State: South Dakota
Short Name: Blue Bell Campground
Address 1: 13329 US Hwy 16A
City: Custer
Zip: 57730
Phone: 605-255-4515
Open: Open from May 15 through Sep 30
Number of Sites: 35
Camp URL: http://www.sdgfp.info/Parks/Regions/Custer/bluebellinfo.htm
Full Hook: Yes
Custer State Park in the Black Hills encompasses 71,000 acres of spectacular terrain and an abundance of wildlife. Within the park, youll discover a world of adventure!
Favorite outdoor activities include hiking 7,242-foot Harney Peak, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing, chuckwagon suppers and jeep rides to see the bison.
The park boasts scenic drives such as the Needles Highway (SD 87), which twists and turns its way past towering rock formations and through narrow tunnels. At the end of one tunnel stands the Needles Eye, a granite spire with a slit only 3 to 4 feet wide but reaching 30 to 40 feet in the air.
History and culture also abound. Walk the banks of French Creek, where Custers expedition first discovered gold in 1874. Take in a theater performance at the Black Hills Playhouse. Or, visit the log cabin that was home to Badger Clark, South Dakotas first poet laureate.
The park offers many educational programs and family activities. For example, park rangers lead guided nature walks and gold-panning excursions. Living-history demonstrations, such as candle making and woodworking, take place at the Gordon Stockade. Evening campfire programs feature slide shows, outdoor-cooking demonstrations and films. For the kids, the Junior Naturalist Program teaches them about the outdoors through hands-on activities.
Services close by (1/4 mile)
Blue Bell Lodge & Resort
Full Service Restaurant
Hayrides / Chuckwagon cookouts
Fishing / Licenses
Horseback riding
Laundromat
Cabins
Store / Gift Shop
Telephone
Fuel
Campground Information
Medium size campground (31 sites)
Mostly shaded
Flush toilets and showers
Telephone (located at comfort station)
Evening Naturalist program
Some of the tent sites have a tent box (a level spot to put tents)
Located along Highway 87 South (near Blue Bell Lodge)
Staff: Camp Attendant and on-site Campground Host
