FacilityFacilityRecreation.gov

Custer Peak Fire Lookout

Lead, South Dakota · Lawrence County · Facility

Custer Peak Fire Lookout was built in 1911. In 1935 it was replaced with a cupola building, and by 1941 the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the fire lookout you see today. The cab is 14 ft. by 14 ft. surrounded by a catwalk. Originally, the tower had a telephone line that ran between Custer Peak and the Bull Do…

🧭 Get Directions
Advertisement
44.24425, -103.73500
Open in OpenStreetMap

About Custer Peak Fire Lookout

Custer Peak Fire Lookout was built in 1911. In 1935 it was replaced with a cupola building, and by 1941 the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the fire lookout you see today. The cab is 14 ft. by 14 ft. surrounded by a catwalk. Originally, the tower had a telephone line that ran between Custer Peak and the Bull Dog Ranch. The tower is considered eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. It was listed on the National Historic Lookout Register on Oct. 13, 1990. Brochure (.pdf)

Plan Your Visit to Custer Peak Fire Lookout

Heading to Custer Peak Fire Lookout? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Custer Peak Fire Lookout?

No central reservation system listed for Custer Peak Fire Lookout. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/255140) for the latest entry policy and availability.

Guides & rankings

More on South Dakota parks & hiking

View all posts →
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in South Dakota, Ranked

South Dakota's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Mountain peaks silhouetted against an orange sunsetPhoto: David Marcu
State Rankings

South Dakota's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain

Steep is hard. These are the ten South Dakota trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team5 min
Cascading waterfall through a green moss-covered ravinePhoto: Maddi Bazzocco
State Rankings

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in South Dakota

Ten gentle, well-marked South Dakota trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in South Dakota

South Dakota's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Going down the Grand Canyon. Seeing our destination from afar. So worth! If you find this picture useful, consider donating! Venmo: @diegonachoPhoto: Diego Lozano
Parks & Travel

The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in South Dakota

Federal parks and recreation areas in South Dakota ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
State Rankings

Best Waterfall Hikes in South Dakota: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close

South Dakota's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team3 min