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Initial Rock

Custer's three camps are marked along the way, and at one camp on the evening of May 28, 1876, the initials of two of the privates were carved on a sandstone boulder now known as Initial Rock. This was Custer's one-way route to his demise at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. W.C. Williams, Company H, and F. Neely, Company M, who left their initials in the sandstone rock, were with the expedition.

  • Managed by: USDA Forest Service
  • Coordinates: 46.80741, -103.411657

Nearby & related campgrounds

  • Painted Canyon Visitor Center
  • Little Missouri National Grassland
  • South Unit Visitor Center
  • Cottonwood Campground (ND)
  • Cottonwood Group Site (ND)
  • Battle of the Badlands Interpretive Site

Frequently asked questions

Is Initial Rock reservable?

Initial Rock is primarily first-come, first-served. Use the availability view to gauge how busy it is before you go.

Where is Initial Rock?

See the map for Initial Rock's exact location and directions.

How do I book a campsite at Initial Rock?

Pick your dates on the availability calendar, then reserve through the official booking link. You can also set an alert and we'll notify you if a sold-out date opens up.

Check campsite availability