Stockade Lake is the largest lake in Custer State Park and is located on Highway 16A just east of the town of Custer, South Dakota. The lake has 2 campgrounds, and is the only lake in the park that allows all boats. The lake has a swimming beach, a playground, and is near some of the Black Hills Points of Interest such as the Gordon Stockade - the site of the first gold discovery in the Black Hills. We kayaked the lake in July 2026 and it was quite full of algae. The lake was green in a lot of places, and some areas you had to avoid like down by the Gordon Stockade since the algae was so thick it was difficult to paddle. The lake was still beautiful and had lots of wildlife especially when you got away from the beach and more populated areas.
On our way - looking towards the dam.
Lots of birds in the area - some like to stay still for photographs.
Lots of turtles.
Pretty cool rock formations in some spots.
Low flying Osprey.
You can see how green the lake is.
Small island in the distance on the right.
Going in between a small island.
Pretty flowers near the lake.
Interesting rock.
Been seeing more of these yellow birds in Custer State Park.
Nice place to fish.
Osprey out looking for lunch.
These two just enjoying the day and view.
