We are Ryan and Monica Hoffmann, proud parents of special needs children. It took a long time to get here, but we have been to 33 US states in the past 4 years and we are just warming up.
Sylvan Lake in South Dakota has very few peers, and takes its place in the uppermost pantheon of heavenly lakes in the United States. The best part? Unlike Lake Tahoe, Crater Lake, and Lake Powell, most folks haven’t figured it out. In this article we’ll talk about all the things to do at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park.
The picturesque Sylvan Lake SD brings every component one could want to a body of water — stunning beauty, geological variety, assorted activities, and easy access. Moreover, it does so with a “locals only” intimacy amidst all the Black Hills tourism.
From the moment we stepped out of the car, this gorgeous, lakeside setting captured our complete attention. It is a stunning confluence of water, forest, and boulders, as whimsical, dramatic and wholly mesmerizing as any we’ve ever witnessed.
Sylvan Lake in South Dakota lives amidst the granite boulders that enunciate Custer State Park. If you are unaware, Custer State Park is one of the most beautiful parts of the United States, and is an absolute must-do when driving cross country.
Related Article: The Best Things to do in Custer State Park
One can only imagine this picturesque valley before a lake existed, when the Sunday Gulch creek rolled across the grassy floor and disappeared behind a massive wall of rocks.
Everything changed when a man by the name of Theodore Reder had the vision — and ten thousand sacks of concrete — to create this magnificent oasis in 1881. From the backside of the lake you can get a good look at the 30′ high dam. If you like, you can walk out onto it via the little bridge you see centered in the photo below.
To take it all in, walk the circumlocutory path that ducks behind the boulders at the back of the lake. The path is one mile long and full of surprises.
On the backside of the boulders is access to the Sunday Gulch Trail (more on that later). If walking isn’t your thing, you can swim, fish, rock climb, kayak, or picnic to your heart’s contentedness.
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Sylvan Lake, South Dakota is an active lake that maintains serenity even when the crowd arrives. During the peak months the parking lots will fill, especially during Sturgis, but even so the vibe is chill.
We suggest blocking a full day to fully enjoy all there is to do at Sylvan Lake SD. A splendid way to spend your time would be a morning hike followed by a few hours boating or swimming around the lake. There is lodging if you want to stay here, and a campground as well.
Swimming: On the east side of the lake is a charming man-made beach. There are no ropes to designate the swimming area, but the off-shore rocks lend some definition. While shade and grass is in short-supply here, those that arrive early will grab what is available.
Cliff Jumping: Beside the swimming area, a rocky prominence almost dissects the lake and offers some of the best views in the area. If you’re feeling up to it, swim out and scale one of the tiny rock islands and show off your cliff jumping skills.
*I know an ER nurse that worked at Monument Hospital in Custer for years. He said their emergency room frequently treats the broken ankles and cracked skulls of imprudent lake-goers that didn’t investigate the landing before they jumped. So be ye warned — look before ye leap!
Seriously. People hurt themselves jumping off these cliffs. Please be careful.
Rock Climbing: Around the lake and in the surrounding wilderness are opportunities to rock climb and boulder. Rather than name drop routes and posture we have real knowledge of classification systems, “It’s a sick 12v dihedral, bro,” we’ll include some links to local climbing sources here and here.
Kayaking / Paddle boarding: On the south end of the lake, a small flotilla of colorful kayaks are docked beside the reeds. You can rent them, as well as canoes, or paddle boards, from the Custer State Park Resort.
Fishing: Folks fish from shore all along the circular path. A boat launch is located between the two parking lots (rowboats only).
Lodging: There is no end to the places you can stay in the Black Hills. Custer State Park and Sylvan Lake, South Dakota are as good (or better) than any. Cabins and lodges are available.
Campgrounds are also available here. Tent sites are $15, and RV sites w/ electric are $30.
Get Married: Our first trip to Sylvan Lake, South Dakota there was a sweet wedding (two photos up). What a beautiful place to get married! Check it out.
Black Elk Peak is the highest point in South Dakota, and probably the best hike in the state. The hike is 6 miles RT and moderate, with significant elevation gain in the last mile. The trailhead is located near the east parking lot by the restroom.
The views from the top are pretty epic.
Related Article: How to Hike Black Elk Peak, South Dakota.
The Sunday Gulch Trail (below) is a strenuous, three-mile loop on the backside of Sylvan Lake, South Dakota. The trailhead is found behind the large boulders on the north end of the lake. On your way down into the gulch you will scale boulders and descend staircases with the help of handrails. The trail can be steep in places, and in the springtime it can become submerged with the water from Sylvan Lake.
The pathway has sections of moss-covered rock that are beautiful. At times you will have to cross the stream on rocks, logs, or footbridges. And remember, what goes down must come up, so be prepared to huff and puff on the ascent.
Related Article: A Complete Guide to the Black Hills of South Dakota
This might be our favorite place in the Black Hills.
The buffalo herds of Wind Cave National Park, Mt. Rushmore, and the Devil’s Tower are all incredible points of interest, but we find ourselves wanting to come back to Sylvan Lake, South Dakota, again and again. We’ve been three times, and in two days we will visit again at sunrise. Hopefully there will be blue skies to photograph this time.
We love the Black Hills of South Dakota. In two weeks our job has us headed to Charleston, South Carolina, so we will spend our remaining days here as judiciously as possible.
Sylvan Lake, South Dakota is special — four visits special.
So if you’re wondering if Sylvan Lake is worth visiting, stop wondering! It is amazing.
And if you want to learn about all the other things to do in the region, check out The 20 Best Things to do in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Thank you for stopping by our website! We are the Hoffmann family, a full-time RV family that has split residence in Seattle, Washington and San Antonio, Texas. We have special needs children that we homeschool, and work travel assignments for the Veteran Affairs Hospital. If you would like to learn more about us, check out our Start Here and Biography pages. In the meantime, God bless and travel happy!
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