Sylvan Lake Tours

Photo by Jayne Hope
Photo by Amy Graham
Photo by Ronald Wilson
Photo by Hobo Ahle
Photo by Lynn Glashauser


Enjoy some time out from busy concrete cities at Sylvan Lake. This is an ideal place to fill your lungs with fresh air, unwind and simply delight in the scenery.

When you've spent a bit of time at this body of water in Custer, why not make your way to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Presidential Trail? They're close to Sylvan Lake and also a favorite with travelers.

Plan a trip to see Sylvan Lake

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Brookside Motel by Belvilla Keystone Near Mt.Rushmore
The Lodge at Deadwood Gaming Resort
Peaceful Pines 5 BR Home with Jacuzzi

Reviews of Sylvan Lake

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
295
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
110
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
34
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

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


Best Lodging Options Near Sylvan Lake

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

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

Hill City
Spring Creek Splendor. The Perfect Location. Private Lower Level Apartment. Fun!
Grandpa’s Place. Exclusive, Stunning, Private Log Home. Firepit & Pond.

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

Custer
Grandpa’s Place. Exclusive, Stunning, Private Log Home. Firepit & Pond.
Barrel Springs ★ Secluded Stay in a Wonderful Creekside Getaway ★

Barrel Springs ★ Secluded Stay in a Wonderful Creekside Getaway ★

Custer
Barrel Springs ★ Secluded Stay in a Wonderful Creekside Getaway ★
Tenderfoot Creek Cabin | 2 Bed, 1 Bath

Tenderfoot Creek Cabin | 2 Bed, 1 Bath

Custer
Tenderfoot Creek Cabin | 2 Bed, 1 Bath
Rustic Rock Haven - Horses Welcome

Rustic Rock Haven - Horses Welcome

Custer
Rustic Rock Haven - Horses Welcome
Granite Springs  | 2 Bed, 2 Bath

Granite Springs | 2 Bed, 2 Bath

Custer
Granite Springs | 2 Bed, 2 Bath
Cozy cabin near all the attractions in the Heart of the Hills! Pet friendly!

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

Custer
Cozy cabin near all the attractions in the Heart of the Hills! Pet friendly!
Lodge at Palmer Gulch

Lodge at Palmer Gulch

2 out of 5
12620 HWY 244, Hill City, SD
Lodge at Palmer Gulch
Papa’s Place on Willow Creek

Papa’s Place on Willow Creek

Custer
Papa’s Place on Willow Creek
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.

Things to do near Sylvan Lake

Discover the beauty of Sylvan Lake with a variety of activities such as hiking on nearby trails, enjoying the thrilling vibes of adventure, and wildlife watching. For those seeking more excitement, visit the Canyon Ski Hill for exhilarating experiences. Whether you're exploring the stunning scenery or engaging in outdoor sports, Sylvan Lake offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for every visitor.

Shopping

Sylvan Lake offers unique shopping at Things That Rock and Granite Sports, both located 6 miles away. If you're up for a drive, visit Rushmore Mall, 25 miles away, where you can enjoy a variety of shops and entertainment options in a vibrant setting.

Recreation

At Rocky Knolls Golf Course, enjoy a serene round of golf surrounded by nature's beauty, just 7 miles from Sylvan Lake. For family fun, Holy Terror Mini Golf offers exciting adventures and challenges, also 7 miles away. Experience vibrant glow-in-the-dark fun at Putz n Glo, located 14 miles from Sylvan Lake.

Adventure

Experience the scenic Presidential Trail, a 5-mile hiking adventure filled with breathtaking views. Enjoy family-friendly camping at Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground, located 10 miles away, or challenge yourself with rock climbing at Sylvan Rocks Climbing School, also 10 miles from Sylvan Lake.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Rushmore Tramway Adventures for thrilling arcade fun, or enjoy a captivating performance at the Black Hills Playhouse and Grand Magic Show, both offering cultural and family-friendly entertainment just miles away from Sylvan Lake.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Sylvan Lake

When visiting Sylvan Lake in Custer, South Dakota, you'll find a variety of attractions including symbolic landmarks, memorials, and stunning rock formations. This destination is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and breathtaking scenery. Be sure to explore the serene lake views and consider staying at one of the local hotels for a comfortable experience near Sylvan Lake, making your trip both enjoyable and memorable.

  • Mount Rushmore: This iconic landmark features the carved faces of four U.S. presidents, symbolizing American history and ideals. Located only 6 miles from Sylvan Lake, it offers cultural vibes and stunning views of the Black Hills.
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial: A short 6-mile trip from Sylvan Lake leads you to this incredible memorial, where you can explore the rich history and artistry behind the monumental sculptures. It's a perfect blend of culture and natural beauty.
  • Crazy Horse Memorial: Situated just 3 miles away, this massive mountain carving honors Native American heritage. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, it provides outdoor vibes and a chance to learn about indigenous culture.

Best time to go to Sylvan Lake

The best time to visit Sylvan Lake is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January23.9°F (-4.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately Low
February22.5°F (-5.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March33.6°F (0.9°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately Low
May50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
June62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighModerately High
July69.6°F (20.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighModerately High
August68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageModerately High
September60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
October44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
November34.0°F (1.1°C)No RainMostly SunnyLowModerately Low
December24.3°F (-4.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sylvan Lake

To save money on your trip to Sylvan Lake, plan your visit during the off-peak months of January, April, or November when hotel prices are lower. Aim to book your stay on a Wednesday for the best rates. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly accommodations and consider booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future bookings. Also, explore free outdoor activities around the lake to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Sylvan Lake is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Sylvan Lake are January, April and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sylvan Lake is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Sylvan Lake is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool empowers you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can easily sort the results to display hotels from the lowest to the highest price, ensuring you find the most affordable options first. Additionally, you have the ability to filter your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Sylvan Lake hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia