Map showing campground location near Keystone, South Dakota

Camper submitted image from Grace Coolidge Campground — Custer State Park

Grace Coolidge Campground — Custer State Park

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Trout fishing runs directly alongside Grace Coolidge Campground, and bison and bighorn sheep have been spotted grazing through the sites themselves. Set along the banks of a creek within Custer State Park, this smaller drive-in campground runs roughly 20 sites, most tucked under tree cover that provides consistent shade through the day. Hiking trails depart directly from the campground, and the Wildlife Loop Road, Needles Highway, and Black Elk Peak are all within driving range. Mount Rushmore is about 25 to 30 minutes away.

The campground sits on a main byway, so some road noise carries during the day, though reviewers note it decreases after dark. Cell service is limited here due to the canyon location. Sites are level but not particularly private given the campground's compact layout. Crowds stay manageable. The smaller scale keeps things from feeling congested, even when the campground fills up.

Amenities include full hookups (electric, water, and sewer) for RVs up to 35 feet, along with flush toilets and showers. Drinking water is available outside the restroom facility. Campground hosts are consistently noted for attentiveness, and the bathrooms are cleaned daily. As Mac M. puts it: "Quiet, centrally located campground in one of the premier parks in the USA." The season runs May 20 through October 17, and reservations are available. Campers who want to explore more of the area can compare sites around Custer State Park or look at nearby options like Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park to the south.

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Map & DirectionsGrace Coolidge Campground is located in South Dakota near Keystone

Public Campground

Directions

Located a half-mile west of the Custer State Park office, on US Highway 16A.

Address

13329 US Highway 16A
Custer, SD 57730

Coordinates

43.77730859 N
103.402225 W

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Connectivity

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Last on 8/17/26

Connectivity

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T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 7/5/26
AT&T5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 8/17/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
30 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+18007102267

Drive Time

34 min from Rapid City, SD
3 hrs 21 min from Casper, WY
4 hrs 7 min from Cheyenne, WY
4 hrs 42 min from Fort Collins, CO

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Reviews8 Camper Reviews - Grace Coolidge Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Numerous guests pointed out the exceptionally clean facilities, helpful hosts, and well-shaded sites in this smaller campground. Some visitors reported minor road noise from the nearby byway, though most found the location quiet overall.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Jenny

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 7, 2025

Beautiful and safe

We had a great time tent camping here. The bathroom and shower facilities were great, the site was wonderful and neighbors were nice.

Month of VisitMay

(8) View All

Glenda

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 3, 2021

Loved every minute camped here

We had to fit staying here around our plans as very booked up. The campground is on the main byway but road noise decreases at night. Hosts were very helpful and friendly. Bathrooms were flush and showers were clean. No phone WIFI at this site as in canyon. We saw lots of wildlife.

Month of VisitSeptember

Scott P.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2021

Pleasant Camping Spot

Shady spots, relaxed location, nearby hiking trail. Clean showers and bathrooms.

Month of VisitJuly

Mac M.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 2, 2021

Fly fish right in your campground

Quiet, centrally located campground in one of the premier parks in the USA. Immaculate bathrooms and showers, great camp host, electric and accessible water. Trout fishing adjacent to campground. Bison and BH Sheep grazing right through site.

SiteGC17E

Month of VisitMay

Rachel C.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 16, 2020

Great stay!

This campsite was about as good as it gets. The campsite is close to everything you might need/want to see. Mount Rushmore is only a quick 25/30 minute drive, there are multiple hiking trails near by, and several general stores for ice/wood, or anything you might need.

There was a $20 entrance fee into the park for the week. The restrooms were the cleanest we’ve seen and the showers were tidy too! There is drinking water on the outside of the restroom facility as well to fill up those water bottles.

Quiet and pleasant - I absolutely recommend!

Steff

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 25, 2020

Absolute perfection

Grace Coolidge campground is, hands down, one of the loveliest campgrounds I have had the pleasure of staying at. The campground hosts were incredibly attentive; you always saw them around, looking after the grounds and keeping it in excellent shape.

