Trip Planner:   USA  /  South Dakota  /  Custer  /  Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake, Custer

4.8

#2 of 17 in Parks in Custer

Water Body Nature / Park Must See

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Known as the crown jewel of Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake offers views of the Black Hills that showcase the sweeping pine forest as a backdrop for dramatic rocky outcroppings along the lakeshore. Created in 1881 when Theodore Reder built a dam across Sunday Gulch, the lake offers swimming, paddle boating, fishing, and picnicking, along with access to rock climbing and hiking trails. The lake sits at the base of Harney Peak, the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains; you can use it as a starting point for excursions to the peak and the park's drive along The Needles highway. Film fans may recognize the site, which was featured in the 2007 movie "National Treasure: Book of Secrets." Plan your visit to Sylvan Lake and a wealth of other attractions, well-known and undiscovered, using our Custer vacation planner.

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Sylvan Lake Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

1,817 reviews

Google

4.8

• By BurgerHatSummers

  Dear readers, When I was a younger lad and we visited the Black Hills for Boy Scouts, one of the first places we visited was Sylvan Lake. I retained those fond memories of climbing rocks, exploring.....  more »

• By HunterScout

  It was beautiful and so was the weather. Walked the Sunday Gulch Trail and saw some very beautiful vistas. Take drinking water and wear good hiking books/shoes to climb over rocks and through water....  more »

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Google

• By Dan Binder

  A beautiful setting. We had a great day climbing and hiking and swimming.

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• By Breanna Taylor

  Great lake for the family! Bathrooms, grills around the lake, great fishing from shore, and a clean beach.

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