Visiting Custer National Forest

Custer National Forest Hours & Fees
Custer National Forest is open year-round, 24 hours per day. There is no fee to visit the Forest. The Sioux Ranger District Office is located in Camp Crook, SD. Call (605) 797-4432 for more information.

Services
The Reva Gap public campground is located in the Slim Buttes Unit of Custer National Forest and has four camp sites. Electrical outlets, vault toilets, drinking water and shelters are available. Picnic Springs public campground is located in the North Cave Hills Unit of the Forest and has 10 camp sites. Vault toilets and drinking water are available. For more information on these camping areas call (605) 797-4432.

Dispersed (primitive) camping is allowed anywhere in the Forest outside developed campgrounds. Primitive means no toilet facilities or drinking water. You must take out what you bring in. Some general guidelines are to camp at least 100 feet from lakes, streams, roads and trails.

Food, gas, lodging and camping are also available in the nearby community of Buffalo. Keep in mind that services are limited in the area around Custer National Forest.

Activities
There are numerous opportunities for dispersed recreation activities such as hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobile riding and cross country skiing throughout the Sioux Ranger District of the Custer National Forest. There are no designated hiking trails but most of the ridges are open and provide spectacular panoramic views. The area is also rich in archeology and paleontology history.

Custer National Forest provides habitat to a diverse wildlife population. Big-game species found in the area include elk, mule and whitetail deer, antelope, cougar and bobcats. Naturalists and photographers can also see a variety of songbirds, hawks, eagles and owls. Other wildlife include merlins, turkeys, gophers, chipmunks, porcupine, woodchucks, rabbits and squirrels.

The area offers excellent mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope and wild turkey hunting. The streams and stock ponds are great for crappie, bass and trout fishing.

While exploring Custer National Forest, be sure to visit the Castles, a massive limestone uplift that resembles a medieval castle. The Castles are located in the Slim Buttes Unit of the Forest and are classified as a National Landmark. This natural wonder also serves as a habitat for one of North America’s largest populations of Merlin falcons.