Dog-Friendly Activities in Custer, SD

There are 14 dog-friendly activities in Custer. Use the links below to get an overview of each one, see pictures, print directions, and even read reviews from other dog owners. Coming from out of town? Get a discounted rate on pet friendly hotels in Custer.

Pet Friendly Custer State Park
Custer State Park Custer State Park offers 71,000 acres of amazing views and dog-friendly outdoor experiences in Custer, SD. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park. The 18-mile Wildlife Loop allows pets and humans to explore the park and view the indigenous wildlife from the comfort of the car. There are also many dog-friendly hiking trails where pets are welcome to join the fun. Set out on a hike along Black Elk Peak Loop, a seven-mile route with stunning views of the cathedral spires and Black Hills wilderness. Visitors should note that dogs are not allowed at designated swimming beaches or in any park buildings (including camping cabins, lodges and comfort stations). See Details
Pet Friendly Needles Highway
Needles Highway Take a drive to the pet-friendly Needles Highway in Custer, SD. This spectacular trip through ponderosa pine and Black Hills spruce forests, meadows surrounded by birch and aspen and rugged granite mountains can't be missed if you're visiting South Dakota. The name comes from the needle-like granite formations that sprout out of the ground. See Details
Sunday Gulch Trail The pet-friendly Sunday Gulch Trail is a popular hike in Custer State Park, located in Custer, SD. At nearly four miles in length, this trail is considered quite difficult as a bit of scrambling is required. The trail will take you near Sylvan Lake. In the beginning, you’ll traverse over large boulders down a valley to some great views of big granite spires and the northern Black Hills all around you. There are handrails to aid you in your journey along the pathway. You'll be pleased they're there on the way back down. Leashed pups are allowed to join, but make sure to clean up after them. See Details
Four Mile Old West Town Museum Experience the Wild West with Fido at dog-friendly Four Mile Old West Town Museum, open seasonally from mid-May to the end of September in Custer, SD. Small pets are welcome to join you for self-guided tours of this historic site, featuring an old west town, boardwalks and artifacts. See Details
Crazy Horse Memorial Leashed pets are allowed to share the Crazy Horse Memorial experience with their human companions, which is located in Crazy Horse, SD. Pets are welcome at the dog-friendly outdoor viewing veranda and outdoor exhibits. Pups small enough to be comfortably carried or contained are allowed in any of the buildings except for the restaurant or the snack bar. Pets are not permitted on the bus rides to the bottom of the mountain. See Details
Sylvan Lake Shore Trailhead The Sylvan Lake Shore Trailhead is the starting point for a pet-friendly hike around Sylvan Lake in Custer, SD. It's a 1.1-mile easy loop trail that'll take under 30 minutes to complete with Fido. The area offers opportunities for hiking, camping, swimming and fishing. See Details
Little Devil's Tower Trailhead Little Devil's Tower Trailhead is a pet-friendly hike to take on with your pooch in Custer, SD. The trail is 3.6 miles in length and is best used between April to October, ending up at a rocky outcrop. Dogs are welcome on a leash, as long as all mess is cleaned up after them. See Details
Legion Lake Loop Check out the pet-friendly Legion Lake Loop, a one-mile trail that goes past a store, cafe and beach in Custer, SD. This easy-to-moderate trail also features beautiful views of the lake. See Details
Custer Bark Park Bring your pooch to the fenced Custer Bark Park, and make some new canine friends in Custer, SD! The space is divided into separate sections for small and large dogs. It's also the only fenced dog park within a 50-mile radius. Humans can hang out under the gazebo when the weather is sunny. Bring your pooch to play, but don't forget to clean up any mess that they leave behind. See Details
Black Hills National Forest Leashed dogs are welcome in the pet-friendly Black Hills National Forest in Custer, SD. The forest is made up of rugged rock formations, canyons, gulches, open grassland parks, streams and lakes. Fido is welcome to hike on any of the dog-friendly trails, however, dog owners should be aware that some trails are bike and horse friendly, too. Pups are not allowed in every campground, so guests should check the website for restrictions before planning their stay. The National Forest is open to the public free of charge. Some activities, campgrounds and parking areas do charge fees. See Details
George S. Mickelson Trail The George S. Mickelson Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Custer! The map below shows a trailhead where you can pick up the George S. Mickelson Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com. See Details
Cathedral Spires Trailhead Cathedral Spires Hiking Trail is a pet-friendly hike in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. This moderate to strenuous hike is just over 1.5 miles in length out-and-back and takes visitors along an enchanting trail with unusual rocky outcrops along the way. This hike is a great place to stop and stretch your legs if you're driving along Needles Highway. Dogs must remain on a leash as the area is frequented by a variety of animals, including mountain goats. See Details
Jewel Cave National Monument Jewel Cave National Monument in Custer, SD is a dog-friendly outdoor recreation area that welcomes four-legged friends. Dogs are welcome to unwind with their owners in the picnic areas near the visitor center and within the Jewel Cave Historic Area. While pets may walk along the roadways in the park, they aren't permitted on hiking trails, service roads, inside or near buildings or the cave. Pets must be on a leash, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. See Details
Norbeck Wildlife Preserve Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, located in Black Hills National Forest in Custer, SD, welcomes all outdoor enthusiasts and their furry friends. This pet-friendly retreat offers a variety of activities such as hiking, wildlife watching and photography, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all visitors. Dogs are required to be on a leash, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. See Details
Professor Samuel’s Old Time Photos Professor Samuel’s Old Time Photos is a pet-friendly old-time photography service in Keystone, SD. The staff is awesome and love shooting dogs in classic clothing. See Details
Dog Park at Braeburn Park There is a creek for pups to play in at the off-leash dog park at Braeburn Park, located in Rapid City, SD. Just be careful, as the area is not fenced. See Details
Wind Cave National Park Wind Cave National Park in Hot Springs, SD is the seventh-oldest national park in the country. This pet-friendly park is home to an array of wildlife including bison, elk and prairie dogs. Leashed pets are welcome on the Elk Mountain and Prairie Vista Nature Trails. Pups may also join human companions at the Ranger Campfire Programs. For the safety of your pet and the wildlife, pets are not permitted in the backcountry. Dogs must remain leashed at all times and may never be left unattended. See Details
Big Thunder Gold Mine Big Thunder Gold Mine is a pet-friendly attraction in downtown Keystone, SD. Experience this Black Hills Gold Rush legend with Fido and the family! They offer a mine tour, a museum, on-site gold panning, and claim panning. Dogs are welcome everywhere, including the gift shop and Big Thunder Family Bar & Grill's patio. Just be sure to keep your pup leashed and close to you. See Details
Black Elk Peak Black Elk Peak is a pet-friendly trail in Keystone. If you're visiting nearby attraction the Crazy Horse Memorial, spend an afternoon hiking up one of the greatest lookouts in the state. At just over six miles, the trail is no walk in the park, but the stone fire tower that blends into the rock provides unbelievable views from the top and makes the journey worthwhile. The trail is rated as moderate and can be completed in a few hours. See Details
Cosmos Mystery Area Cosmos Mystery Area is a dog-friendly tour in Rapid City, SD, which operates seasonally from April until October. Leashed pets are welcome as long as they are friendly, well socialized and tolerant of children. This is a fun interactive tour of gravity hot spots. Purchasing tickets online in advance is strongly recommended. See Details
Custer, SD, US