Sylvan Lake was easily one of the highlights of our trip to South Dakota and one of the most…read morebeautiful places we visited in the Black Hills. The scenery here is absolutely breathtaking. Crystal-clear water is surrounded by massive granite rock formations, towering pine trees, and some of the most picturesque landscapes you'll find anywhere in the region. One of our favorite parts was walking around the lake on the easy Shoreline Trail. The trail is well maintained and offers incredible views from every angle. We also enjoyed walking across the historic stone dam, which provides a fantastic vantage point for photos and a great perspective of the lake and surrounding rock formations. What makes Sylvan Lake special is that it's the perfect destination for almost everyone. Whether you enjoy hiking, photography, kayaking, swimming, rock scrambling, or simply relaxing in nature, there's something here for you. The area is clean, well cared for, and easy to access. The location is also an excellent starting point for hikers heading to Black Elk Peak, but even if you don't plan to do a longer hike, the lake itself is worth the visit. If you're exploring Custer State Park or driving the Needles Highway, don't miss Sylvan Lake. It's one of those rare places that looks even better in person than it does in photographs. Highly recommended! Check out our video on our socials @reessroots

This is an awesome campground within an incredible state park…read more We stayed two nights at Sylvan Lake Campground and were really impressed, especially by how clean everything was! I couldn't believe how spotless the bathrooms were every single time I went in, it was perfect. The electric sites are fairly close together, so if you're looking for more privacy, I'd recommend the walk-in sites. The unfortunate thing about the walk-in sites are the more secluded sites (like #16, #17, and #21) require a bit of an uphill trek. It's not a long walk, but it does take a little bit of effort to get everything up there. That said, Site #21 was one of the best campsites I've ever stayed in, it was worth the extra sweat. The only reason I'm giving this place four stars is because the trail to the walk-in sites is very rough. They do provide a wheelbarrow to help carry your stuff, but the terrain is so rocky that using it seemed like more trouble compared to just walking your stuff up. Overall we enjoyed our stay and everyone was so quiet, it really felt like it was just you in nature.

Stayed 4 nights in a tent site with electricity on site & water nearby. Also nearby were clean…read morerestrooms with HOT showers, campfire wood, & ice for the cooler. Beautiful, nice, relaxing setting with the old time steam train coming right by the area at 10 mph during the day (giving tours). Super close to an adorable little touristy town, Mt Rushmore, Deadwood, and Sturgis. Great choice & highly recommend!

Supposed to stay 2 nights, stayed one! Just a gravel road on the side of the road! Sites are…read morebunched up and the water was horrible! Was close to Mount Rushmore!

This place is a hidden gem. Honestly, if you were driving super fast and wasn't paying attention,…read moreyou'd probably miss the entrance. Luckily, sister was with me so she was able to guide to me. There are a lot of rock climbers in the area and camping here is completely FREE. There are two pad for tents but people pretty much camp whereever they like. There are hiking trails nearby and trails to climbing areas. Stayed here for a week and a half and I felt like I didn't get to explore it enough. I really didn't want to come home. No woods or fire allow so don't even bother bringing them. You might also want to consider bringing your own toilet papers too. There are toilet papers, however, so many people stop by that by midday or evening there's hardly any left. Behind the bathroom, you can scramble to the top for the perfect sunset view. I must say, my favorite climb from Wrinkle Rock is the Second Hand Rose Arete. It's bolted (sport climb) and would highly recommend it! It's fun one! This place also isnt far from the Needles, Middle Earth, Custer state park. We drove up every morning and I had a blast. Sylvan lake is gorgeous and while you're at it hike to Black Elk Peak (Harney Peak), you won't regret it! Just make sure you bring LOTS of water! Northwest from Wrinkled Rock, there's Horsethief Lake which is absolutely gorgeous. I was soo jealous of the little kids on paddleboard. Definitely stop by!

Located RIGHT outside Mount Rushmore, this climbing area has FREE camping areas. There were only…read moreabout 3 sleeping pads (about 10ft X 10ft) and they are on a first come, first serve basis. The idea is low impact camping: no fires, pit toilet, ect. We spent one night here on our way through the area and it was perfect.

Nice quaint campground just north of Hot Springs, SD. We have a 39 foot travel trailer, and there…read morewas plenty of room for it and the truck within the pull in camp sites. First, the hospitality and management are down to earth. Very friendly and were able to answer all our questions. They have a small store with some basics.. mustard, ketchup, and beer to name a few items. Very friendly. Second, the campsite was very reasonable considering full hookups and pull through. The campsites do share water, meaning one main water faucet that is split between two campsites. The pressure isn't a problem at all. Our problem was that my camper's water was on the front left of the camper. Given the sharing, my original 20 or so foot water hose couldn't reach. Our fault for not having an extension, but we ended up having to park the other way with the camper to hook up the water. Bottom line: we are newbie campers, so just make sure you have an extension. Lesson learned. They do have a cool little lake/pond that offers fishing and swimming as well as boat rentals. Water is clear and they have it sectioned off to prevent swimming too deep. Finally, you are within 5 or so minutes of Cold Brook Reservoir, an Army Corp of Engineers recreation area. They have a super nice beach, and facilities there. You are also within minutes of the cool little town of Hot Springs. If you are looking for a cool and out of the way campground with all the amenities, check this place out!

