Lakes of the Black Hills

Although there are quite a few lakes in the Black Hills and Custer State Park region, we're going to list some of the most notable. As far as lakes in South Dakota go, they are rated by size. Large, medium and small. All lakes in the Black Hills region are classified as small with one exception, Pactola Lake. The Lakes of the Black Hills are managed, interestingly all artificial and most recreational. They provide beautiful areas of fishing, swimming and as you can see, viewing. Our lakes are stocked with trout, but also have pike, bass, and yellow bullheads.

A fishing license Is required in the Black Hills and surrounding areas, but looking and swimming are free. All lakes have trails to hike, and a dam at one side. These lakes are remarkable, with some being dammed up with private or local money, and many others created with the aid of the  Work Projects Administration and its predecessors - The Civil Works Administration, Federal Emergency Relief Administration and the Works Progress Administration. Many men and women worked hard to create the beautiful lakes of this area. 

Sylvan Lake

Widely recognized as the most beautiful lake in the Black Hills, Sylvan Lake is named by Mrs. C. C. Crary, who's husband was "one" of the original locators of this lake. It was originally a lumber mill utilized to build the Lodge at the northeast corner of the lake. It's since burned down, but some of the foundational pieces remain. You can see them if you hike the loop around the lake. On the back side, you'll find the dam. At the base there is a large spicket. This was used for hydraulic mining in the area, and the lake provided plenty of pressure to carry out the work. In Latin, sylva means "wood" or "forest" and is connected to Sylvanus, the Roman God of the woods and fields. Today the term sylvan generally means living or located in the woods.

THere's limited parking due to its popularity, picnic tables, restrooms and a general store. You can rent Kayaks, Paddle Boards or canoes for the family to enjoy. Fishing is allowed here as well. 

Legion Lake

A beautiful lake that is nine miles north of Custer. It's named after the American Legion, which used to operate a summer resort on its shores. In size it's fairly big. Surrounded by Ponderosa Pine, cabins, picnic tables, a general store across the street and even an old fashioned gas station. Legion Lake is a great place for recreation and picnicking. You can swim, kayak or fish on Legion Lake. Inside the convenience store you can buy a fishing license, and if that's not your thing access to Centennial Trail is nearby. 

Center Lake

Center Lake has a long history for those miners and hikers that would trek around the Black Hills. It was a stopping point for some, in part because there aren't as many people that come to visit. This can be a big plus for some, and it's situated amongst the tall Ponderosa Pines off of Playhouse Road. There's a good beach to swim from, and non-motorized boating can be enjoyed here. Rainbow, brown and tiger trout live in the waters along with largemouth bass, bullhead, northern pike, catfish and bluegill. 

Stockade Lake

Stockade lake is one of the most popular and stunning lakes in the Black Hills. It's about 9.5 miles from Custer State Park. It boasts 130 acres and is one of the few lakes that allows motorized boating. A dirt trail on the north side of the lake takes you to an overlook with a covered picnic area built by the Civilian Conservation Corp. It's worth checking out and the views are great. Quite a few fish call stockade lake home, including bass, yellow perch, northern pike, black crappie, rainbow trout, bluegill and white sucker. The name stockade comes from the nearby reconstructed stockade that the first prospectors used to protect themselves from Native American attacks, as they were on Lakota Land.  

Horsethief Lake

Just about anywhere you see the name "Horse Thief" in the Black Hills, you can almost count on it being related to Lame Johnny and his band of thieves. Lame Johnny made quite a name for himself, with Horse Thief Creek running though Horse Thief Park and into Horse Thief Lake. Another artifical Lake, it sits behind Mount Rushmore and you drive across the dam that holds the water back in this popular area for families.