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Hiking and Outdoor Adventures Near Lake Park Campground

With Trail Locations, Distances, and Links—Plus a Bonus Guide to the Badlands!

Dreaming of camping near Custer State Park, SD, and searching for the best cabins near Mt Rushmore? Lake Park Campground & Cabins is your perfect home base for Black Hills adventure—without the crowds or chaos. Nestled in Rapid City, just a scenic half-hour drive from both Custer State Park and Mt Rushmore, Lake Park campground offers the best of both worlds: peaceful lakeside relaxation and easy access to South Dakota’s most iconic sights.
Here is your all-in-one guide to the best beginner, intermediate, and advanced hikes within reach, including trailhead locations, distances from camp, and direct links for more info.

Beginner Hikes (Kid & Pet Friendly)

Canyon Lake Park Loop

Distance from Lake Park Campground: Steps away (direct access)
An easy, paved loop around Canyon Lake—perfect for families and leashed dogs. Wildlife sightings are common.

Prairie Vista Trail (Wind Cave National Park)

Distance from Lake Park Campground: About 45 miles (1 hour south via US-385) A gentle 1-mile loop through rolling prairie, great for spotting bison, deer, and prairie dogs.

Sylvan Lake Shore Trail

Distance from Lake Park Campground: About 32 miles (45 minutes southwest via US-16/US-385 & SD-87) A 1.1-mile scenic loop with granite boulders and lakeside views. Kids love scrambling on granite boulders, and dogs can cool off in the clear waters (leash required). Great for kids, strollers, and leashed dogs.

Intermediate Hikes

Cathedral Spires Trail (Custer State Park)

Distance from Lake Park Campground: About 35 miles (50 minutes southwest via US-16/US-385 & SD-87) 1.5 miles one way, with some rock scrambles and dramatic granite formations. Breathtaking views around every turn, though parking is extremely limited on the winding Needles Highway. Leashed dogs welcome.

Horsethief Lake Trail

Distance from Lake Park Campground: About 30 miles (40 minutes southwest via US-16/US-385) 2.7 miles one-way through the Black Elk Wilderness, featuring waterfalls, streams, and wildlife1. Dog-friendly with leash requirements.

Little Devils Tower Trail (Custer State Park)

Distance from Lake Park Campground: About 33 miles (45 minutes southwest) A 3-mile round-trip with rock scrambles and panoramic Black Hills views. Leashed dogs welcome and less crowded than other popular trails.

Advanced Hikes

Black Elk Peak Trail (via Sylvan Lake)

Distance from Lake Park Campground: About 32 miles (45 minutes southwest) 7+ mile round-trip climb to South Dakota’s highest point (7,242 ft). This iconic trail climbs through fragrant ponderosa pine forests and rocky outcrops to reach the historic stone fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1938. Dogs welcome but bring plenty of water and consider booties for paw protection.

Sunday Gulch Trail (Sylvan Lake area)

Distance from Lake Park Campground: About 32 miles (45 minutes southwest)

4 mile loop with handrails, boulder scrambles, and stream crossings. This rugged trail requires you to use metal handrails to navigate over giant boulders and through rushing streams—part obstacle course, part nature hike, revealing hidden waterfalls and secret pools in narrow granite canyons. Not suitable for toddlers—bring waterproof hiking shoes.

Crow Peak Trail

Distance from Lake Park Campground: About 60 miles (1 hour 15 minutes northwest via I-90 & SD-44) 7 miles round-trip, challenging climb with summit views over the Black Hills and Bear Butte.

Bonus: The Best Badlands Hikes

Badlands National Park is about 70 miles (1 hr 15 min east) from Lake Park Campground, making for a perfect day trip. Official NPS Badlands Hiking Page: NPS Badlands hiking guide

IMPORTANT: There are few amenities in the Badlands, the sun is hot and there is very little shade. When you think you have brought enough water, bring more. Also, be sure to stock up on snacks for the trip. High water content snacks like celery and watermelon are a good way to stay hydrated, and nuts are a portable, nutrition dense snack to keep your energy up.

