Established Camping
Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park
About
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.
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
Crowded but worthwhile
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.
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Amazing Views
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.
Review for Bluebell campground
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.
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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