OutdoorPhotographer wrote:
I have to jump in on this one. Yes, Custer is a beautiful park but they have another racket going on for money. I was traveling from Rushmore to Windcave and Google Maps took us through the edge of the park. Map shows road is a through route. First time we hit a gate/ranger station, we were charged $20. I said we were just driving to Wind Cave, not visiting Custer. He replied, "Yep, we need to send Google a thank you note. That will be $20." I asked if I could turn around and go another route and he said too late, I had already driven through the park.
Did not leave a good taste in my mouth to say the least. Who put's a gate on a through road and after you don't have a chance to turn around? Traveled 48 states and countless state and national parks and never saw that anywhere else.
Sad first impression because I read so many good things on here about Custer.
As much as I like to and do use tech, it really is your fault, for not checking anything else. I know the route you took, and if you would have gone just a little to the west, you wouldn't have had to pay anything. These types of things have bitten me also, but I have never tried to blame anyone but myself because of the old saying, "Trust, but verify".
I live in the Black Hills and camp every year in Wind Cave NP. I am sorry you think the state park volunteer and DOT had it out for you. Although, the statement about owing Google a thank you may have been out of line IMO.
