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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We only had a few hours at Custer, so we didn't get to spend a whole lot of time at the lake. We did do the Sylvan Lakeshore Trail - short and sweet. Beautiful area, wish we could have spend more...
We only had a few hours at Custer, so we didn't get to spend a whole lot of time at the lake. We did do the Sylvan Lakeshore Trail - short and sweet. Beautiful area, wish we could have spend more... more »
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We stopped here after a thrilling drive on Needles Highway. The lake area offers picnic tables, rock climbing, paddleboard and kayak rentals, swimming, and hiking trails. Rentals available at gift...
We stopped here after a thrilling drive on Needles Highway. The lake area offers picnic tables, rock climbing, paddleboard and kayak rentals, swimming, and hiking trails. Rentals available at gift... more »
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Loved it, swam it,dogs loved it, dogs swam it, kids loved it, kids swam it. Beautiful surroundings. CHECK IT OUT!!
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Very pretty lake it was foggy so we didn't stay long
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