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2009 Lodge Reservations in S.D. State Parks Open. Discovery Tours reservation line is open for tours for Custer State Park. Call us at 888/524-5655 or at 605/722-5788

Custer State Park - Visitors planning group outings to South Dakota state parks can begin making lodge and group camping reservations for 2009 arrivals.

Dakota Taxi recently purchased Discovery Tours with great adventures throughout the Black Hills and our reservations line is open at 888/524-5655 or at 605/722-5788 or visit us online at www.blackhillsdiscoverytours.com  or for the Southern Hills Tour, our most popular tour, click the link below or email us at dakotataxi@rushmore.com.

Discovery Tours Southern Hills Tour link:

http://www.blackhillsdiscoverytours.com/southern.html




Sylvan Lake Lodge
in Custer State Park.

“State parks are a popular destination for family reunions and other group get-togethers,” said Doug Hofer, state parks director. “Getting a big group together for a weekend of camping can be quite a task. The Nov. 1 opening date helps these groups make their plans earlier and in an easier manner.”

Lodge reservations for all arrival dates in 2009 will be accepted beginning Nov. 1. Lodges are found at Lake Thompson Recreation Area near Lake Preston, Shadehill Recreation Area near Lemmon, Mina Lake Recreation Area near Aberdeen, Newton Hills State Park near Canton, Oahe Downstream Recreation Area near Pierre and Palisades State Park near Sioux Falls.

Reservations for group campsites during the 2009 reservation season also open Nov. 1 and will be taken until Feb. 1, 2009. After that time, campsites are available on an individual basis within 90 days of arrival. To qualify as a group reservation, a minimum of 10 sites must be reserved with the exception of Lewis and Clark Recreation Area where “group loops” consisting of 8 sites are available.





The State Game Lodge in Custer State Park.

Reservations can only be made for those sites designated as group sites. A limited number of group sites are available in those parks accepting group reservations. Prime sites are not included. Cabins and picnic shelters may be included in some parks. Regular camping fees apply. Parks that offer group camping include: Custer State Park, Lake Cochrane Recreation Area, Lake Poinsett Recreation Area, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, Newton Hills State Park, North Point Recreation Area, Oakwood Lake State Park, Platte Creek Recreation Area and Snake Creek Recreation Area.




Blue Bell Lodge in Custer State Park.

At Custer State Park, group camping takes place in separate group areas and a per person fee applies. Reservations for the Custer State Park group areas are accepted throughout the reservation season and do not close Feb. 1. Remember that Discovery Tours also has 2 12 passenger vans, and other vans for groups for tours or overnights. All of our Southern Black Hills tours include entrance fees to Custer State Park.

Group sites are reservable for arrival dates between May 15 and Sept. 7, 2009. A two-night minimum stay is required. Reservations can be made in parks accepting fall reservations through Oct. 12. Group sites are not available on the weekends of Memorial Day, Labor Day or July 4th weekend. Some special event weekends are also unavailable. A two-night stay is not required and holiday weekends can be reserved at Custer State Park.

Lodge reservations can be made online at www.CampSD.com or by calling 1-800-710-CAMP (2267). Group camping reservations are only available through the call center. The call center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (CT) through December. From January to September, the hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Online reservations can be made 24 hours a day once the inventory becomes available.

It is commonly understood that reservations become available at midnight 90 days before arrival. In fact, campers can begin making their online reservations when the call center opens at 7 a.m. (Jan. – Sept.) or 9 a.m. (Oct. – Dec.). All camping fees must be paid at the time the reservation is made. There is a $5 per site non-refundable reservation fee, which is not applicable to South Dakota residents.

A valid park entrance license is required in designated fee areas.

The first day to make individual campsite reservations for the 2009 reservation season is Feb. 14. Campsites are reservable within 90 days of arrival for arrivals between May 15 and Sept. 7, 2009, and until Oct. 12 for parks accepting autumn reservations.

This year South Dakota State Parks will be offering gift cards. The cards will be available for purchase through the call center only starting December 1, and can be purchased online and at the parks beginning in January.

For more information on reservations, visit the Division of Parks and Recreation website at http://www.sdparks.info or call (605)773-3391.