

Sylvan Lake Lodge Rooms
At the top of Needles Highway (elev. 6,145 feet) historic Sylvan Lake Lodge's location was selected by Frank Lloyd Wright. The 1938 stone and timber building still boasts many of the beautiful original building elements.
Check AvailabilityYou Don't Want to Miss This View
Stay at Sylvan Lake Lodge and see Custer State Park's crown jewel for yourself. Rich in history and natural beauty, the lodge is situated in a spot suggested by architect Frank Lloyd Wright—within a hillside forest of pine and spruce trees, in harmony with the beauty of the rugged landscape. This stone and timber lodge sits atop the sloping hills and the breathtaking beauty of Sylvan Lake.
The original Sylvan Lake Hotel was a stopping point for adventurers hoping to scale Black Elk Peak, the highest point in America east of the Rockies. Some of the finest trails lead from Sylvan Lake to the peak, including the challenging Black Elk Peak Trail and the more moderate Sunday Gulch Trail.
Rent watercrafts, go fishing, or take a swim at picturesque Sylvan Lake. It also serves as a stunning backdrop for wedding receptions and other events.





Deluxe 1-Bedroom King Suite
King Suite, Jack & Jill layout. Bedroom, living room with sofa sleeper, shared walk-in shower.
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Premier Corner King
Spacious Corner King with private balconies featuring forest views of Sylvan Lake.
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Premier Queen/Queen
Peaceful private balconies shine in these two-queen rooms with a dual bathroom layout.
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Premier Queen/Queen, Accessible
Accessible room with two queen beds and a spacious roll-in shower.
Learn More- Located along Needles Highway, part of Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway
- Elev. 6145 feet
- Only lodge in Custer State Park with an elevator
- Sylvan Lake is geographically within 500 feet from the lodge; approximately 3/4 mile via paved route
- Walking path 1000 feet to the lake; moderate terrain
- Sylvan Lake Lodge was recently featured online in 2023 National Geographic Travel
- The east wing of lodge rooms have been entirely rebuilt since the 2021 fire
- The wing of lodge rooms that opened with the hotel in 1937 have been renovated
- 24-hour on-demand coffee machine in the lobby
- 24-hour Front Desk
- First floor ice machine & soda vending machines
- Seasonal Artist-in-Residence located in the lobby
- Elevator
- Ground-level entrance to the Lodge, Front Desk & Restaurant
- Ramp from exterior side door available for accessible entrance to the lodge rooms & the elevator
- Four steps from the lobby to the first floor of hallway rooms and elevator
- To-go orders available from the Restaurant or from Sylvan Store (lakeside)
- Guest laundromat, general store, and watercraft rentals are available down by the lake
- Complimentary Wi-Fi signal in the lobby only. Cell service is limited throughout the property. Signal strength varies.
Specific room amenity lists can be found within each of the room descriptions. A full review of room details for specifics is encouraged.
- Small in-room refrigerator, microwave, hair dryer, alarm clock with USB outlets
- Flat-screen TV
- Four (4) down-alternative polyester fiber-filled pillows per queen bed, suitable for guests with allergies
- Serta 12" Plush Bed Mattresses with PillowSoft Aire and Cool Twist Gel Foam. Rated a "5" on a hardness scale of 1-10, which is in the middle of not too soft and not too hard.
- Stayover housekeeping service available upon request
- Fitted sheet, flat sheet, and fitted polyester blend duvet coverlet
- Sheets, pillows & blankets for sofa sleepers
- Extra blankets available from the Front Desk
- In-room toiletries include soap, shampoo, conditioner
- See specific room descriptions for a full list of in-room amenities
- Check-in after 4pm
- Check-out before 10am
- In order to accommodate guests with allergies, our lodge rooms are rented pet-free
- $10 for rollaway/pack-n-play per night - Available in Select Units. Limited availability.
- When you book a room, the cost of your room for the first and last night (plus tax) is required as a deposit. We will refund your deposit if you cancel your reservation at least 15 days before the arrival date. A $25.00 cancellation fee will be deducted from your refund.
Private Balconies
A stay at Sylvan Lake Lodge is not complete without taking in the full surroundings. Upgrade to a Queen/Queen Balcony or King Balcony room for some of the most private Custer State Park balcony rooms offered. You might have neighbors, but you won't see them; and they won't see you as you relax outside your room.

Unbeatable Location
Between the crisp, fresh air at 6,145 feet, the gently-winding roads, and the pure rugged landscape surrounds, the skyline location of Sylvan Lake Lodge reigns as Custer State Park's crown jewel. While the lodge does not sit lakeside due to the elevation, mesmerizing Sylvan Lake is within 500 feet as the crow flies, or a quarter-mile moderate-terrain walking path from the Lodge. Read more about Sylvan Lake Lodge's history here.

Lodge Area
Stay at Sylvan Lake Lodge and see Custer State Park's crown jewel for yourself. Rich in history and natural beauty, the lodge is situated in a spot suggested by architect Frank Lloyd Wright—within a hillside forest of pine and spruce trees, in harmony with the beauty of the rugged landscape. This stone and timber lodge sits atop the sloping hills and the breathtaking beauty of Sylvan Lake. Spend the day hiking, fishing, swimming with the store available for conveniences and the Restaurant serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. View a property map here.
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How to Book a Room at Sylvan Lake Lodge
We're so excited for you to come join in the adventure. Book your stay online below, or call our reservations team for assistance.