Sylvan Lake, located in the northwest corner of Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is a small high-altitude reservoir encircled by massive granite boulders, ponderosa pines, and sculpted rock formations. Sitting at approximately 6,200 feet elevation, the lake provides a mountain setting unlike most of South Dakota's landscape. The granite shoreline — a jumble of boulders some weighing hundreds of tons — frames the water on most sides and creates glassy morning reflections of the surrounding Black Hills when the surface is calm. Visitors swim from the rocky shore and a small sandy beach; kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at the Sylvan Lake Store during summer. A 1-mile loop trail encircles the entire lake through the boulders, offering close-range scrambling on the granite and repeated water views. The Black Elk Peak Trail (formerly Harney Peak Trail) begins from the Sylvan Lake parking area; at 7,244 feet, Black Elk Peak is the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States, and the 7-mile round-trip trail passes historic stone fire lookout tower ruins with panoramic views into four states on clear days. Sylvan Lake Lodge, operated within the park, provides lakeside cabin accommodations and a restaurant open to day visitors for breakfast and lunch. The lake and surrounding area served as a filming location for the 1990 Kevin Costner film Dances with Wolves. Summer campsite reservations for the Sylvan Lake campground, steps from the shore, fill many months in advance for peak July and August dates.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24 hours; lodge facilities vary
- Best time
- morning for glassy water reflections
Location
Sylvan Lake Shore Rd, Custer, SD 57730
43.8301, -103.5694 View on map
Highlights
- High-altitude lake ringed by massive granite boulders at 6,200 ft elevation in Custer State Park
- Black Elk Peak Trail begins here — highest point east of the Rockies at 7,244 ft, 7 miles round-trip
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals from the Sylvan Lake Store in summer
- 1-mile granite scramble loop trail circling the entire lake shoreline
- Sylvan Lake Lodge with lakeside dining open to day visitors
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 8am for glassy water reflections and an uncrowded granite shoreline
- The Black Elk Peak hike (7 miles round-trip) requires sturdy footwear and 4–5 hours; start by 8am to avoid afternoon thunderstorms
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals operate from the Sylvan Lake Store typically late May through Labor Day
- Sylvan Lake campground books months in advance for July and August — reserve at recreation.gov
- Admission to Sylvan Lake is included in the Custer State Park vehicle pass ($20–35)
When to visit
Early morning (6–8am) for the calmest lake surface and uncrowded boulders. Summer (June–August) for swimming and paddleboard rentals. Fall (September–October) for lighter crowds and autumn color in the surrounding forest before the store closes for the season.
Accessibility
The Sylvan Lake parking area and store are accessible. The 1-mile loop trail around the lake involves climbing over granite boulders and is not wheelchair accessible. The restaurant at Sylvan Lake Lodge has accessible seating. The Black Elk Peak trail is a backcountry route with no accessibility accommodations.
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Frequently asked questions
Can visitors swim at Sylvan Lake?
Yes — swimming is permitted from the rocky shoreline and the small sandy area. No lifeguard is on duty; swimming is at personal risk. The water remains cool even in summer due to elevation.
Is the Black Elk Peak hike suitable for families?
The trail is manageable for children aged 8 and up with reasonable fitness. It is 7 miles round-trip with 1,100 feet of elevation gain — allow 4–5 hours and start early to avoid afternoon storms.
Is Sylvan Lake open year-round?
The lake area is accessible year-round, but the store and equipment rentals close after Labor Day. Ice can form in winter and surrounding trails remain hikeable in most winter conditions.