Bismark Lake

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from May through late fall, closing for winter.

About

Bismarck Lake Campground provides a peaceful retreat in the Black Hills National Forest, situated at 5,000 feet among aspen groves and ponderosa pine on the southeast edge of Bismarck Lake. The campground features widely-spaced sites that open to lake views, offering privacy and natural beauty. Access to the campground is through Custer State Park near the West Highway 16A entrance. The lake itself supports excellent fishing for rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, catfish, and various sunfish species. A short foot trail traverses the forested shoreline, perfect for morning birding or afternoon picnicking. A boardwalk with fishing piers extends along the water's edge. For more ambitious hikers, Black Elk Peak, the highest natural point east of the Rockies, is accessible as a challenging day hike from the campground. The area is rich in wildlife, with bighorn sheep in mountainous terrain and elk, deer, and pronghorn in forests and prairies. Bald eagles, hawks, osprey, and peregrine falcons are commonly spotted. The campground sits within easy reach of iconic Black Hills attractions including Custer State Park's buffalo herds, Crazy Horse Monument, Wind Cave National Park, and Jewel Cave. The scenic Needles Highway begins just a couple miles away.

Directions

In Custer, SD, at the intersection of State Route 89/US Route 16A and US Route 16/US Route 385, take US Route 16A east for 4.8 miles past the Custer State Park entrance to the Bismarck Lake campground sign. Turn left at the sign into the campground.