Sylvan Lake

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.

Visit Sylvan Lake

Activities

Reviews

Custer Travel Guide

Reviews of Sylvan Lake

4.6

Top Destination

5 - Excellent

295

4 - Good

110

3 - Okay

34

2 - Disappointing

1

1 - Terrible

2

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

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.

Panoramic view of The Needles on Needles Highway, Black Hills, near Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

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.

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

Crazy Horse Memorial

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.

Needles Highway

Enjoy an outing to Needles Highway during your stay in Custer. Amble around the area's scenic parks or seek out the horseback riding.

Horse Thief Lake

Explore the lovely green spaces of Horse Thief Lake and enjoy the horseback riding in Hill City. While in this family-friendly area, find time to visit its notable monuments.

Mount Rushmore

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.

Best Lodging Options Near Sylvan Lake

Check availability on hotels close to Sylvan Lake

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

Hill City SD

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

Custer SD

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

Custer SD

Rustic Rock Haven - Horses Welcome

Custer SD

The Haven-Rustic Secluded Cabin

Custer SD

Barrel Springs ★ Secluded Stay in a Wonderful Creekside Getaway ★

Custer SD

Tenderfoot Creek Cabin | 2 Bed, 1 Bath

Custer SD

Granite Springs | 2 Bed, 2 Bath

Custer SD

Lodge at Palmer Gulch

12620 HWY 244 Hill City SD

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.