Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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

There were many people canoeing & 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!!

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 & 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!!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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. 

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

excellent!

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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!!

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.