Sylvan Lake

A gorgeous lake.
A gorgeous lake.
Do you see turtle rock?
Sylvan Lake, known as the "crown jewel" of Custer State Park, is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Created in 1881 when Theodore Reder built a dam across Sunday Gulch, it offers picnic areas, rock climbing, small rental boats, swimming, and hiking trails. It is also popular as a starting point for excursions to Harney Peak and The Needles. A hotel was operated on the shore of the lake in the early 20th century. The lake was featured in Disney's 2007 film National Treasure: Book of Secrets. The film made the lake appear to be located directly behind Mount Rushmore when in reality it is actually five miles southwest of Mount Rushmore.
This is my favorite spot in the Black Hills. Beautiful lake and hiking trails.

Reviews of Sylvan Lake

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
295
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
110
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
34
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Definitely a MUST SEE!! Absolutely breathtaking!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This is a great area to take a short walk around the beautiful lake.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Don't go on the bus tour if you want to go here. We didn't even stop. Said it was too crowded.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Very crowded!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Pretty.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

So crowded. Not like the old days...

Popular places to visit

Path to Crow Peak #TakeAHike

The Black Hills

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at The Black Hills during your travels in Hill City. Discover the area's mountain views and shops.

The Black Hills
Will it ever be completed? It’s quite an endeavour. I enjoyed walking around the visitors centre.

Crazy Horse Memorial

4.5/5(916 reviews)

Find out about the history of Custer when you take a trip to Crazy Horse Memorial. Discover the area's notable monuments, or seek out its horseback riding.

Crazy Horse Memorial
Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota

Mount Rushmore

4.5/5(1,529 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Mount Rushmore, a popular spot to commune with nature in Keystone. Discover the area's notable monuments, or seek out its horseback riding.

Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore featuring outdoor art and art

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Visit this popular landmark in South Dakota to see firsthand the enormous sculptures of four U.S. presidents carved into a mountain.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Needles Eye

5/5(64 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Needles Eye during your travels in Custer. Discover the area's notable monuments, or seek out its horseback riding.

Needles Eye

Black Elk Peak

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Black Elk Peak during your travels in Hill City. Discover the area's mountain views and seek out the horseback riding.

Black Elk Peak

Best Lodging Options Near Sylvan Lake

Cozy cabin near all the attractions in the Heart of the Hills! Pet friendly!

Cozy cabin near all the attractions in the Heart of the Hills! Pet friendly!

Custer SD
Cozy cabin near all the attractions in the Heart of the Hills! Pet friendly!
Grandpa’s Place. Exclusive, Stunning, Private Log Home. Firepit & Pond.

Grandpa’s Place. Exclusive, Stunning, Private Log Home. Firepit & Pond.

Custer SD
Grandpa’s Place. Exclusive, Stunning, Private Log Home. Firepit & Pond.
The Haven-Rustic Secluded Cabin

The Haven-Rustic Secluded Cabin

Custer SD
The Haven-Rustic Secluded Cabin
Spring Creek Splendor. The Perfect Location. Private Lower Level Apartment. Fun!

Spring Creek Splendor. The Perfect Location. Private Lower Level Apartment. Fun!

Hill City SD
Spring Creek Splendor. The Perfect Location. Private Lower Level Apartment. Fun!
Tenderfoot Creek Cabin | 2 Bed, 1 Bath

Tenderfoot Creek Cabin | 2 Bed, 1 Bath

Custer SD
Tenderfoot Creek Cabin | 2 Bed, 1 Bath
Granite Springs | 2 Bed, 2 Bath

Granite Springs | 2 Bed, 2 Bath

Custer SD
Granite Springs | 2 Bed, 2 Bath
Lodge at Palmer Gulch

Lodge at Palmer Gulch

2 out of 5
12620 HWY 244 Hill City SD
Lodge at Palmer Gulch
The Hynes Cabin- 1925 Renovated Classic with Stunning Views

The Hynes Cabin- 1925 Renovated Classic with Stunning Views

Hill City SD
The Hynes Cabin- 1925 Renovated Classic with Stunning Views
Hottub Haven: Sauna + Firepit + Enjoy Wildlife

Hottub Haven: Sauna + Firepit + Enjoy Wildlife

Custer SD
Hottub Haven: Sauna + Firepit + Enjoy Wildlife
See all 587 properties in Sylvan Lake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.