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sylvan lake in south dakota

Sylvan Lake in the Black Hills

Granite spires, calm mountain water, and one of the most iconic landscapes in the Black Hills.

The short answer: Sylvan Lake is a 17-acre mountain lake inside Custer State Park, about 50 minutes from Rapid City, and you’ll need a park entrance license to visit. Come for the trail around the lake, a kayak or canoe, fishing, and swimming in summer. On our private Mount Rushmore and Black Hills tour, we stop at the Sylvan Lake visitor center for a restroom break and a chance to buy some food.
The lake holds brown trout and rainbow trout. Fishing is a popular activity here, and many visitors come to the lake to try their luck at catching a big one. The lake is also popular with swimmers, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches.
 
Swimming at Sylvan Lake is very popular during the summer months. In addition to these activities, there are numerous picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a meal and take in the stunning views. 
 
Hiking and biking are popular pastimes here, and the surrounding hills offer ample opportunities for exploration. Visitors can also go horseback riding or take a scenic drive through the Black Hills. Always be sure to check the weather of the Black Hills before setting out on a hike!
Sylvan Lake, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is an idyllic mountain lake that offers a breathtaking experience to anyone who visits. Nestled within the rolling hills of this region, the lake is surrounded by towering ponderosa pines and granite peaks.
 
The lake itself is incredibly serene and peaceful. Its crystal blue water sparkles in the sunlight and reflects off the surrounding forest, creating a stunning image. You may see wildlife around Sylvan Lake, including bald eagles, beavers, deer, mountain goats, marmots, and more. Nothing is guaranteed, so treat any sighting as a bonus, and stay at least 100 yards from any wild animal.​
 
In addition to being a great fishing destination, Sylvan Lake offers kayak rentals from the general store. This store offers a wide range of products, including groceries, camping gear, and souvenirs. The store is a great place to stock up on supplies before heading out for a day of hiking or fishing. You can also rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards at the Sylvan Lake boat launch, and motorized boats aren’t allowed on the lake. For those seeking more strenuous activities, numerous rugged trails are available, ideal for mountain biking or horseback riding. ​

Sylvan Lake Photos

sylvan lake in south dakota
sylvan lake with family
sylvan lake in the black hills
sylvan lake in the black hills
sylvan lake frozen
sylvan lake in the black hills

Winter at Sylvan Lake

black hills winter wonderland tour at sylvan lake
sylvan lake in the black hills
sylvan lake in the black hills
sylvan lake in the black hills
sylvan lake in the black hills
frozen sylvan lake and guests
Wintertime here is outstanding! It’s one of my favorite times to visit. Very few visitors are present during the winter, except ice fishermen.
 
The ice can get thick in a cold winter, but it changes from week to week, so check conditions before you step onto it and wear grippy shoes. Needles Highway closes to motor vehicles with the first snow of the season, so check road conditions before you drive in. If you’d rather leave the snowy roads to us, our private Black Hills Winter Wonderland Tour stops at Sylvan Lake.
 
The surrounding area also has plenty to offer visitors as well. Sylvan Lake Lodge is nearby and provides cozy accommodations and access to nearby attractions such as the Needles Highway, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Mount Rushmore.
 
Sylvan Lake Lodge Restaurant also provides great meals with beautiful views.
 
Nearby, there is Sylvan Lake Campground for a more primitive experience. You can swim and boat here in summer, and snowshoe and ski in winter. Our private Black Hills Winter Wonderland Tour stops here too, and this winter it runs December 1, 2026 through March 15, 2027.

Sylvan Lake Activities

  • Sylvan Lake Hiking – This is the center of many hiking trails. From the parking lot you can reach Black Elk Peak, Little Devils Tower, Sunday Gulch, the Cathedral Spires and more. 
  • Fishing – Sylvan Lake has an abundance of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout
  • Kayak Rentals – Book a  kayak or canoe reservation on Sylvan Lake.
  • Hiking – Hiking Trails range from mild to wild. Download and print the Custer State Park Trail Guide
  • Picnics – There are quite a few picnic tables scattered about. Come early and enjoy the scenery. 
  • Photography – This is one of the most photographed lakes in the Black Hills. Bring your camera!

7 Fun Facts About Sylvan Lake

  1. The lake is manmade. On the far end of the lake, there is a dam, and the trail around the lake takes you right behind it.
  2. It is 30 feet deep, with an average depth of 17 feet.
  3. Rock climbing is one of the most popular activities here. Keep your eyes out for climbers.
  4. The first Sylvan Lake Lodge was built on the far side of the lake. It burned down on June 30, 1935.
  5. Frank Lloyd Wright was set to build a new lodge, but his delays forced the board to choose a new architect.
  6. The Dam has a giant spigot at the bottom, which used to provide water for hydraulic mining operations.
  7. The begging burros in Custer State Park are the descendants of burros used to take visitors to Black Elk Peak

More Lakes of the Black Hills

The Black Hills region of South Dakota is home to some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the United States. From rugged mountains to deep valleys, the area is full of stunning landscapes that draw visitors worldwide. One of the most striking features of the Black Hills is its lakes and streams. In this article, we’ll explore some of the region’s most notable bodies of water.

Sheridan Lake

​Sheridan Lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping in the heart of the Black Hills. The lake covers over 375 acres and is home to various fish, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and perch. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and a swimming beach.

Deerfield Lake

​Deerfield Lake is another popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, with rainbow trout, brown trout, and lake trout all present. The area around the lake is also great for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.

Lake Pactola

Lake Pactola is the largest reservoir in the Black Hills, covering over 800 acres. The lake is a popular boating, fishing, and water sports destination. Visitors can enjoy sandy beaches, picnic areas, and hiking trails.

Lakota Lake

Lakota Lake is a smaller lake located in Custer State Park. The lake is popular for fishing, with rainbow and brown trout present in high numbers. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails and scenic drives in the area

Stockade Lake

Stockade Lake is located in the heart of Custer State Park and is known for its scenic beauty. The lake is popular for fishing, with rainbow and brown trout present. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and swimming beaches.

Horse Thief Lake

Horse Thief Lake is a small but beautiful lake located near Mount Rushmore. The lake is popular for fishing, with rainbow and brown trout present. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and horseback riding trails in the area. ​

Center Lake

​Center Lake is located in the heart of Custer State Park and is known for its peaceful atmosphere. The lake is popular for fishing, with rainbow and brown trout present. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails and picnic areas.

​Legion Lake

​Legion Lake is a scenic lake located in Custer State Park. The lake is popular for fishing, with rainbow and brown trout present. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and swimming beaches.

SEE OUR BLACK HILLS TOURS

Directions to Sylvan Lake

Rapid City to Sylvan Lake – 50 min
Keystone to Sylvan Lake– 34 min
Hill City to Sylvan Lake – 18 min
Custer to Sylvan Lake – 14 min
Deadwood to Sylvan Lake – 1 hr 26 min