Established Camping
Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park
Sylvan Lake Campground, near Custer, South Dakota, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some modern conveniences. With its picturesque setting and access to stunning views, it’s a popular choice for campers who appreciate both beauty and adventure.
The campground features well-wooded sites that provide a sense of privacy, though some visitors noted that it can get a bit crowded during peak times. Clean bathrooms and hot showers are available, making it easy to refresh after a day of hiking or swimming in the beautiful Sylvan Lake. One camper remarked, “The lake is gorgeous. The trails are clear. Endless fun.”
For outdoor enthusiasts, the area is a treasure trove of activities. You can hike the nearby trails, explore the scenic Needles Highway, or simply relax by the lake. Many campers rave about the breathtaking views and the variety of wildlife, including buffalo and deer, that you might encounter during your stay.
While the campground can be lively, with families enjoying their time together, it’s also a great base for exploring the surrounding attractions like Mount Rushmore and the Badlands. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer adventure, Sylvan Lake Campground offers a memorable experience in the heart of the Black Hills.
Description
State Park
Anyone who has camped at Sylvan Lake campground in South Dakota’s Custer State Park knows that Black Hills camping doesn’t get much better than this. Sylvan Lake Campground is one of eight designated campgrounds in Custer State Park, and one of the best public land destinations for camping in the Black Hills of southwest South Dakota. The region’s expanse of dense forests, rolling prairies and granite mountain peaks (the very same peaks that were used to form Mount Rushmore) offer photo-snapping tourists and laced-up explorers alike a chance to dive into the ecology of the American West. For campers looking for a comfortable and convenient basecamp for diving into the region’s scenery and activities, Sylvan Lake campground is the place to be for many reasons. First, the 40-site campground offers access to the popular swimming spot of Sylvan Lake, where campers might feel inclined to spend their entire stay on the rocky beach of this scenic body of water. There’s also access to multiple hiking trails, suitable for all skill levels, including a trail that takes you to the curious and beautiful Black Elk Peak, the highest summit-able point east of the Rocky Mountains. Both a family-friendly spot and a hardcore adventurer’s playground, Sylvan Lake is Black Hills camping for everyone.
Location
Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park is located in South Dakota
Address
13329 US Highway 16A
Custer, SD 57730
Coordinates
43.84358085 N
103.56308028 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Contact
General Info
Reservations