Jeep tours in Custer State Park exist for one reason: they go where rental cars can't, which is where the bison are when they're not next to the Wildlife Loop road.
Custer State Park Resorts runs the most popular operator — they're the only company with permits to drive guests into the park's restricted backcountry areas. The Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour ($65, 2 hours) is the standard format: open-air seating, a guide who radios with park rangers about herd locations, and access to roads the general public can't drive. The Chuckwagon Cookout combo ($125, 4.5 hours) adds a Western-style dinner cooked over a fire pit at a remote location.
Some additional tours show up on Viator under broader Custer State Park 'safari' or 'private wildlife' listings — these vary in vehicle (jeep vs van vs SUV) and access (loop road vs backcountry). The comparison below pulls live Viator inventory plus the direct-booking Custer State Park Resorts options.
Bison are essentially guaranteed if you go at dawn or dusk. Midday tours see fewer animals up close because the herds bed down. Plan accordingly.
What You Need to Know Before Booking
- Park Entry (Daily)
- $25/vehicle, $20/motorcycle
- Annual Pass (Non-Resident)
- $60
- Bison Herd Size
- ~1,300 animals
- Backcountry Permit Operator
- Custer State Park Resorts (exclusive)
- Tour Price Range
- $65 – $200+ per person
- Best Viewing Time
- Dawn (6–8 AM) or dusk (5–8 PM)
- Buffalo Roundup Date
- Last Friday in September
- Operating Season
- Mid-May through October
Which Tour Is Right for You?
Standard wildlife-focused families
The $65 Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour. Two hours, open-air vehicle, guaranteed bison, kid-friendly, and the price point most travelers compare against.
Once-in-a-lifetime experience seekers
The $125 Chuckwagon Cookout combo. The dinner is the actual draw — Western fare, fire pit, prairie views, the whole atmosphere. Most-reviewed single experience at the park.
Adventure travelers / dawn shooters
The $189 Full Day Jeep Bison Safari with Open-Top-Tours. 6 hours, includes Mount Coolidge Fire Lookout, covers more remote terrain. Best for photographers who want both bison and big-picture landscape angles.
Budget-conscious or short on time
Skip the jeep tour entirely. The $25 vehicle entry gets you onto the Wildlife Loop in your own car — bison are usually visible from the road at dawn or dusk. Pair with a $20–$30 Viator audio tour for the narration.
Compare All Available Tours
| Tour | Price from | Duration | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop TourFree cancellation | $312 | 9h | 5.0(34) | Book on Viator |
| Private Custer State Park Safari and Hiking Tour | $379 | 8h | 5.0(13) | Book on Viator |
| Wildlife Biologist’s Guide to the Black Hills: Private Tour | $699 | 8h | 5.0(4) | Book on Viator |
| Custer State Park Wildlife Loop and Needles Highway TourFree cancellation | $291 | 8h | 5.0(2) | Book on Viator |
| Custer State Park Wildlife Photography Tour | $325 | 8h | — | Book on Viator |
Prices and availability provided by Viator. We earn a commission on bookings — at no extra cost to you.
Local Tips Most Booking Sites Won't Tell You
- Custer State Park Resorts has the only backcountry permit — if a tour advertises 'restricted areas only accessible to permit holders,' that's them.
- The Buffalo Roundup (last Friday in September) closes the Wildlife Loop to the public; jeep tours that day are spectator-only and book 6+ months ahead.
- Bison aren't the only wildlife — pronghorn, prairie dogs, the famous 'begging burros,' and (sometimes) elk and bighorn sheep all appear. Burros will swarm your jeep if your guide stops. Don't feed them.
- Open-air jeeps mean dust, wind, and sun. Bring sunglasses, a hat with a chin strap, and SPF. The morning dew makes seats damp early — bring a layer.
- The chuckwagon dinner is in a remote location with no plumbing — your last bathroom is at the trailhead. Plan accordingly.
When & How to Book
Summer weekends (June–August) sell out 7–10 days ahead, especially the Chuckwagon Cookout. Shoulder season usually accepts 2–3 days notice. The Buffalo Roundup tour is a separate, much-pricier product that opens about a year in advance and sells out fast. Most operators offer free cancellation 24–48 hours before the tour; weather (lightning, high winds) is an automatic reschedule.
Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Tour
What makes this tour unique is the combination of three of Western South Dakota's most iconic destinations – Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop – into a single, comprehensive, and fully narrated experience. Over 8-9 hours, you'll not just see these landmarks, but gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for their history, cultural significance, and natural beauty. We always give the guest time to buy their lunch during the tour.
