Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin Near Custer, SD

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Featured amenities

Picnic Table

Fire Pit

Bedrooms

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About Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin

Summit Ridge Cabin is located near the border of Wyoming in Southwestern South Dakota on the Black Hills National Forest, providing a perfect setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's, the cabin was originally used as housing for personnel that staffed the adjacent forest fire lookout tower. The cabin is available for reservation throughout the year when accessible. At an elevation of 6.1 ft, it can receive considerable snowfall. The roads to the cabin are not plowed, so generally it is not accessible from December through March. NOTE: Check with local office for snow conditions during winter months.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season

Upcoming seasons

Past seasons

Closed periods

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

🏠 Cabin

15 guests
Pet Friendly

Site Details

Up to 15 guests

Shade

Surface: Gravel

Driveway entry: Back-In

Campfire

Pet Friendly

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Reviews (90)

Verified Only

What Guests Are Saying

Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin offers a beautiful, cozy retreat in a peaceful, wooded setting, perfect for small groups and hiking. Guests appreciated the cleanliness of the outhouse and the effectiveness of the woodstove. However, some noted issues with the solar power system and a lack of information about ongoing improvements, as well as occasional ATV traffic nearby.

What Guests Are Saying

Review Summary

4.2

90 reviews

53.3%

28.9%

11.1%

2.2%

4.4%

Patrick W

Verified

January 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

Make ABSOLUTELY sure you call the ranger office for the lock combination DURING regular business hours - if it’s a weekend or holiday, you literally have no way to get the combo otherwise.

Other than that - the cabin was wonderful except for the nearly constant stream of 4x4’s and ATV’s past the door and people stopping to check the place out. It all got nice and peaceful for the evening though.

Patrick W

Verified

January 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

Make ABSOLUTELY sure you call the ranger office for the lock combination DURING regular business hours - if it’s a weekend or holiday, you literally have no way to get the combo otherwise.

Richard B

Verified

January 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

We had a very memorable experience, but be sure to bring your own warm bedding including both mattress/mats and blankets.

Richard B

Verified

January 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

We had a very memorable experience, but be sure to bring your own warm bedding including both mattress/mats and blankets.

Tom F

Verified

January 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

Be sure to bring your firewood

Tom F

Verified

January 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

Be sure to bring your firewood

Anthony F

Verified

February 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

Great place to get away from the hustle of daily life. You should be prepared or semi self sufficient to enjoy this place. Great time there.

Anthony F

Verified

February 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

Great place to get away from the hustle of daily life. You should be prepared or semi self sufficient to enjoy this place. Great time there.

Jody S

Verified

April 22, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

Our time at the cabin was excellent! This is an excellent place to stay and enjoy the outdoors!
We had a great time seeing the wildlife, going for walks and just sitting by the fire enjoying the quiet!!

Jody S

Verified

April 22, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

Location & Directions for Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin

Hell Canyon Ranger District, 1019 North 5th Street, Custer, SD 57730 United States

Elevation: 1,858 ft

Map of Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin location at Custer, SD, United States

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Getting There

Entrance into the cabin is by combination lock. Prior to your arrival please contact the Hell Canyon Ranger District, Monday - Friday between 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Mountain Time, at 605-673-9200 to obtain the combination.
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From Newcastle,...

Nearest town

Custer, SD - 39 mi

About over 1 hr (79 min) to downtown

Highway access

The nearest major road is US Highway 16, located approximately 9 miles to the west of the cabin. Access to the cabin is via Boles Canyon Road, which connects to US Highway 16.

Policies & Rules

General

NOTICE; We are currently making cabin improvements. Thank you for your understanding, We hope you have a great stay.
Check out time is at 11:00 a.m. and check in time is 2:00 p.m. Please be considerate of other renters, arrive and leave the cabin at appropriate times.
Entrance into the cabin is by combination lock; Call the district office at 605-673-9200 Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. except on weekends and governement holildays. Refunds will not be approved for failing to get cabin combination after business hours or on weekends or hoilidays.
Walk-up stays are never available at this facility. Advanced reservations only, minimum three days before arrival
Fire restrictions may apply to outdoor fire ring use; check current fire restrictions prior to arrival
Keep the building and grounds clean to deter squirrel, mice, rats,and other wildlife from area
Clean the cabin and pack out all trash, Including food
Doors and windows should be locked and all personal items removed upon departure
The cabin is a no-smoking facility
Learn more about Black Hills National Forest.
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

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