This South Dakota Campsite Has the Most Underrated Fishing Spot

Despite being the largest lake in Custer State Park, Stockade Lake is often overlooked for its more popular cousins, Sylvan Lake and Legion Lake. Yet the sites at Stockade Lake South Campground promise a truly rustic, scenic, and underrated fishing spot. At 130 acres, the lake is filled to the brim with largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, northern pike, perch, and trout.

Stockade Lake South Campground offers 23 sites on the western side of Custer State Park. There are options for both primitive places to pitch a tent and RV sites that offer hookups for electricity. Additionally, 13 camping cabins are available. As the Black Hills become a more popular destination, we recommend booking in advance for both cabins and campsites.

Campers have access to a bathhouse that includes flush toilets, showers, and drinking water. Plus, each campsite comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire pit. Some of the older sites even have stone firepits that look like a chimney. The best part? All of the sites are surrounded by towering ponderosa pines. It likely goes without saying that the campground is located on the south side of the lake. To avoid getting confused, it’s important to note that there is another larger campground on the north side of the lake, fittingly named Stockade Lake North Campground.

Visitors can shore fish around the lake, but a small fishing pier is available near the beach. Fly fishing is also popular at this lake. If you need to purchase your fishing license or any bait and tackle, the Legion Lake Store is a 10-minute drive away and can provide each of those services. Alternatively, the Sylvan Store and the Coolidge General Store are a few minutes further and will have what you need.

In addition to camping and fishing, there are various recreational activities available in and around the campground. Swimming and motorized boating are allowed at Stockard Lake. Hiking trails throughout the park offer jaw-dropping views of the Black Hills and opportunities to spot wildlife such as bison, deer, and prairie dogs. The short Stockade Lake Trail is near the campground. Horseback riding is another popular activity, with guided trail rides offered by the park's wranglers. Stockade Lake South Campground is located just a short drive away from popular attractions such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial. Campers can also take advantage of the many scenic drives in the area, including Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, and Wildlife Loop Road.

With nine campgrounds in Custer State Park, it can be hard to choose. Every campground offers incredible views of the Black Hills. However, if you're looking for something set away from the crowds and with superb angling opportunities, the Stockade Lake South Campground is a great option. No matter where you choose to camp in the park, be sure to plan ahead and make reservations early. The summer months tend to be the busiest time for camping in this region, so spots fill up quickly.