Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park
Reviewed Oct. 5, 2023

No reservations - same day only

All campgrounds in Custer State Park require a reservation (either online or via phone), but this campground is same day reservations ONLY, which is nice for travelers like us who don’t plan and reserve spots in advance. Since these sites cannot be reserved in advance, you’ll have a good shot at getting a spot for the day.  Don’t forget it costs $20 to enter the park as well.

There are no hookups and not many amenities here. There are vault toilets, trash dumpsters, and recycle bins. There are water spigots throughout the campground as well. There’s a dump station in Custer SP. 

The roads in this campground are paved, driveways are somewhat level. Lots of regular spaced out trees, and no real privacy between sites. Other than one extremely loud group in the lower loop (that seemed like a one off), the campground was quiet and peaceful, though the flies were really obnoxious here. 

There is zero cell service at this campground, though cell receptions everywhere else in the park is good. Also, there is a phone at the info board that connects directly with the reservation desk, so even without service you can come to this campground and reserve your spot.

Site56
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park by Laura M., October 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park by Laura M., October 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park by Laura M., October 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park by Laura M., October 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park by Laura M., October 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park by Laura M., October 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park by Laura M., October 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park by Laura M., October 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park by Laura M., October 5, 2023
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park by Laura M., October 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park by Laura M., October 5, 2023