Custer State Park, part of the Black Hills in western South Dakota, is South Dakota's largest state park at 71,000 acres. Custer State Park is full of wildlife, including buffalo, antelope, bighorn sheep and elk. Custer State Park is known for its granite cliffs, clear mountain springs and forests of pine.
Trails
All trails are open for horseback riding unless otherwise posted, according to the tourism web site All Black Hills. Popular trails include Centennial Trail and Lovers Leap Trail. The 22-mile Centennial Trail travels through hills, forests and plains, showcasing the diverse topography of Custer State Park. Lovers Leap Trail makes a three-mile circle that includes the vista of Harney Peak, the highest mountain in South Dakota.
Accomodations
The French Creek Horse Camp in Custer State Park welcomes campers with horses, with one corral per camp spot and water available for horses. Laundry facilities, a fuel station, general store and restaurant are available, as well as toilets, showers and camping cabins if you prefer to sleep indoors. Horses must have a negative coggins test to stay at the French Creek Horse Camp, according to the South Dakota state government. Reservations are available for campers who bring their own horses, but are not required. Camping fees in 2010 range from $23 to $45 per night.
Attractions
Custer State Park has many attractions, including Mount Rushmore, which can be accessed by trail, and numerous wildlife reserves. The wildlife reserves are home to bison and prairie dogs, among other animals, and trails lead through or adjacent to reserves. You can also reach the Crazy Horse Memorial, an unfinished mountain sculpture of Chief Crazy Horse, an Oglala warrior, on horseback.
Permits and Fees
To enter the park, you must pay an entrance fee: in 2010, $6.00 per person or $15.00 per vehicle for a seven-day pass. Otherwise there are no permits required. When horseback riding in the park, you must stay on properly marked trails, or face penalties including but not limited to fines.
Considerations
Be aware that Custer State Park is home to wildlife such as elk and antelope, and that these animals can frighten horses. Hiring a guide can provide you with a rich experience of Custer State Park and help you find trails appropriate for your riding abilities. Many trails in Custer State Park have multiple trailheads; a knowledgeable guide can show you where to go.
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