Private Custer State Park Safari and Hiking Tour
You will have an opportunity to explore different areas within Custer State Park. The day will be spent within this historic State Park.
Wildlife Biologist’s Guide to the Black Hills: Private Tour
This isn’t just a tour—it’s a deeply personal exploration of the natural world, guided by a professional wildlife biologist who brings every moment to life. Designed exclusively for your group, the experience is entirely private and tailored to your interests, pace, and curiosity. What sets it apart is the focus on nature in its purest form—no monuments, no crowds, just the living heartbeat of the Black Hills. You’ll explore vast prairies, winding byways, underground caves, and wildlife-rich habitats with a guide who reads the landscape like a storybook. Rather than simply pointing out animals or naming plants, your guide offers insight into the complex relationships that tie geology, ecology, and wildlife together. You’ll walk away with not only stunning photos but a meaningful connection to the land itself. Unhurried, immersive, and rich with discovery—this tour invites you to slow down, look deeper, and experience South Dakota as few ever do.
Custer State Park Wildlife Loop and Needles Highway Tour
What makes this tour unique is its immersive journey through Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop, offering a chance to witness the majestic buffalo herds, especially enchanting in springtime with the adorable newborn calves. Beyond the buffalo, you'll encounter a diverse array of wildlife, from graceful antelope and deer to playful prairie dogs and the charming begging burros, all set against the backdrop of breathtaking scenery. The 7-8 hour narrated experience provides an in-depth understanding of the park's ecosystem and its inhabitants, making it more than just a sightseeing tour, but an educational and unforgettable wildlife adventure.
Custer State Park Wildlife Photography Tour
Capture the stunning wildlife of Custer State Park on this guided photography tour, perfect for photographers of all skill levels. Discover prime habitats as you observe herds of bison, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep, while learning expert techniques to enhance your photography. Your knowledgeable guide will help you find the best vantage points for wildlife encounters, ensuring you get frame-worthy shots without disturbing the animals. Midway through the tour, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the park's natural beauty, providing a serene moment to recharge and reflect on your day’s captures. - Explore Custer State Park’s diverse wildlife and landscapes - Perfect for photographers of all skill levels, with expert guidance - Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch in a scenic setting - Learn tips on composition and lighting to enhance your photography skills
Related Guides
Custer State Park: Complete Guide →
Park hours, fees, lodges, scenic drives, and what to skip.
Best Custer State Park Wildlife Tours →
Broader wildlife tour comparison including Needles Highway combos.
Best Mount Rushmore Combo Tours →
Combo tours pairing the Wildlife Loop with Rushmore + Crazy Horse.
Best Hotels in Custer →
Where to stay if you're basing in Custer for the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in a Custer State Park Jeep tour?
Standard inclusions: an experienced guide, an open-air jeep, off-road access to backcountry areas the public can't drive, and time for wildlife photography. The Custer State Park Resorts tours include the $25 park entry. Chuckwagon Cookout adds a Western dinner cooked over a fire.
Are Custer State Park Jeep safaris safe?
Yes. Guides are trained in wildlife behavior and maintain the required 100-yard distance from bison and elk. Bison gorings happen every year in the park, but almost always to tourists who got out of their cars — guided tours enforce vehicle-only viewing for this exact reason.
Can children go on the Custer State Park Jeep tours?
Yes. The standard 2-hour Buffalo Safari is very popular with families. The 4.5-hour Chuckwagon Cookout is also family-friendly. Infants and toddlers may find the bumpy off-road sections uncomfortable, and parents are responsible for car-seat compliance — confirm with the operator if you're bringing very young children.
How much do Jeep tours cost in Custer State Park?
Prices range from $65 per person for the 2-hour Buffalo Safari up to $200+ for full-day private safaris. The $125 Chuckwagon Cookout combo is the most-reviewed single experience. Viator listings for similar Custer State Park safari tours run $290 per group up to $700+ for private biologist-led trips.
What time of day is best to see bison?
Dawn (about 30 minutes before sunrise to 2 hours after) and dusk (2 hours before sunset). Bison are most active during these windows. Midday they bed down in cottonwood groves and the Wildlife Loop herds are harder to spot. Most guided tours are scheduled around these peak windows.
Do I have to take a guided tour to see the bison?
No. The 18-mile Wildlife Loop is paved and open to all visitors with the $25 vehicle pass. The reason to book a guided jeep tour is (1) access to restricted backcountry areas, (2) better odds of close encounters because guides know herd locations, and (3) wildlife expertise from someone whose job is watching bison every day.
Ready to book?
Scroll up to compare live Viator prices, ratings, and free-cancellation options — book in under a minute.
See Available Tours