Sylvan Lake Lodge
A picturesque lake in Custer State Park, South Dakota, surrounded by granite formations, offering water activities, hiking, and a historic lodge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & secure parking
Sylvan Lake Lodge
Best Time
Beat the crowds & secure parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque lake in Custer State Park, South Dakota, surrounded by granite formations, offering water activities, hiking, and a historic lodge.
"Sylvan Lake is absolutely beautiful and one of my favorite parts of the trip!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Get there early to snag a spot and the best beach areas.
🛶 Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals
Rentals are first-come, first-served. Head to the Lodge store early to secure yours!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal-Clear Waters
Sylvan Lake
Breathtaking lake surrounded by granite formations, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Iconic Needles Highway
Access road to Sylvan Lake
Scenic drive with stunning rock formations and unique tunnels, leading to the picturesque Sylvan Lake.
Sylvan Lake Lodge
Lakeside
Historic lodge offering cozy rooms and cabins with beautiful views, a perfect base for exploring.
Wildlife Encounters
Surrounding Custer State Park
Keep an eye out for bison and marmots in the area, adding a wild element to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Sylvan Lake
Lodging & Connectivity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Get there early to snag a spot and the best beach areas.
🛶 Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals
Rentals are first-come, first-served. Head to the Lodge store early to secure yours!
📵 Limited Connectivity
Expect spotty phone service and Wi-Fi, especially in cabins. Plan accordingly.
🥾 Hike to Black Elk Peak
The trailhead for Black Elk Peak is near the lodge, offering a great hiking opportunity.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Get there early to snag a spot and the best beach areas.
🛶 Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals
Rentals are first-come, first-served. Head to the Lodge store early to secure yours!
📵 Limited Connectivity
Expect spotty phone service and Wi-Fi, especially in cabins. Plan accordingly.
🥾 Hike to Black Elk Peak
The trailhead for Black Elk Peak is near the lodge, offering a great hiking opportunity.
🍽️ Anniversary Dinner Spot
The lodge restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with great views and personal touches.
☀️ Watch the Marmots
Enjoy morning coffee watching marmots warm up on the rocks near the lodge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of Sylvan Lake and its surroundings, often calling it a highlight of their trip. The lodge's historic charm and prime location are appreciated, as is the quality of dining. However, some guests found the lodge accommodations and service to be overpriced and lacking, with uncomfortable beds and inconsistent housekeeping. Connectivity issues are also a common point of mention.
"Stellar location. Made dinner reservations then went to their lakeside location to rent a boat and paddle the lake. There was no one in the rental office and nobody inside could help us. We hiked around the lake and returned and after some time someone finally was able to help us. After our paddle we went to the lodge for dinner. The bar and area around the fireplace was very nice and many people were relaxing there. We were seated in the dining area and from the start it was clear that the servers moved at a very relaxed pace. Only one of the 3 we saw seemed to move with clear purpose. After our small plates arrived our server never checked back with us until our meals were obviously finished. The Buffalo Chislic we ordered was seemingly way overdone as the meat was very chewy and the breading/coating was very hard. I will say that the French fries served with it were the closest knock off of McDonalds French fries I’ve had. Dessert was tasty. We had high expectations of a historic lodge. The aesthetics were there but the food and service did not meet expectations."
Al Fairfield
"Our stay at Sylvan Lake Lodge was just what we were looking for. This is a good location and the view was beautiful.
Our stay was short, but we made the most of the scenic drives through the park and everything we saw was relatively close.
We did have a wonderful breakfast. The food was delicious.
We want to especially recognize Cameron, our waiter. He took a few minutes to take a picture of us right outside the lodge and we just want to say "thank you" to him."
Sherrill Aubuchon
"Beautiful area. Stayed in a cabin which was great except no wifi or cell service. Wish that had been known ahead. Restaurant good on Friday but not great on Monday. It is located on a very windy road so we stayed on property at night."
Karen Wirrig
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sylvan Lake is located within Custer State Park, South Dakota. It's accessible via the scenic Needles Highway (SD Highway 87). Many visitors drive their own vehicles, and parking can be found near the lodge and lake.
Needles Highway typically closes seasonally due to snow, usually from late fall through spring. Always check the official Custer State Park website for current road conditions and closures before your visit.
While public transportation directly to Sylvan Lake is limited, some shuttle services may operate within Custer State Park during peak season. It's best to check with the park for current shuttle information.
