Sylvan Lake Tours

A gorgeous lake.
A gorgeous lake.
Do you see turtle rock?
Sylvan Lake, known as the "crown jewel" of Custer State Park, is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Created in 1881 when Theodore Reder built a dam across Sunday Gulch, it offers picnic areas, rock climbing, small rental boats, swimming, and hiking trails. It is also popular as a starting point for excursions to Harney Peak and The Needles. A hotel was operated on the shore of the lake in the early 20th century. The lake was featured in Disney's 2007 film National Treasure: Book of Secrets. The film made the lake appear to be located directly behind Mount Rushmore when in reality it is actually five miles southwest of Mount Rushmore.
This is my favorite spot in the Black Hills. Beautiful lake and hiking trails.
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.
Elk Haven Vacation Cabins

Elk Haven Vacation Cabins

3 out of 5
Price was $1,164, price is now $896 per person
$896
per person
May 3 - May 8
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR) to Rapid City (RAP)
9.8/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
This is a very well maintained and thoughtfully furnished and decorated cozy cabin close to everything but tucked away down a gravel road providing a sense of privacy set in a naturally rugged Black Hills landscape with beautiful starry dark night time skies. It is very pet friendly, has very comfortable beds, and is very clean. We would definitely stay there again!

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

Roosevelt s Retreat A Rough Rider s Haven

Roosevelt s Retreat A Rough Rider s Haven

2 out of 5
Price was $1,436, price is now $1,169 per person
$1,169
per person
May 3 - May 8
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR) to Rapid City (RAP)
No reviews
Washington s Quarters A Presidential Retreat

Washington s Quarters A Presidential Retreat

2 out of 5
Price was $1,424, price is now $1,160 per person
$1,160
per person
May 3 - May 8
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR) to Rapid City (RAP)
No reviews

Popular places to visit

Black Elk Peak South Dakota

Black Elk Peak

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Black Elk Peak during your travels in Hill City. Discover the area's mountain views and seek out the horseback riding.

Black Elk Peak
Panoramic view of The Needles on Needles Highway, Black Hills, near Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

The Black Hills

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at The Black Hills during your travels in Hill City. Discover the area's mountain views and shops.

The Black Hills
Will it ever be completed? It’s quite an endeavour. I enjoyed walking around the visitors centre.

Crazy Horse Memorial

4.5/5(916 reviews)

Find out about the history of Custer when you take a trip to Crazy Horse Memorial. Discover the area's notable monuments, or seek out its horseback riding.

Crazy Horse Memorial
Needles Eye Tunnel - on the Needles Highway in Custer Sate Park near Sylvan Lake - South Dakota

Needles Highway

5/5(35 reviews)

Enjoy an outing to Needles Highway during your stay in Custer. Amble around the area's scenic parks or seek out the horseback riding.

Needles Highway
Early morning at Horse Thief Lake in South Dakota near Mount Rushmore

Horse Thief Lake

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Explore the lovely green spaces of Horse Thief Lake and enjoy the horseback riding in Hill City. While in this family-friendly area, find time to visit its notable monuments.

Horse Thief Lake
0_TR005596

Mount Rushmore

4.5/5(1,529 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Mount Rushmore, a popular spot to commune with nature in Keystone. Discover the area's notable monuments, or seek out its horseback riding.

Mount Rushmore

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 SD
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 SD
Grandpa’s Place. Exclusive, Stunning, Private Log Home. Firepit & Pond.
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 SD
Cozy cabin near all the attractions in the Heart of the Hills! Pet friendly!
Rustic Rock Haven - Horses Welcome

Rustic Rock Haven - Horses Welcome

Custer SD
Rustic Rock Haven - Horses Welcome
The Haven-Rustic Secluded Cabin

The Haven-Rustic Secluded Cabin

Custer SD
The Haven-Rustic Secluded Cabin
Barrel Springs ★ Secluded Stay in a Wonderful Creekside Getaway ★

Barrel Springs ★ Secluded Stay in a Wonderful Creekside Getaway ★

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

Tenderfoot Creek Cabin | 2 Bed, 1 Bath

Custer SD
Tenderfoot Creek Cabin | 2 Bed, 1 Bath
Granite Springs | 2 Bed, 2 Bath

Granite Springs | 2 Bed, 2 Bath

Custer SD
Granite Springs | 2 Bed, 2 Bath
Lodge at Palmer Gulch

Lodge at Palmer Gulch

2 out of 5
12620 HWY 244 Hill City SD
Lodge at Palmer Gulch
See all 587 properties in Sylvan Lake
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.

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