It is no secret that people from around the country (and the WORLD) come to South Dakota for our world-class outdoor recreation, so where does one go for a more secluded and less crowded oasis? We recommend Bismark Lake in South Dakota, a remote and peaceful getaway:

Located 5 miles south of Custer, the surprisingly quiet Bismark Lake (not to be confused with THAT Bismarck) is a hidden gem that is arguably one of the most overlooked attractions in the Black Hills region!
Thomas W/TripAdvisor
Nestled away amidst the Black Hills' aspen and ponderosa, Bismark Lake features clean and clear water plus ample opportunities a la wildlife sightings, kayaking, hiking, and more.
Belinda Fowler/Google Reviews
Do you love to fish? Then you will love Bismark Lake, which is stocked full of rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, catfish, and sunfish.
Aaron Lemke/Google Reviews
Do you need another reason to visit and love Bismark Lake? You can even camp there in your tent, RV, or trailer!
U.S. Forest Service - Black Hills National Forest / Facebook
No matter the time of year, there is never a wrong time to stay at (or at least visit) the secluded Bismark Lake.
U.S. Forest Service - Black Hills National Forest / Facebook
To learn more about the beautiful Bismark Lake - including a link for campground reservations - please visit the Bismark Lake page on the U.S. Forest Service website.
ELKW/TripAdvisor
From Custer, Bismark Lake and its campground can be accessed by taking Route 16A east for 4.7 miles and turning left (north) on the dirt road.
U.S. Forest Service - Black Hills National Forest / Facebook


Enjoy a virtual tour of Bismark Lake in the Black Hills of South Dakota in this video from Black Hills Lake Challenge:

Bismark Lake in South Dakota is a tranquil quiet lake that is just perfect for enjoying a fun camping trip with the family. Or, take that someone special and book a cozy log cabin in Custer, SD to make it a fun weekend getaway. If you know of another remote lake in South Dakota, tell us all about it with a comment.

Do you have a favorite attraction, event, or restaurant that you would like to see featured here on Only in South Dakota? Tell us about it on our nomination page! For even more to see and do while you are visiting Custer State Park, be sure to check out the one-of-a-kind park in South Dakota where you can see wild burros up close.

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More to Explore

More South Dakota lakes to enjoy

Chris Muras | June 23, 2023

What are some peaceful lakes in South Dakota?

Not all lakes need to be massive bodies of water crowded with tourists. Sometimes a good lake is one you have nearly all to yourself. Here are some peaceful lakes in South Dakota to enjoy:

  • Sylvan Lake: Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park is one of our favorite SD lakes. The hiking trails around the lake give you some incredible views of the surrounding area. If you enjoy a quick stroll around a beautiful lake take the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail that wraps around the lake on a 1.1-mile loop.
  • Pactola Lake: If you crave epic views like a one-year-old after his first bite of cake, Pactola Lake will deliver. It is the largest and deepest lake (technically a reservoir) in the Black Hills National Forest. One thing we enjoy about this lake is horseback riding around the lake on some of the designated trails. It is also a pretty hot spot for catching lake trout.
  • Dry Lake: With a name like Dry Lake one might be gearing up to be disappointed - who wants to visit a dry lake? It is a natural lake in South Dakota near Florence, SD that does on occasion dry out. But when you arrive and it is filled to the brim with cool calm water you know you are in for a treat as the sun sets like a volcano on this beautiful lake.
  • Deerfield Lake: Another one of our favorite kayaking lakes, this hidden gem only allows non-motorized boats so it is very peaceful. Whether you bring your fishing pole and have a lazy day on the lake or you cruise from end to end on your SUP, this is a beautiful lake in the Black Hills.

 

For even more lovely lakes to explore check out our ultimate list of the best lakes in South Dakota.

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Bismark Lake, West Custer Township, SD 57730, USA