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.

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.

Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park

Custer is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Custer campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your South Dakota camping adventure.

Custer

The Best Camping Near Custer, South Dakota

We were very happy with this campsite. The bathrooms and showers were some of the best we had ever seen in a campground. If your looking for a place to take a break from primitive camping for a night this is a good place to stop off. 
It was a little on the expensive side. You have to pay to get into the park and pay for the campsite. They also hit my CC with a $7 out of state fee. This make me a little angry at first as it was not clear that this fee was going to be applied. But we got over it and it turned out to be a very pleasant experience. There is a beautiful lake very close with plenty of places to hike. This is a very busy area so don't expect to be away from other people. Lots of other recreation in the area.  

Very nice facilities.

Our family stayed in a walk-in primitive tent site located on a woodsy hill at the top of Custer. Campsites have a decent amount of privacy, but you are still aware of your neighbors. Portable toilets were available at the bottom of the hill near the parking lot with shower facilities a short walk away. Showers and laundry facilities were well maintained. Sylvan Lake is beautiful and provides a full day of activities without having to drive anywhere else in the park. Our family enjoyed hiking, paddle boating, and swimming with gorgeous scenery all around.

Primitive Camping in Custer

This is a great family campground.  Close to Mt. Rushmore but honestly, you could spend a week at Sylvan Lake and never leave.  We brought a small 18ft Camper trailer and packed in Two adults and five kids.

The Campground is clean, the showers and toilets were clean and accessible. The campsites are spread out so you don't feel like you are on top of one another. Right next to the campground is Sylvan Lake and the Lodge with a great walking trail around the lake with beautiful scenery.  You can rent kayaks and paddle boats to go out on the lake, and there is plenty of fishing.

Don't wait until the last minute, this campground fills up quickly.  I booked my campsite 3 months in advance and there were only a few sites left.



Sylvan Lake is Awesome!!!

Sylvan Lake is absolutely gorgeous! We were there during a wedding and it was breathtakingly beautiful! We loved being there! 

Gorgeous 

This lake is beautiful, its one of my favorite places inside Custer state park. There are a ton of trails, all within easy walking distance. Make sure you pack plenty of water. Some of the hikes are pretty steep and South Dakota in notorious for fast changing weather. The lake itself can be pretty busy, especially during the weekend. Lot of people swimming and kayaking. Needles highway is a must if your in the area

Best campground in Custer State park

Pricey (entrance fee plus campground fee) but worth it. Beautiful lake with great access to hiking trails, and just a short drive to Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Nice campground, trailer lots seemed more level than tent sites. Some, not all, had tent pads. Nice clean shower house. Great starting point to hike Harney Peak and Cathedral Spires. 

Sylvan Lake- Custer State Park 

Custer State Park is a great  place to stay and explore. There are 5 lakes within Custer State Park, four of which allow boating. Swimming, fishing and hiking are all great ways to enjoy this park. Sylvan Lake campground is beautiful, and popular. If you are looking for a more peaceful camping experience, try one of the other campgrounds within Custer State Park. They are all beautiful though, you really can't go wrong!

Beautiful! Free roaming buffalo, begging burros. This place is stunning & fun.

Slyvan Lake is a great place to camp! When I went in Mid July, there was ONE spot left in the whole campground. I booked 1.5ish weeks in advance so if you want to stay here (which I suggest you do) plan ahead! There are showers around the camp ground and water pumps as well. The lake is a walk away or short drive. At the lake there is a general store with firewood. The lake loop is a cool, short hike. Just be careful jumping off the rocks, there are certain spots where it is totally fine but if you are feeling more adventurous and try to find a new spot to jump: simply don't. Me and my friends almost landed on a rock in the water we couldn't see, because we were being adventurous. 

Great-just book early

I have actually never camped her but have always wanted to, when I drive through it seems like the best place to camp, beautiful views and close to many hiking trails. I have hiked here though many times and am always amazed by what this park has to offer.

