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Average nightly rates1 total site
Cabins
1 site
About Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin
Number of accommodations: 1
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Picnic Table
Fire Pit
Bedrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
- Fire Pit
Cabin Interior
- Toilet Type
- Bedrooms
- Heating
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Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin.
001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
Site Details
Reviews (89)
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
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.
Review Summary
Sara K
VerifiedMay 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
Nice home base for family adventures.
Sara K
VerifiedMay 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
Nice home base for family adventures.
Al P
VerifiedMay 18, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
great location very scenic with plentiful deer and elk.
Al P
VerifiedMay 18, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
great location very scenic with plentiful deer and elk.
Jane A
VerifiedJune 1, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
This is a wonderful cabin! Folks who have booked this in earlier years maybe should note that some practices have changed....I think wood is no longer being supplied, but it wasn’t a big deal. We heard more coyotes than past years. There is a wonderful new stove! Thank you Black Hills Forest Rangers!
Jane A
VerifiedJune 1, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
This is a wonderful cabin! Folks who have booked this in earlier years maybe should note that some practices have changed....I think wood is no longer being supplied, but it wasn’t a big deal. We heard more coyotes than past years. There is a wonderful new stove! Thank you Black Hills Forest Rangers!
Austin H
VerifiedJune 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
If I were in the area again and needed a place to stay, I wouldn't hesitate to book again. I would not travel here just to stay at the cabin however. There is no access to the watchtower which was unfortunate. Elk, mule deer and turkey were all easily found in the area. There were no mattresses on any of the beds.
Austin H
VerifiedJune 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
If I were in the area again and needed a place to stay, I wouldn't hesitate to book again. I would not travel here just to stay at the cabin however. There is no access to the watchtower which was unfortunate. Elk, mule deer and turkey were all easily found in the area. There were no mattresses on any of the beds.
jay j
VerifiedJuly 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
Excellent place to stay. Solar lighting in cabin, stove and oven that works with normal gas grill propane tank ( bring with you). To come and go reguires several miles of some bumpy gravel roads but that's what makes it nice and isolated and they're not that bad. Lots of space in cabin,2 full sized beds and 2 bunks, full size bottoms twin on top. Bring mattresses. An outstanding place to me. Cudos to the the forest service. Thanks for making places like this available to us!!
jay j
VerifiedJuly 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
Excellent place to stay. Solar lighting in cabin, stove and oven that works with normal gas grill propane tank ( bring with you). To come and go reguires several miles of some bumpy gravel roads but that's what makes it nice and isolated and they're not that bad. Lots of space in cabin,2 full sized beds and 2 bunks, full size bottoms twin on top. Bring mattresses. An outstanding place to me. Cudos to the the forest service. Thanks for making places like this available to us!!
Location Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin
Address:
Hell Canyon Ranger District, 1019 North 5th Street
Custer, SD, 57730
United States
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.
From Newcastle, Wyoming, travel east on US Highway 16 for approximately 9 miles to Forest Service Road 117, Boles Canyon Road. Go North on Boles Canyon Road for approximately 12 miles and turn left on Forest Service Road 265, Summit Road. Follow Summit Road for approximately three miles to the Summit Ridge Cabin which is on the left.
Note that Boles Canyon Road and Summit Road do not receive any maintenance during winter months, including snow plowing.
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.
Elevation: 1858 feet
39 mi drive to downtown Custer (about 1 hr 19 min)
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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Last updated: September 5, 2026
