In short
- Self-driving costs a flat $20 per vehicle for park entry.
- Jeep tours explore dirt roads that public cars cannot access.
- Both options take roughly 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.
In this article
Choosing how to see the 1,350 free-roaming bison depends on your budget and vehicle. Self-driving gives you full control over your stops along the paved road. The guided tours reach off-road grazing areas.
What is the self-drive experience on the Wildlife Loop?
Self-driving means taking your own car on the 18-mile paved loop.
You pay a $20 entrance fee per vehicle, valid for up to seven days. You control your pace. The drive usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours. You must stay on the paved road and adhere to the 25 mph speed limit.
What does the Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour include?
The Jeep tour is a guided ride in an open-air vehicle that goes off the paved road.
Tours depart from the State Game Lodge. Guides drive you onto private dirt and gravel backcountry roads. These are closed to regular public vehicles. This access provides a higher chance of seeing bison herds when they graze away from the main loop.
How do the costs compare?
Driving yourself requires only the $20 park entrance fee per vehicle.
The Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour costs extra and prices vary by season. You must book the Jeep tour directly through the Custer State Park Resort. Keep in mind that you still need the $20 vehicle pass to enter the park.
| Feature | Self-Drive | Jeep Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Route | 18-mile paved loop | Backcountry dirt roads |
| Vehicle | Your own car | Guided open-air Jeep |
| Cost | $20 per car | Varies by season (extra) |
| Time | 1.5 to 2 hours | 1.5 to 2 hours |
Is it easier to see bison on the Jeep tour or driving yourself?
The Jeep tour offers a higher chance of close encounters if the herd moves away from the road.
The 1,350 bison roam freely. Sometimes they block the paved loop, creating bison traffic jams for self-drivers. Other times, they graze out of sight. The guides use off-road trails to track them down in the backcountry.
Can I get a guide while driving my own car?
Yes, you can purchase a self-guided audio tour app.
If you choose to drive, an audio tour provides GPS-triggered stories and route guidance. You purchase one tour per car. It works offline, which is helpful since cell service in the park is spotty.
Will I see the begging burros and prairie dogs on both trips?
The paved self-drive route is best for seeing the begging burros and prairie dog towns.
The feral burros hang out along a specific stretch of the main loop and will approach your car. Prairie dog towns are also highly visible from the main paved route. Jeep tours focus mostly on finding the bison herds.
Questions travellers ask
How long is the Jeep tour?
The Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, exactly the same as the typical self-drive time.
Where do the Jeep tours start?
Tours depart from the historic State Game Lodge, located along the loop.
Do I still pay the park entrance fee if I book a Jeep tour?
Yes. The $20 Temporary Entrance License is required for all vehicles entering Custer State Park.
