star gazing, this site offers numerous options for enjoyment ... in the campground, as well as within easy driving distance.
Reservations
Reservations are not available for Custer Trail Campground. All sites are available on a first come first serve basis. Other campgrounds within the Black Hills National Forest that allow for advanced reservations can be found at Recreation.gov.
General Information
NOTE: Advanced reservations are not available for Custer Trail Campground; all sites are available on a first come, first served basis.
Available year round ... with limited services in the shoulder seasons.
This campground is typically open for camping from mid-May through late September, with all amenities (toilets, trash, water) readily available. During the shoulder seasons, the site remains open for winter campers, as well as for access to the lake by ice fishing enthusiasts. Off-season amenities may be limited due to inclement weather conditions, snow-packed roadways, freezing temperatures, etc.
Refer to Forest Passes for more information.
Overnight Use:
Peak Season Single Site: $19 per night.
Off Season: No fee
Peak Season: $19 / night (Approximately Mid-May through September 30)
Shoulder Season: $15 / night (Approximately October 1 through Late October)
NOTE: Please be advised that Custer Trail Campground traditionally closes for the season on September 30 each year. No services are available at this site from October through mid-May of the following year. However, if staff capacity is available, this site may remain open into October to accommodate off-season camping enthusiasts.
Dogs in developed recreation sites, such as campgrounds, picnic sites, and day-use areas, must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Furthermore, dogs are not allowed on any swim beaches on the Forest. For the safety and comfort of fellow recreationalists, the Forest encourages guests to avoid leaving pets unattended at campsites and/or in parked vehicles.
Address: 8221 Mount Rushmore Road Rapid City, SD 57702
Phone: (605) 343-1567
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 44.02685
Longitude: -103.799397
Directions
From Hill City, South Dakota, travel west on Highway 17 (Deerfield Road) approximately 23 miles to the northwest side of the lake. Turn south (right) on Forest Service Road 417 and follow the roadway to the campground entrance.
Travel Considerations
NOTE: During the off-season, the Forest does not plow or provide any winter maintenance services to the roadway leading to Custer Trail Campground. At times, winter storms can cause snow drifting along the roadway, which prohibit recreationalists from entering or exiting the campground.
Parking
One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site is allowed. Most sites can accommodate one extra vehicle that is not included with the camping / reservation fee(s). Please be advised that extra vehicles will be charged a per night fee that is collected at the campground.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
The Forest renovates this campground using funds generated from campground fees. The design and improvements are prioritized to meet federal accessibility standards. The updates also enhance access for modern-day RVs and campers, improve fire safety, and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Water
Potable water is available at this site.
IMPORTANT: At present in 2026, there is no potable water available at this campground. Campers and hikers using the nearby trails are encouraged to bring their own water and plan accordingly for limited services.
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Water is not available from approximately October 1 through May 15 (shoulder season). Depending on weather conditions, water availability may change in the spring and fall seasons, due to cold temperatures and the potential for freezing waterlines.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Each campsite offers one fire grill and one picnic table.
Other Amenities
An orientation board is located at the campground entrance and provides information and maps related to the loops and sites, nearby amenities, fees, rules and regulations, etc.
Recreation Opportunities
Day Hikes Info
Multiple hiking trails are within easy driving distance from the campground. Ranging from easy to a full day of exploration, the trails around the Deerfield Lake Recreation Complex offer a diversity of options.
Fishing - Lake & Pond
Fishing - IceFishing - Lake & Pond Info
With easy access to the nearby lake, fishing enthusiasts have many options for enjoying a day on the water.
Fishing - Ice Info
During the off-season, ice fishing is a popular activity at the Deerfield Lake Recreation Complex. Winter enthusiasts can access the lake from multiple locations. Please be advised that Custer Trail Campground has been traditionally left open in the off-season for ice fishing enthusiasts; however, snow accumulation and icy conditions may close the entrance road at various times.
NOTE: Please be advised that using ATVs or other motorized vehicles off road to gain access to the lake is prohibited. The Forest encourages these recreationalists to use the existing boat launches.
Boating - Motorized Info
One boat launch is located within Custer Trail Campground. Campers are welcome to use this site for added recreational opportunities. However, please be advised that Deerfield Lake is a no wake lake.
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
Deerfield Lake is an excellent recreational resource for kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and other no wake water craft activities.