Crowded in the summer months but still worth the visit

We stayed here on our roadtrip out West! Came in through the Badlands, Custer state park is always a must to stop here because of all of the wildlife! I'm sure we will be back again soon!!

Road Trip

What a fantastic campsite within walking distance of picturesque Sylvan Lake. Reserve online and drive directly to the reserved site. No check in on site, but vehicle fee is required to enter Custer State Park. Site had a level tent pad and tons of privacy on the corner loop. Lots of trees and privacy around most sites. Hot, clean showers available within walking distance. Sunset at Sylvan Lake is incredible around the hiking trail. Watch out for marmots and buffalo when driving!

Gem in the Black Hills

Perfect location within Custer. Great facilities. Sone of the sites are hike in and some are pull in. 

perfect trail that leads right to Sylvan Lake


Perfect Location

When I reserved the site it was at least stated that there was an additional entrance fee on top of the out-of-state fee for the campsite. I did not dream it would be $20/week. It is a smallish campground of about 30 sites, but for some reason there are only 2 water spigots, and one is out of order. The working water is on the right as you drive in near the trail to the lake, hidden by a pedestrian crossing sign.

I had reserved a tent only site, but it should be labeled a walk- in site, and as such is over priced. Tents -only are consigned to park on a hill by the pit toilets and most sites are a good walk up a steep hill. I was lucky to have a short walk to my car but it was mostly too steep to use the kitchen I have set up in back and dealing with the bike rack was extra problematic.

There are nice bathrooms with flush toilets, running water and an electric outlet in the middle of the back-in site loop, down hill from the tent sites. There are 2 shower rooms with free unlimited lukewarm water.

The camground is guarded by a man who lurks slouching in a state owned pickup truck. Twice I asked him a question, which caused him to start the truck and speed away after talking to me. He may also be the campground host, as the truck was parked in an empty site across from the host RV.

Overall I felt this area of SD is set up to soak as much money out of tourists as possible.

Beware the entrance fee and tent-only sites

Sylvan Lake is stunning! The campground is popular, and people can reserve sites ahead of time by a year so you might not be able to depend on getting a spot the day you arrive, plan. I have been to Sylvan Lake twice in the past two years, and it was busy both times. There are many families at the campground and lake. When I was at Sylvan Lake this June ('18), the water was closed due to bacteria levels, which was disappointing. A nice swim after three hot days of backpacking would have been nice. The trail to Harvey Peak isn't far from Lake Sylvan. If you don't enjoy crowds and you are a hiker; I would suggest camping on one of those trails. Campsites need to be a certain distance from the Peak otherwise people can set up tents anywhere.

Beautiful but busy

This is a great area for reaching many trailheads in the Custer state park area. It is a main tourist spot during the summer months.

Beautiful, but Busy

best campground in Black Hills. good trails, beautiful lake, friendly atmosphere

We absolotely love this campground. It have everything, you can see buffalos, praire dog, deers. Good for spending time with kids. If you stay here, need to go and see the Mount Rushmere. They have a really nice panoramic route. 

Amazing!

Really only room for pop ups and tents. No RVs. Gorgeous scenery. 

Gotta rough it but worth it

Easy access and nicely laid out.  Being able to ditch the car and walk to hikes, the lodge and lake was so nice after a long drive.  The campground must be full from day one that it opens in the spring, but there is plenty of privacy.  If you have a larger trailer, some of the spaces required some expert level maneuvering to get into, but everyone managed to do it.  There was recycling available at the rubbish bins, so we were happy to unload them there.  Didn't see a lot of wildlife inside the campground, but enjoyed seeing the bison on the far side of the park.  Easy drives around the area and up to Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse.  We were in a minivan, so we fit easily through the smallest tunnels on the road.  I am not sure about our F250, and certainly NO motorhomes.  We plan to go back eventually and would definitely camp here again.

