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

1,811 reviews

Google

4.8

• By whitneyleann07

  We went to Sylvan Lake after hiking and wanted to cool off. The water was freezing even in the dead of summer! There were a lot of families there, so it is a good place to get together. Hiking trails ...  more »

• By 439tylerh

  View was absolutely gorgeous! The trail around the lake was fairly easy. There were some rocks you had to climb. I would highly recommend adding this to your todo list! There were a few trails to choo...  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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