---
title: Winter Stays
date: 2024-08-05T09:13:00-05:00
author: Click Rain Inc
canonical_url: "https://www.custerresorts.com/plan-your-trip/winter-stays"
section: Pages
---
 # 71,000 Acres of Solitude
The crowds have gone and the full resorts have closed, but the adventure opportunities haven't stopped.
### Plan Ahead for Peace & Quiet
Winter months (end of October thru end of April) are a beautiful & peaceful time to escape to Custer State Park. Creekside Lodge & a few select cabins remain open for limited service winter stays. Plan ahead so you know what to expect for your winter stay in the park.
 **Guest Services** The front desk of [Creekside Lodge](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/lodge-rooms/creekside-lodge-rooms) is staffed in winter with limited hours; however, management is on-site 24-hours. When unmanned, a sign will be posted at the desk with a phone number to call. *[Reservations](https://www.custerresorts.com/explore-accommodations) Office Winter Hours: 8am - 5pm.*
[Call 888-875-0001](tel:888-875-0001)
 **Food & Drink** Resort **restaurants are closed** in the winter months. Limited snacks & firewood are available for purchase at Creekside Lodge. Complimentary continental breakfast included with all overnight resort stays. Group [catering](https://www.custerresorts.com/groups-events/catering) services available.
[Call 605-255-4772](tel:605-255-4772)
 **Winter Hikes & Camping** Vault toilets & water hydrants remain open year-round at the [State Game Lodge Campground](https://gfp.sd.gov/csp-campgrounds/). All Custer State Park hikes are open year-round with the exception of Sunday Gulch Trail, which is closed in the winters due to ice.
[Call 800-710-2267](tel:800-710-2267)
 **Winter Trail Challenge** Sometimes a little motivation makes all of the difference. The [Winter Trail Challenge](https://www.custerresorts.com/news/winter-2024-2025-trail-challenge) runs from Thanksgiving thru April 1. Stop at the [Visitor Center](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/scenic-drives/visitor-centers/custer-state-park-visitor-center) to pick up your flyer with this year's trails, and don't forget to take your selfies to get your pin.
[Call 605-394-2693](tel:605-394-2693)
## Open Year-Round for Winter Stays
 ### [Creekside Lodge Rooms](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/lodge-rooms/creekside-lodge-rooms)
Tucked along Grace Coolidge Creek, just 200 yards from the State Game Lodge. Creekside Lodge is open year-round.
 ### [Elk Cabin](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/cabins/state-game/housekeeping-cabin-2-bath-ada-b2h-elk-cabin)
Two (2) private bedrooms, (2) baths, living room, kitchenette, deck. Ramp entrance and accessible bath. Available year-round.
 ### [Reunion Cabin](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/cabins/state-game/reunion)
Water feature: Grace Coolidge Creek | 4,000-sq ft | 4-bed, 5-bath, huge loft | State Game Lodge
 ### [Tatanka Cabin](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/cabins/state-game/tatanka)
Water feature: Grace Coolidge Creek | 3,150-sq ft | 4-bed, 5-bath, huge loft | State Game Lodge
 ### [Pheasant Cabin](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/cabins/state-game/housekeeping-2-bath-deluxe-b2bd-pheasant-cabin)
With nearby Coolidge Creek winding through, these 2-bedroom, 2-bath cabins with a full-sized fridge/freezer and living/dining area offer the perfect balance of space, amenities and location.
 ### [Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/activities-experiences/buffalo-safari-jeep-tour)
 In Custer State Park
Take an unforgettable safari through the park in search of pronghorns, elk, and the noble buffalo.
 ### [Wildlife Loop Road](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/scenic-drives/wildlife-loop)
 In Custer State Park
A wildlife hotspot. Travel through 18 miles of open grasslands and pine-speckled hills. Plan for photo ops!
 ### [Custer State Park Visitor Center](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/scenic-drives/visitor-centers/custer-state-park-visitor-center)
 In Custer State Park
Located near the Game Lodge & open year round, the visitor center is a great starting point for all of your adventures.
 ### [Gamekeeper's Cabin](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/cabins/state-game/gamekeepers)
A five-bedroom private cabin tucked along Coolidge Creek. True to its name, this cabin was once the private residence for the Custer State Park Gamekeeper.
