Grace Coolidge Campground — Custer State Park

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.

A perfect campground experience!

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. 

Absolute perfection 

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. 

Fly fish right in your campground

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

Pleasant Camping Spot

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.