The showers/bathrooms were thoroughly cleaned daily and always stocked. The sites were not particularly private, but I don’t think there was an undesirable looking site in the whole place! The campground itself is definitely on the smaller side, which meant no big crowds of people.

The scenery is breathtaking and you’re in close proximity to so many excellent adventure opportunities (hiking trails right off the campground and the Wildlife Loop, The Needles Highway, Black Elk Peak and so much more within driving range). You will not regret a stay at this campground.

(4) View All

Janice O.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 16, 2020

My favorite place in the world

I love the black hills and this is Our go-to campground. It is well shaded and quiet and is well located within the park.

Joanne M.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 5, 2018

A perfect campground experience!

Custer's Last Stand may not have gone the way he hoped, but the state park that bears his name may be one of the most amazing camping destinations we've ever seen. And our stay at Grace Coolidge Campground will always be a treasured memory.

There are many campgrounds spread around Custer SP. Coolidge is a small-ish one set along the banks of a creek. There are about 20 sites here, most of which are tucked in the trees, providing plenty of shade.

We checked in right at dusk, after a long day of driving. The campground attendant introduced himself, and pointed out our spot. There's potable water at the bathroom/shower building, and he asked if we wanted to fill up before we parked. (We didn't, but it was nice he asked.)

Our spot was nice and level, the perfect place to tuck in our teardrop for the night. Though the campground was full, everyone observed the quiet hours, and it made for a pleasant evening of watching the stars.

In the morning, we took our pup on two short, but beautiful, hikes, before hitching up and heading to our next destination.

If all the campgrounds at Custer are as nice as Coolidge, we may just have to spend a month staying at each of them.

Site118

Month of VisitAugust

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Grace Coolidge Campground?

Grace Coolidge Campground offers electric hookups with accessible water points throughout the grounds. The facilities include immaculately maintained flush toilets and clean shower facilities that are regularly serviced. A helpful camp host is available on-site to assist visitors. Additional amenities include shaded campsites for comfortable summer stays and convenient access to firewood and ice from nearby general stores. The campground is located adjacent to a trout stream, perfect for fishing enthusiasts. Campsite fees include a $20 entrance fee to Custer State Park plus nightly camping rates.

Is there a trail map for Grace Coolidge Campground and surrounding areas?

While there isn't a specific mention of a dedicated trail map at the campground itself, there are multiple hiking trails accessible directly from Grace Coolidge Campground. A hiking trail runs adjacent to the campground, providing convenient access for campers. For comprehensive trail information covering all of Custer State Park's extensive trail system, visitors should check with park headquarters upon arrival or visit the official South Dakota State Parks website for current maps and trail conditions.

Where is Grace Coolidge Campground located in Custer State Park?

Grace Coolidge Campground is centrally located within Custer State Park, making it an ideal base for exploring the park's attractions. It sits along the main byway through the park but is nestled in a canyon which helps reduce road noise, especially at night. The campground's central position puts it just 25-30 minutes from Mount Rushmore and provides easy access to multiple hiking trails and general stores. This location allows visitors to regularly spot wildlife including bison and bighorn sheep that sometimes graze near or through the campground.

What do visitors say in reviews about Grace Coolidge Campground?

Visitors consistently describe Grace Coolidge as one of the loveliest campgrounds they've experienced, frequently awarding it perfect ratings. Campers appreciate the well-shaded, quiet sites and the attentive campground hosts who maintain the grounds in excellent condition. The clean bathrooms and showers receive particular praise. Many highlight the campground's central location within the park, making it convenient for accessing attractions like Mount Rushmore and nearby hiking trails. Wildlife sightings are common, with bison and bighorn sheep occasionally passing through. Guests also mention the good trout fishing adjacent to the campground and note that while the campground is popular and often booked, the experience is worth planning around.

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