With the Custer State Park Visitor Center, Creekside Lodge, the Wildlife Loop Road, Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours, private events, and a handful of select cabins open for rentals, there's no better place to escape for a winter stay.
[Explore Accommodations](https://www.custerresorts.com/explore-accommodations)
## Winter Events in the Park
### Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour
Take an unforgettable safari through the park in search of pronghorns, elk, and the noble buffalo.
[Read More](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/activities-experiences/buffalo-safari-jeep-tour)
  The majestic bison herd roams free year-round.
### Ready to book your winter stay?
[Book Now](https://www.custerresorts.com/explore-accommodations) ### A few FAQ for review
### What Custer State Park Resort lodges are open in the winter?
The only lodge that operates in the winter months is [Creekside Lodge](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/lodge-rooms/creekside-lodge-rooms). All others are open seasonally, open from the beginning of May through October.
### What activities are offered in the winter?
Our Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours are the only resort activities that operate in the winter months, offering limited daily departures.
### Are there any stores or restaurants open in the winter?
Creekside Lodge offers a limited selection of snacks for purchase at the counter in the winter, along with a daily continental breakfast for overnight guests. All other food services in the winter months must be scheduled in advance with Sales & Catering and have a 25-person minimum order. No other stores, gas stations, or restaurants are open for business in the winter months.
### Where is the nearest grocery store?
When lodge general stores are closed for the winters, guests are encouraged to stop in the town of Hermosa or Custer for a local grocery store. The closest Sam's Club or Target is in Rapid City, along with the regional airport.
### Which Custer State Park hikes & roads are open in the winter?
###### Winter Hiking
When conditions permit, **all** **Custer State Park hikes** with the exception of Sunday Gulch Trail are kept open in the winter months, with snowshoeing available when conditions permit. However, conditions actively change at various locations due to elevation, and trails are subject to temporary closures.
###### Winter Road Closures
- Needles Highway (open to foot traffic only)
###### Open All Year
- Iron Mountain Road (*conditions permitting. Check ahead for closures)*
- US 16A Scenic & all other state highways
- Wildlife Loop Road
- Creekside Lodge & roads to your winter cabin rental
*All scenic drives are subject to closures in extreme conditions. Check SD 511 for updates.*
### Where can I purchase firewood &/or fishing license in the winter?
Firewood is available for purchase at Creekside Lodge year-round. Purchase your [SD fishing license](https://gfp.sd.gov/hunt-fish-license/) online.
### How do I purchase my park pass in the winter months?
The Custer State Park entrance stations operate with self-service kiosks in the winter months, or purchase your entrance license [online](https://reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com/Licensing/Catalog.aspx). Passes can also be purchased at Creekside Lodge upon check-in.
### Do your winter cabins offer fireplaces and/or fire pits?
###### Fireplaces can be found in:
- Reunion Cabin (electric)
- Tatanka Cabin (electric)
- Creekside Cabin (wood-burning)
- Gamekeeper's Cabin (wood-burning)
- Lobby of Creekside Lodge
###### All of our resort winter cabins offer dedicated fire pits:
- [Housekeeping Cabin, 2-Bath](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/cabins/state-game/housekeeping-2-bath-deluxe-b2bd-pheasant-cabin), Deluxe
- [Housekeeping Cabin, 2-Bath,](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/cabins/state-game/housekeeping-cabin-2-bath-ada-b2h-elk-cabin) Accessible
- [Reunion Cabin](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/cabins/state-game/reunion)
- [Tatanka Cabin](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/cabins/state-game/tatanka)
- [Creekside Cabin](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/cabins/state-game/creekside-cabin-and-bunkhouse) & Bunkhouse
- [Gamekeeper's Cabin](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/cabins/state-game/gamekeepers)
### How much snow does Custer State Park get in the winter?
Custer State Park is unique because while parts of the Park are at a higher elevation, the State Game Lodge sits in the valley at 4,290 ft elev. which is much lower than the other lodge areas in the Park. As a result, the Game Lodge area is known for receiving less snowfall than even Rapid City; and when it does snow, it often melts within days.