Driving the Needles Highway is a highlight, but it's also popular for cycling and motorcycle tours. Take your time to stop at overlooks and enjoy the unique granite formations.
Yes, Custer State Park requires an entrance fee per vehicle. This fee is typically valid for a week and allows access to all areas of the park, including Sylvan Lake.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You do not need separate tickets for Sylvan Lake itself, but an entrance fee is required for Custer State Park. This fee covers access to the lake and surrounding areas.
Sylvan Lake Lodge and its associated store and rental facilities operate seasonally. Hours can vary, so it's recommended to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, advance booking for Sylvan Lake Lodge rooms and cabins is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, as accommodations can fill up quickly.
Discounts may be available for annual park passes or specific group rates. Check the Custer State Park website for any applicable discount information.
Entrance passes can typically be purchased at the park's entrance stations upon arrival. Some online purchasing options might also be available through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Sylvan Lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and hiking. The lodge also offers a great base for exploring the surrounding Black Hills. +1
Yes, Sylvan Lake is a popular spot for swimming, especially during the warmer months. The water is clear and refreshing.
Absolutely! The trailhead for the popular Black Elk Peak trail is located near Sylvan Lake Lodge, offering a challenging but rewarding hike with panoramic views.
Yes, canoe, kayak, and SUP board rentals are available on-site at Sylvan Lake. Rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis and follow the Lodge store hours.
Sylvan Lake is a very popular destination and can get quite busy, especially during peak season and on weekends. Arriving early is recommended to avoid the largest crowds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Sylvan Lake Lodge has a fine dining restaurant offering delicious meals with beautiful views. There's also a general store for snacks and casual options.
The restaurant offers a seasonal menu, often featuring dishes like salmon and chicken medallions. They also have a delightful Lemon Cello Martini.
Yes, it's a great spot for special occasions like anniversaries, with friendly staff and a lovely ambiance, especially on the patio.
While not explicitly mentioned, the scenic beauty of Sylvan Lake makes it an ideal spot for a picnic. You can pack your own food and find a scenic spot to enjoy.
Dining hours are seasonal and can vary. It's best to check the Sylvan Lake Lodge website or call ahead for the most current operating hours.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire area around Sylvan Lake is incredibly photogenic, with its granite formations, clear water, and surrounding pine forests. The Needles Highway also offers stunning scenic overlooks. +1
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly magical.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national and state parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the specific regulations for Custer State Park before flying a drone.
The area around the lodge provides excellent vantage points. Exploring the trails around the lake will reveal numerous unique perspectives of the granite spires and water.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A polarizing filter can help enhance the colors of the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that rentals are first-come, first-served, so heading out early is key to ensuring everyone gets a chance to enjoy the water. The surrounding park offers opportunities for easy hikes suitable for younger children, and the chance to spot bison can be a thrilling experience for kids. 💰 Budget Travelers
💍 Couples & Elopements
The Sylvan Lake Lodge restaurant is a perfect choice for a romantic anniversary dinner, complete with attentive service and delightful martinis. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Sylvan Lake: Activities and Adventures
The lake's clear, cool waters make it a refreshing escape during warmer months. For those who prefer to stay on land, the area offers numerous hiking trails. The most notable is the trailhead for Black Elk Peak, the highest point in South Dakota, which starts near Sylvan Lake Lodge. This hike provides challenging terrain but rewards adventurers with breathtaking panoramic views of the Black Hills. Beyond the lake itself, the surrounding Custer State Park is teeming with natural beauty and opportunities for exploration. The Needles Highway is a must-drive, featuring dramatic granite spires and unique tunnels that offer stunning photographic opportunities.
For a more relaxed experience, simply lounging by the lake and soaking in the picturesque views is highly recommended.
Sylvan Lake Lodge: History and Hospitality
It provides a range of accommodations, from modern rooms to rustic cabins, each offering a comfortable stay with varying degrees of proximity to the lake. Despite potential minor drawbacks, the lodge's prime location is undeniable. It sits directly on the shores of the stunning Sylvan Lake, providing guests with immediate access to its recreational activities and breathtaking scenery.
The lodge also houses a fine dining restaurant that has received praise for its delicious food, friendly staff, and personal touches, making it a popular spot for special occasions. It's important for visitors to be aware of the connectivity limitations at the lodge and surrounding cabins. Phone service and internet can be unreliable, which, while contributing to a peaceful escape, may require planning for those who need to stay connected.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit