Catch and Release Fishing
Spend the day on the lake enjoying fresh air, crystal clear water, and catching various fish; large and smallmouth bass, crappie, sunfish, perch, and bluegill. It’s great entertainment for all ages, and there are a lot of accessible fishing spots. There is also a variety of watercraft you can use to access all areas of the lake. We rent fishing poles and sell some fishing tackle in the store. If you bring your own fishing gear, jigs, and soft plastic lures work well. We ask that you use barbless hooks or pinch the barb down for an easier fish release.
All watercraft and fishing are included in your stay, we just ask that you stop by the office first to sign a waiver and receive instructions.
Watercraft
Take a stroll around the lake in one of our watercraft. Our private lake is the perfect getaway to relax and explore all that nature has to offer. Our watercraft is available to everyone on-site, 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.
Kayaks – We have two single-person kayaks.
Canoes – We have two canoes, one is a two-person, and the other is a three-person.
Paddle Boats – These are the ones you sit in and pedal. We have three four-person paddle boats.
Paddle Boards – These are the ones you stand up on. We have three paddle boards.
Bring your own watercraft
Yes you can bring your own non-motorized watercraft and use in the lake.
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.
Outdoor games and playground
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.
Hiking
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:
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.
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