Gold Valley Camp
Black Hills visitors now have the unique opportunity to camp where Gen. George Armstrong Custer and the Seventh Cavalry discovered gold in 1874.
This historic site is the home of Gold Valley Camp, a desirable camping destination half a mile from Custer State Park’ s west entrance.
Formerly known as the Wheels West RV Park & Campground, Mike and Kathleen Lewis along with Faith Lewis purchased the property a little over a year ago and converted it into Gold Valley Camp.
When considering the purchase, Kathleen asked Mike and Faith if they should buy the campground. They responded,“ Sure, let’ s do it,” and that was that.
Since Kathleen and Faith were already running Black Hills Retreats, a short-term property management company, they felt uniquely qualified to take on the campground and refresh the space for guests.
This included refurbishing the existing RV sites and adding five more for a total of 20 long, mud-free, gravel sites with 30 / 50 amps, picnic tables and fire rings. The water lines for the sites were also buried deeper so the campground can welcome visitors earlier in the season and accommodate them for longer. There is a shower house for guests as well.
Also located at the campground are five cozy, cabins, which sleep up to six people. Each cabin is fully furnished and features a comfortable living space with a sofa sleeper, a private bedroom, a loft with a bed, a kitchenette, an outdoor grill and a dining area. The cabins also have full baths with showers, towels, shampoo and bath soap.
“ They’ re not your basic campground cabins,” said Mike.“ They’ re deluxe,” said Faith. Meanwhile, a sixth cabin, Custer’ s Loft, features a full kitchen, dining room, living room, two decks with views, a charcoal grill, a propane fire table, bedroom space and a covered porch to savor your morning coffee and watch the sunrise.
To provide for the needs of guests, they also added a convenience store where people can find basic groceries, snacks, flashlights, band-aids, firewood and plenty of items for camping and outdoor activities like fishing poles, fishing licenses, bait, suntan lotion and more.
With a pavilion and 40 by 60 foot event tent, the campground also serves as a perfect event venue for family reunions, birthdays and weddings in the breathtaking Black Hills.
Located three miles from Custer on the border of National Forest Service land, Gold Valley Camp is a serene, peaceful place to camp away from the busyness of life. At this remote retreat, visitors are situated in a beautiful valley with stunning views, picturesque wildlife and peaceful trails.
During their stay, visitors can explore the woods, go fishing at Stockade Lake, take bike rides on the Mickelson Trail, drive the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park, shop the Main Street businesses in Custer or dine in the local restaurants.
Visitors are also close to popular attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave and so much more. Because in Custer, you are always minutes away from adventure.
Reservations can be made online in advance at goldvalleycamp. com or in person at the Gold Valley Camp store.
So come on down to Gold Valley Camp for an unforgettable experience in a historic location. Faith, Mike and Kathleen along with manager Kayla Andrews are excited to host you.
44 Black Hills Adventure Guide 2025