Top 19 Lakes in Custer County

Among the most popular lakes in Custer County, Redfish Lake Marina stands out as a top spot, offering facilities for hiking, camping, mountain biking, and water sports. Sawtooth Lake, located at the base of Mount Regan, is another highly visited natural monument within the Sawtooth Wilderness. Visitors also appreciate Alpine Lake for its scenic beauty and proximity to Sawtooth Lake.

Yes, Redfish Lake Marina is an excellent choice for families, offering white sand beaches, boat rentals, and a ferry shuttle. The nearby Redfish Lake ferry dock and campground also provides family-friendly facilities and activities. For a quieter experience, Center Lake in Custer State Park is known for its peaceful atmosphere, shaded campsites, and accessible swimming beach, making it ideal for families.

Custer County's lakes are set amidst stunning natural features. You'll find alpine landscapes, massive granite outcrops, and ponderosa pine forests, especially around Sylvan Lake. Many lakes, like Sawtooth Lake and Hell Roaring Lake, are natural monuments with breathtaking viewpoints. You can also discover waterfalls, such as those near Middle and Upper Cramer Lake and Goat Falls & Goat Lake.

The lakes in Custer County offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, camping, mountain biking, and various water sports like paddle boating, kayaking, and fishing. For detailed routes, explore the Hiking in Custer County guide, the Cycling in Custer County guide, or the MTB Trails in Custer County guide.

Absolutely. Many lakes serve as trailheads or are part of extensive trail networks. For instance, Sylvan Lake is a popular starting point for excursions to Black Elk Peak. You can also find trails around Legion Lake and Stockade Lake. For more challenging hikes, the area around Sawtooth Lake and Alpine Lake offers intermediate trails, often requiring a wilderness permit. Discover more options in the Hiking in Custer County guide.

Anglers will find excellent opportunities in Custer County. Bismarck Lake, just outside Custer State Park, is a favorite for rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, catfish, and sunfish. Sylvan Lake is regularly stocked with trout, and Legion Lake and Center Lake also offer good fishing spots.

Boating options vary by lake. Stockade Lake is the largest in Custer State Park and is notably the only one where motorized boats are permitted. For non-motorized options like paddle boats and kayaks, Sylvan Lake, Legion Lake, Center Lake, and Bismarck Lake are excellent choices, with Bismarck Lake operating under no-wake restrictions for a peaceful experience.

Yes, to hike into the Sawtooth Wilderness, which includes lakes like Alpine Lake, Sawtooth Lake, and Middle and Upper Cramer Lake, you need to obtain a wilderness permit. These are typically available at the trailhead.

The best time to visit largely depends on your desired activities. Summer is ideal for swimming, boating, and enjoying full access to all facilities. However, some high-elevation lakes like Sawtooth Lake can remain frozen into early summer. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures, beautiful scenery, and fewer crowds, perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing.

For a more tranquil experience, Center Lake within Custer State Park is smaller and less known, offering a peaceful atmosphere. Bismarck Lake, located just outside the southwest side of Custer State Park, is another serene and secluded spot, perfect for quiet mornings, wildlife viewing, and stunning sunsets.

Facilities vary significantly between lakes. Popular spots like Redfish Lake Marina offer extensive amenities including camping, bike rentals, and water sports. Legion Lake provides cabins, a restaurant, a general store, and watercraft rentals. Center Lake and Stockade Lake feature campgrounds, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Many lakes also have swimming beaches and fishing piers.

Yes, swimming is a popular activity at several lakes. Sylvan Lake, Legion Lake, Center Lake, and Stockade Lake all offer designated swimming areas or beaches, providing refreshing dips during the warmer months.