Walk to great hikes, lovely lodge and pretty little lake

This campground had beautiful sites with enough space between them to feel like you have a little privacy. We even saw some friendly marmots climbing up the rocks the first day. Close proximity to Sylvan Lake which includes swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and stunning rock formations. Also close to the Needles Highway. We took day trips to Mount Rushmore and Bear Country, where my kids got it feed baby bear cubs. You will be off the grid with no cell service up there so plan accordingly. Bathrooms were nice enough and showers were included but lacked hot water. Overall, a great camping experience!

Great location!

Great site in the Black Hills. Book early to get a good site. The hike in sites are recommended if you don't want neighbors. We were at site 17 - a hike in site - felt almost like we were in the wilderness, but flush toilets and a full service lodge and camp store within walking distance. We were there in July with few mosquitoes and low humidity. Great stargazing. This is higher altitude than most of Custer State Park, so lots of huge boulders and pine trees.

Spectacular views and solitude at hike in sites

**Campground review:** This lake is amazing! It makes the busyness of the road and the cost of the state park. We were staying there for a day and had to pay for a 7 day pass which was$20 just to enter the park. The campground is across the road from the lake and it is the perfect distance to there in about 2-3 mins.

  

 The sites are well covered but the campground is right next to the road so it is a bit loud on busy weekends. The general store at the lake was basically empty when we were there because it was a busy weekend but typically it is stocked with food and basic essentials. 

  



Sylvan Lake Campground

The campground is just a short walk from the lake and a short drive from everything on the state park and the town of Custer! The campground appeared to be very popular amongst RV campers so it got a little noisy. The camp host made sure to introduce himself mu first night and made sure I knew everything Custer State Park had to offer, which was great since I didn’t have a clue! I liked my site 30E because it was tucked away in a corner and I didn’t have to be fully around other groups in all directions. 

Convenient location! Good spot for a couple nights!

My uncle got married at Sylvan Lake, and we stayed in Sylvan Lake Lodge. It’s a short drive &amp; walk from the lake and staying at the lodge you had quick access to the different hiking trails. 

Sylvan Lake 

Best part of this place is the hiking in Custer St Park. The hiking around sylvan lake was absolutely amazing. Campground was fine. 

Fine campground near a beautiful lake

Hike-in site 17 is secluded with beautiful views, and still only 4 minutes from the car. You can access multiple hiking trails from the campground without needing to drive. We did Little Devil's Tower to Black Elk Peak.

Beautiful spot in the Black Hills

Between the kayaking at Sylvan Lake, the resort amenities, hiking in Black Elk Wilderness, Black Elk Peak, this area is great. Needles Eye, Rushmore, nearby.

Amazing site with natural & historical adventures

I messed up my schedule and sadly only spent one night here. It was truly a beautiful park and the campsites were well laid out. Very packed due to Sturgis being the same time back in August. (Didn't realize I planned at the same time) even with being very busy the area was great. Sylvan lake was gorgeous and the hike up to Black Elk Peak was beautiful. Would highly recommend. Raspberries grow along the trails and are a nice midhike snack. Bring water as it takes some time. Great views! Nice facilities at this campsite as well.

Spend more than a day here!

This campground was small yet spaced out sites. The best part of this campground was its location. Easy hike down to Sylvan Lake and Store &amp; laundry mat. The lake does seem like it would be very busy in peak summer days. We can’t just as the campground opened up in May. It is also on the scenic highway through Needles Eye Tunnel.  Beautiful rock formations in every direction and a rock climbers heaven for sure!!  

Scenic Wonderland

What a beautiful lake to view right along Needles Highway in the beautiful Black Hills!

There were many people canoeing &amp; the place was packed with people but it was worth stopping to see.

A wedding was taking place while we were there.  What beautiful views they had for photos!!

Beautiful Lake & Views

This campground was really nice! We had one of the spots that was more out in the open and close to our neighbors, but the sites on the outside of the middle loop were much more private. The bathroom was super clean and the showers were individual rooms that could be locked. I really like those! 

