Sylvan Lake, Custer: Address, Phone Number, Sylvan Lake Reviews: 5/5
Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake
5
About
Popular lake in Custer State Park.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Sylvan Lake
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
1 within 3 miles
Attractions
33 within 6 miles
Black Hills National Forest
906
0.9 miNational Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Needles Eye
1,720
0.9 miGeologic Formations
Mount Coolidge
63
0.5 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts
Needles Highway
929
1.4 miScenic Drives
Cathedral Spires Hiking Trail
226
1.4 miHiking Trails
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
11,707
National Parks • Monuments & Statues
Black Elk Peak
296
2.2 miMountains
Lookout Point Trail
2
0.5 miHiking Trails
Needle Eye Tunnel
21
1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Custer State Park
6,091
State Parks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,970 reviews
Excellent
1,573
Very good
329
Average
56
Poor
9
Terrible
3
hdempsey
Washington DC1,282 contributions
We did the walk around the lake with our two small kids, and it was perfect. Calm, easy walk. They enjoyed just standing on the edge throwing stones in. It looks like there are other more difficult trails that branch off, and an option to rent boats, but for us a nice early morning walk was great. Also be aware it does look like parking may fill up as it was much busier by the time we left.
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeff_M_22
Kansas City, MO9 contributions
Family
Sylvan lake is gorgeous. Get there early, around 8 and the water is calm, the view is amazing, and you can get started on your hike. It's a great end to the Black Elk Hike as well, as you can then dip your feet in the cool water afterwards. Oh, make sure to bring your sandals for that.
Written August 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mdzag3
Three Rivers, MI23 contributions
Family
What a beautiful place! My husband and two college-aged kids spent the whole day here. We all loved it! Walking trails, creeks and clean swimming area.
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FDinger
Florida1,207 contributions
Sylvan Lake is a beautiful lake in Custer State Park. There is plenty of parking, although it does get very busy. There's a beach area for swimming and small boat rentals. The lake is surrounded by large rock formations that are good for climbing. There's a nice, easy trail that goes around the lake, plus several other trailheads in the immediate area. I highly recommend a visit to Sylvan Lake.
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mommy1Indiana
Scottsburg, IN274 contributions
Family
After hiking Cathedral Spires, enjoy a swim in the cool mountain waters! This place gets busy early! We arrived around 10 and got a parking place but when we left a couple hours later it looked pretty full. Great place to kayak, SUP, and swim. Small sandy beach that gets super crowded.
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jfd
Scottsdale, AZ1,616 contributions
Beautiful spot in the Custer State Park. Great for a walk around the lake surrounded by huge rock formations. We had no issue with parking, also has a gift shop and small grocery store.
Written July 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TravelingBum52
United States2,362 contributions
Couples
This lake was the best one we found in Custer state park. It has lots of parking but it gets full quickly. There’s a large beach area. A couple of bathrooms in different areas
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
William O
Rapid City, SD2,608 contributions
Friends
This is by far the most scenic lake in the area. People love it, so expect a crowd. Often a bit hard to find a place to park but always worth the stop.
Written July 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rhondak56
Huron, SD31 contributions
Many great hiking paths in and near the lake. Black Elk Peak is a great hike as is Sunday Gulch Trail.
Written July 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sprout4
Louisville66 contributions
Gorgeous setting. Kayaks for rent. Swimming beach is a little small on a hot day. You aren't suppose to jump off the rocks. Hiking trails including Black Elk Peak accessible from the parking lot. Watch National Treasure 2 and maybe you will find the Lost City of Gold here too..
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
glee4533
Prosper, TX147 contributions
Hi, would you know if kayaking is permitted in Sylvan Lake?
theoljohnnyboy
New Florence, PA1,365 contributions
there is watercraft available to be rented though i cannot recall exactly what kind. i think they were kayaks or conoes
Beverly A
Dawsonville, GA48 contributions
I’m trying to plan a trip out next year and was wondering what the check in and check out times are.I have been looking at either Bluebell or Sylvan lake campground.
TonyChiro
Denver, CO6 contributions
Sorry, we did not camp at Sylvan Lake, but you can get information about camping throughout Custer State Park by searching "camping Custer State Park South Dakota" and you will see an official state website (which I was prohibited from providing as a link in this answer).
Tony
GetOutside
Saint Louis, MO100 contributions
Can two small tents (less than 8' x 8') be pitched on one campsite at Sylvan Lake? Or one small tent and one hammock?
eggersty
Eden Prairie, MN34 contributions
I didn’t camp there we only hiked around the lake.
Can I bring my grill and barbecue?
William O
Rapid City, SD2,608 contributions
Yes. There are lots of places to set up a grill.
Are there grills available in picnic areas?
Nancy G
Boyne City, MI311 contributions
I don't believe so, but there is a small sandwich shop/snack bar at the lodge.
I’m looking for a guided fly fishing trip for August 8th or 9th in or around Custer State Park. Any recommendations?
Alan N
Rapid City, SD495 contributions
You might call some of the fly shops around Custer or Hill City
Can you scuba dive in sylvan lake
daytonengineer
Dayton, OH190 contributions
If you do bring a dry suit, it’s really cold.
Chelpo4
Saint Louis, MO3 contributions
Is it $20 per person or car?
joselito1959
Coral Gables, FL1,100 contributions
It is per car!
So it’s worth it !
If you are doing to visit other parks around the area find out how it works because I believe that you can use it for other things also . Don’t remember now. Have a great time !
Chelpo4
Saint Louis, MO3 contributions
Is it $20 per person or car?
northernneckinn
Tappahannock, VA4,277 contributions
Sylvan Lake is free but to get there you have to pay entry into the Custer State Park which is $20 per car
Frequently Asked Questions about Sylvan Lake
- We recommend booking Sylvan Lake tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 13 Sylvan Lake tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Sylvan Lake:
- Mount Rushmore and Black Hills Tour with Two Meals and a Music Variety Show (From $119.00)
- Private limousine tours of Mt Rushmore or Badlands (From $266.00)
- Premiere Private Black Hills Tour: Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse & Custer State Park (From $370.00)
- Jeep Bison Safari + (Sylvan Lake-Needles-Iron Mtn) Public (From $249.00)
- Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills (From $98.26)
- Hotels near Sylvan Lake:
- (0.31 mi) Sylvan Lake Lodge
- (2.02 mi) Horse Thief Campground and RV Resort
- (6.31 mi) Dakota Dream Bed & Breakfast & Horse Hotel
- (5.33 mi) Bavarian Inn, Black Hills
- (3.39 mi) Rafter J Bar Ranch Campground
- Restaurants near Sylvan Lake:
- (0.17 mi) Sylvan Lake Lodge
- (5.72 mi) Skogen Kitchen
- (5.76 mi) Black Hills Burger and Bun Co.
- (5.71 mi) Begging Burro Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar
- (5.67 mi) Sage Creek Grille
- Attractions near Sylvan Lake:
- (0.11 mi) Sylvan Rocks Climbing School And Guide Service
- (0.91 mi) Black Hills National Forest
- (0.92 mi) Needles Eye
- (0.45 mi) Mount Coolidge
- (1.42 mi) Needles Highway