Is the jeep private or shared during the safari?

The jeep tour is a private experience, ensuring a personalized adventure with your group.

Are meals included in the Chuckwagon Cookout?

Yes, an authentic Western-style dinner with multiple courses and live folk music is included.

Can children participate in this activity?

Children aged 5 and older are welcome to join, but the experience is best suited for those who can sit through the safari comfortably.

What wildlife can I expect to see on the safari?

Buffalo are the highlight, but you might also see pronghorn antelope, wild burros, prairie dogs, and various bird species.

What safety measures are in place during the safari?

Guides follow strict safety protocols and maintain safe distances from wildlife to ensure everyone’s well-being.

Is the experience accessible for people with mobility issues?

The safari jeep is accessible, but some walking at the cookout area may require light mobility; please contact the resort for specific accommodations.

Buffalo Safari & Chuckwagon Cookout in Custer, SD

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Buffalo Safari & Chuckwagon Cookout (Combo) offered by Custer State Park Resort in South Dakota. This unique experience blends wildlife exploration and authentic Western hospitality into one unforgettable journey. Begin your trip cruising through Custer State Park in a cozy private Jeep, where you’ll have front-row seats to observe majestic buffalo roaming freely, along with other wildlife such as pronghorns and wild burros. Your expert guide provides fascinating insights about the park’s ecosystem and history as you traverse the scenic trails. After an exciting safari, settle in for a classic chuckwagon cookout, complete with hearty, made-from-scratch meals that reflect the spirit of the American West. Live folk music enhances the atmosphere, making it a perfect chance to relax under the open sky and share stories. Each guest receives a complimentary cowboy hat and bandanna, adding a fun, personalized touch to the adventure. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or someone craving an authentic Western experience, this combo promises lasting memories in the heart of South Dakota’s wilderness.

About Custer State Park Resort

Custer State Park Resort operates in Custer, South Dakota, offering guided outdoor experiences and heritage dining within Custer State Park. The resort's programs include Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours, private Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours, Buffalo Corrals Jeep Tours, Scenic Byway Tours departing from Sylvan Lake Lodge and State Game Lodge, and multiple trail ride options through the French Creek Nature Area. Evening programs include the Buffalo Safari & Chuckwagon Cookout combo and the Hayride & Chuckwagon Cookout, both featuring live folk music and a chuckwagon dinner, with guests receiving a souvenir cowboy hat and bandanna.

Guides lead open‑air Jeep safaris on the Wildlife Loop and interior park roads for prime wildlife viewing of bison, elk, pronghorn, and other species. Trail rides range from 30‑minute Express Rides and one‑hour Trail Rides to Half‑Day Trail Rides for experienced riders, with routes that showcase scenic vistas, historical remnants, and the peaceful French Creek landscape. Scenic Byway Tours travel the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, including Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road with tunnels, pigtail bridges, and overlooks framing views toward Mount Rushmore.

Custer State Park Resort focuses on safe, interpretive experiences led by knowledgeable guides, combining wildlife education, regional history, and memorable photography opportunities. Activities are suitable for families, couples, and solo adventurers seeking authentic Black Hills outdoor experiences. Visitors can select from open‑air jeep safaris, private tours, guided trail rides, scenic byway excursions, and traditional chuckwagon dinners to create a personalized Custer State Park adventure. Seasonal reservations are required for most guided experiences.