  

The walk in tent sites were some of the coolest I have ever seen! There is a vault toilet at the entrance for the tent walk in sites, but it appeared that everyone was coming to the much nicer flush toilets! 

  

There is a trail that leads from the campground down to the lake. I highly recommend strolling along that trail early in the morning as it is so peaceful! 

  

The campground is also only about a mile or so away from the popular needles tunnel. You can't go wrong with this campground. I am so glad that we lucked up on a couple of nights here!

Walking distance to Sylvan Lake!

This campground is one of the best . We snagged an awesome site that was large , wooded , secluded , and quiet . The area was beautiful with the Needles and the wildlife drives that were spectacular with buffalo , pronghorn ,and deer in your face. Very close to major attentions such as Mt Rushmore , Crazy Horse Monument , Wind Caves National  Park , and the Badlands . The lake is a jewel with a great hike and granite spires bordering the end of the lake - postcard perfect . I also hooked 5 wild rainbows !! We will return 

A top 10 campground

Campground is beautiful. If you have a tall rv be careful as there are many tunnels that limit vehicles. Sites are well wooded. Clean bathrooms and hot shower. 

Beautiful 

We love Custer State Park and Sylvan lake is beautiful! It’s also v close to some excellent hiking and the Needles hwy but other than it’s wonderful location, this isn’t our fave campground in the park. 

It’s busy and loud here. Although there aren’t that many sites, they are quite close together and not much privacy. Lots of folks coming and going, kids being loud doing their kid thing and plenty of people up late laughing and talking. It all felt respectful and everyone having a good time but not the vibe we hoped for. 
There are put toilets as well as flush toilets. Showers were not hot but that may have been a one off, I’m not sure. General store, lodge and lake are walkable on a small dirt path. 

Busy but great little campground  

Beautiful scenery with loads to do. I wish I could have stayed a few more nights. The lake is gorgeous. The trails are clear. Endless fun 

Does not get better than this

I was unable to pick Bluebell as this is where we stayed, but it is only a few miles from Sylvan Lake. Sylvan lake is amazing to swim in. We spent the afternoon jumping in off the rocks. Amazing views from the elevation. Any of the campgrounds in Custer state park provide great camping near many attractions. 

Review for Bluebell campground 

Stayed here in late May, it was freezing so be prepared but some of the best views I’ve seen. The drive from Mt Rushmore to the campsite was incredible, and some great hiking just around the campsite. Sylvan Lake is also gorgeous.

Amazing Views

I wasn’t expecting the crowds but the trails and views made it worthwhile. Thursday and Friday were better in terms of crowds but most were there for the lake.

Crowded but worthwhile

Beautiful scenery with loads to do. The drive from Mt Rushmore to the campsite was incredible

play [uno online](https://unoonline.co/) there with my friends too.

Good Experience

Stunning scenery with so much to explore! I only wish I could have stayed a few more nights. The lake is absolutely beautiful, the trails are well-maintained, and the fun feels endless. [download minecraft pocket edition](https://pocketeditionapk.com/)

great experience

My family camped at a walk in site. It was about .15 miles uphill to the site. A bit of work to get everything up the hill but it was worth it. The views and seclusion were amazing. There are huge rocks my kids enjoyed scrambling up. They said it was the best camp site they’d ever stayed at - and I agree. 

Incredible Walk-In Sites

I only gave this a four star because they were replacing the roads while we were here with no notice. I would have stayed somewhere else as opposed to listening to asphalt trucks and excavators all day. 

That being said the area is beautiful. The lake is a MUST see and our specific campsite is one of the best. There are LIMITED services here tho. No dump site and the potable water fill station requires you block the road. Electric only at our site, very unlevel, hard to get into. Recommend a small rig than us, we were at 25 ft with two slides. 

Photos of Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park

Real photos from real campers