This is a hidden gem! Wow I was so impressed with the grounds, the Rv hook up and the lake. I kept…read morecontinuing my stay it was so great. There is a lot of unique things to do in the town of hot springs. I enjoyed the camp ground having walking trails. Every evening I was able to sit on the hill in a quiet and peaceful place to meditate. The lake is super clear and feels amazing, I felt like the water was healing. There is water sports activities to rent. There is cute cabins if you don't have an RV. There is laundry and a store to get things you need. My dogs loved going walking around the lake and the trails. I felt like I was in a high end resort with all the amenities. The price is rather cheap for what all your getting. The views and the environment are very peaceful! If your looking for a place in the black hills this is one that is worth the drive from the parks and gives you so much serenity.

Riders beware before you book READ THIS!…read more We booked this spot based on the website stating "trail access" . I ended up calling due to questions around the permit needed to access trails. I was told to purchase one in town at the Conoco or somewhere else that sells them, ok fine no problem any other places that sell them?? Silence on the phone....crickets...ok ...then I asked about the trail access, hoping to get a site close to it because we have a side by side and I was told, and I quote "oh that trail is very small ", ok, how do we access the the other trails, "I am not sure you would have to call and find out ", really, you don't know the trail system but advertise trail access and have utv/atv pictures plastered on your website. Frustrating. When I said let me speak with my husband we may cancel if we can't access the trails, response was "ok"....huh?!? I mean, your not even going to ask me how you can help or get me a number or I mean just anything helpful? NOPE! She then went on about possible snow at the tree line and that we most likely couldn't ride, but to call and find out, nothing provided to help me find this out! How do you NOT know this, you have trail access? So again, why doesn't it say "seasonal" trail access or a disclaimer to verify trail access with maybe a link or something....anything!?? She then tells me, your UTV has to be licensed, street legal to ride the road to the other trails, but still doesn't know where they are but most likely closed. Small trail map on thier website but when I asked about this trail, wasn't sure if that was a trailhead or the small one she told me about, frustrating. Now, I fully understand, the person who was speaking to me, who was very nice and very pleasant, could be wrong or not understand trails, but for $65 dollars a night and a permit fee on a "hope" to ride, just no. I feel the website is misleading, staff not informed about trail system, SMH. Now, on the site they have a small trail map, is that the trail they are referring to the is small or is this a trail head, is there another trail, THEY HAD NO CLUE. I am aware that as a rider you have to do research, ultimately it's up to us to find trail maps, know the laws etc...but don't advertise trail access and you can't tell me where, how to access, how far is the trail, is it open.....basic questions, should have answers. We have been on a ton of trails, ORV parks, traveling through the US riding and each place provided so much more information, extremely helpful. We canceled at this Campsite due to lack of help or information. Booked today at 9:50am, called with questions then decided to cancel at 12:30pm same-day, still charged $25 dollars to cancel, I understand about covering cost and time, but honestly your staff is not well informed to help riders feel confident in booking/staying.

The workers were friendly. The facilities were well-maintained. The bathrooms are super clean and…read morehome-like. They are using best practices to avoid the spread of Corona virus. It is walking distance to: gas station, Dollar General, train museum/ride, post office, shops, and restaurants. It is about a 10 minute drive to Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument. In any direction you go, you'll find signs to mark hiking trails. It is literally on the Mickelson Trail. It is also 15-60 minutes from other cities/towns that have attractions.

This place should be a national park, in my opinion!…read more Going in to it with an open mind is important--wild animals are, in fact, wild and can't be predicted or controlled! That being said, you're almost guaranteed to see SOMETHING. We were lucky enough to get stuck in a bison jam, see the burros and a number of deer and prongtails. Get up early or take a drive around dusk if you miss the wildlife during the day. It's a beautiful, diverse park. Needles highway is a must do and is so cool to see the rock formations. Starting after the wildlife loop and driving to Sylvan Lake was amazing and the lake offered a great break from the car. We wish we would have planned for more time at the lake and come prepared with swimsuits, etc! Even if just visiting for a day, I think the $25 park entrance fee is worth it. But if you have the time, plan to take your time and spend more than one day here!

Don't forget to pack fresh apples and carrots before hitting up CSP's wildlife loop ;)…read moreCuster SP is a beautiful must-visit. Begging burros, Sylvan Lake, Needles Hwy's narrowest tunnels, bold geese, prairie dog town. Amusing sights for all! Thought I followed all of National Treasure's instructions at Sylvan Lake. Maybe you'll have better luck unlocking that treasure cavern haha . Couldn't find anyone at the pay station entrances to ask some questions ;) + Restrooms and a few water bottle refill stations throughout the park. Thanks again Stan for the suggestion!

What a fun campground. The people who work here are so nice and helpful. If my grandsons were with…read moreus we would have never left the campgrounds. It looked like other kids were panning for gold and other things. We stayed in a cabin and it was nice and cozy. Slept with the windows open and got a good breeze. It's dog friendly too. Right in the middle of black hills national forest. Great place to stay for sure.

Would leave zero stars if I could. For starters the Wi-Fi sucks. When we approached the guy at the…read morefront desk about it he said "we need to learn how to use our phones" and fixed the problem temporarily. 15 minutes later we had the same issue with Wi-Fi. So the next morning the water is OFF for some reason, meaning showers and toilets not working. So we decide to cut our stay short and leave the next day. Would they refund my Credit Card for the 2 more nights we booked and didn't use? NO! "Sorry no refunds" I was told. This place is pitiful. Do not stay here. Stay at KOA from now on.