Catch and Release Fishing
Spend the day on the lake enjoying fresh air, crystal clear water, and catching a variety of fish; large and small mouth bass, crappie, sunfish, perch, and blue gill. It’s great entertainment for all ages and there are a lot of accessible fishing spots. You can even rent watercraft to access all areas of the lake. We rent fishing poles and sell some fishing tackle in the store. If you are bringing your own fishing gear, jigs and soft plastic lures work well. We ask you use barbless hooks or pinch the barb down for an easier release of the fish.
You can purchase our private lake license in the office or select a license as an add-on when you make your reservation.
$10 a person or $30 for everyone on your reservation, maximum six people. Good for your entire stay. Fishing pole rental is $7 per day and comes with one lure.
Watercraft and Bicycle Rentals
Take a stroll around the lake in one of our watercraft rentals. Our private lake is the perfect getaway to relax and rejuvenate and explore all that nature has to offer. Our rentals are all day rentals so you can come and go as you please. You can bring your own lifejackets or we have some you can use for no extra charge.
Kayak Rentals – We have three single-person kayaks and they rent for $15 a day each.
Canoe Rentals – We have two canoes, one is a two person, and the other is a 3 person, both rent for $20 a day each.
Paddle Boat Rentals – These are the ones you sit in and pedal. We have two paddle boats, both four person, and they rent for $20 a day each.
Paddle Board Rentals – We have three paddle boards and they rent for $20 a day each.
We also allow our kayak and canoes to be rented and taken off site to enjoy at other lakes in the area. There is an additional $10 per craft per day fee for this.
Bicycle Rentals – We have standard bicycles that you can rent and enjoy the town of Hot Springs or take to the trails in the area and enjoy nature up close. These rent for $20 a day each.
Other Outdoor Activities
Swimming and floating:
We have a roped off swimming area for our guests to enjoy and floating is encouraged in the lake! You can bring your own non-motorized flotation device and enjoy the sun and water. This area is for our human guests only. Our four-legged furry friends can enjoy the other side of the lake to get their laps in.
Hiking Trails:
We LOVE Black Hills Trail Addict! Click on the link to see their digital guide for the entire Black Hills! It’s packed with great information on some really great trails.
We have a short walking trail around our lake or there is a trail within walking distance of Hidden Lake off the Cold Brook Dam. If you are looking for longer trails and different scenery please check out these trails that are close to us:
Rankin Ridge Interpretative Trail: Try this 1.0-mile loop trail near Custer, South Dakota. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 32 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are May through November. You’ll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren’t allowed on this trail
Lookout Point Trail: Head out on this 5.2-mile loop trail near Custer, South Dakota. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 2 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. You’ll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
East Bison Flats Trail: Head out on this 10.1-mile out-and-back trail near Custer, South Dakota. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 25 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. You’ll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
Cold Brook Canyon Trail: Head out on this 2.8-mile out-and-back trail near Custer, South Dakota. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 0 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. You’ll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
ALL TRAIL INFORMATION IS FROM ALLTRAILS.COM
Playground and games to play: There is a playground onsite with slide, climbing rungs, and swings located in front of cabins 2, 3, 4 and 5. We also have a horseshoe pit area, corn hole boards, yard dice, and yard Jenga that anyone can borrow and use.
THINGS TO DO IN THE BLACK HILLS: Check out Black Hills Things To Do for fun things to do in the entire Black Hills.