Pets are not allowed in/on most parts of the Badlands. Because of the hot sun and little water, it is not recommended you bring your furry friends as they will find little respite from the heat and become overheated quickly.
Door Trail: 0.75 miles round trip, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk to a dramatic overlook. Trail guide
Window Trail: 0.3 miles round trip, easy boardwalk to a natural “window” in the Badlands Wall. Trail info
Notch Trail: 1.5 miles round trip, moderate with a log ladder and cliff walk—fun for adventurous families. Step-by-step guide
Castle Trail: 10 miles round trip, moderate, the park’s longest trail with classic Badlands scenery. Trail details
Saddle Pass Trail: 0.7 miles round trip, short but steep climb to panoramic views—connects to Castle and Medicine Root Trails. Family-friendly hike guide

Gear, Snacks, and Local Shops

Gear Up:

  • Beginner: Lightweight shoes, water bottle, sun protection, layers, small pack
  • Intermediate: Hiking boots, trekking poles, rain jacket, map/trail app, first-aid kit
  • Advanced: Sturdy boots, 2+ liters water, high-energy snacks, headlamp, whistle
  • For pets: Leash, collapsible water bowl, treats, plenty of water, waste bags

Where to Buy/Rent Gear:

Snack Smart:
  • Trail mix, nuts, granola/protein bars, dried fruit, jerky, cheese, crackers, apples, oranges
  • For longer hikes: walking tamales, tuna packets, extra water
  • For pets: water, treats, waste bags

Safety First!

Watch for rattlesnakes, poison ivy, and ticks on all trails.
Rattlesnake Safety: Respect & Coexist
The Black Hills are home to prairie rattlesnakes—an important part of our ecosystem that helps control rodent populations and even disperses seeds throughout the forest. If you encounter one on the trail, stay calm and do not panic or run. Stop immediately, slowly back away to at least 6 feet distance, and give the snake plenty of room to retreat. Listen for their characteristic rattle, which serves as a warning, and never attempt to handle, provoke, or harm them. Remember, these snakes prefer to avoid confrontation and will only strike if threatened.

Rattlesnakes belong in the Black Hills and play a vital ecological role—they deserve our respect and protection. Never tease, torture, or kill rattlesnakes, as this disrupts the natural balance and may even be contributing to evolutionary changes that make future encounters more dangerous. Simply give them space, take photos from a safe distance if desired, and continue enjoying your hike knowing you have shared the trail respectfully with one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures.

FIDO SAFETY TIP: Consider getting your dogs a rattlesnake vaccination before spending time in areas where rattlesnakes are common. NOTE: The vaccination does not make your dogs immune to snake bites, but it does provide you time to get your pet the veterinarian care they will need. Particularly if you are in remote parts of the Black Hills.

Poison Ivy: Identification and Exposure Strategies

To identify poison ivy, look for the following characteristics:

Leaf Structure: Poison ivy typically has clusters of three leaves. The middle leaflet usually has a longer stem than the two side leaflets.
Color: The leaves can be green or reddish, especially in spring. In the fall, they may turn yellow or red.
Edges: The leaves may have slightly notched or lobed edges.
Vine Appearance: Poison ivy can grow as a vine, often hairy, and may have white or pale berries.
Seasonal Changes: In spring, the leaves may appear red or a mix of red and green, which can be confused with other plants.
If you touch poison ivy, act quickly: wipe the area with rubbing alcohol as soon as possible to help remove and neutralize the plant’s oily resin (urushiol), then wash your skin with soap and cool water, and clean any clothing or gear that may have contacted the plant’s oils.
If a rash develops, soothe it with cool compresses or over-the-counter creams; seek medical help if you have severe symptoms. Avoid scratching, and remember: “Leaves of three, let it be!”
Ticks: Gross but Common
Ticks are common in the Black Hills, so check yourself (and pets) after hiking—especially behind knees, ears, and underarms. Remove ticks with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight out without twisting. Lyme disease is extremely rare in South Dakota, but watch for rashes or flu-like symptoms just in case, and contact your doctor if they appear.
Tick season in South Dakota typically runs from late April through October, with increased activity during wetter weather.

Wildlife & Flora Tips

  • Early and late day are best for spotting deer, bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching—look for meadowlarks, bluebirds, and eagles.
  • In spring/summer, watch for wildflowers like pasqueflower and blanketflower.
Wildlife is just that – WILD. Do not approach, nor try to pet despite how friendly they might look. Many tourists have made the mistake of trying to pet buffalo and learned a hard lesson.

Lake Park Campground: Your Adventure Base

With so many trails within a short drive—and a few right outside your tent flap—Lake Park Campground is your launchpad for Black Hills and Badlands hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. Whether you are after a family stroll, a summit scramble, or a day trip to the Badlands, adventure is always closer than you think!