About Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin
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
001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
- 15 guests
- Pet Friendly
Site Details
Reviews (90)
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
Anthony F
VerifiedNovember 15, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
A quiet place before deer season opens, then the traffic picks up a bit. Rustic but good cabin.
Anthony F
VerifiedNovember 15, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
A quiet place before deer season opens, then the traffic picks up a bit. Rustic but good cabin.
Natalie B
VerifiedAugust 19, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
I took my Girl Scout troop here and they loved it. It was very quiet while we were there and the cabin was comfortable.
Natalie B
VerifiedAugust 19, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
I took my Girl Scout troop here and they loved it. It was very quiet while we were there and the cabin was comfortable.
Scott W
VerifiedJuly 4, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
The location was great, we really enjoyed the solitude and beautiful setting. We came prepared, but some things to know that might otherwise ruin your trip:
1.) The bed frames do NOT have bedding including mattresses, you need to bring your own air mattress, or plan on sleeping on plywood.
2.) There is NO water anywhere nearby. There is no well, there are no streams, or even ponds. The nearest water is in Newcastle, WY, a half hour drive away. Consider that you will want water for more than just drinking; for things like washing, cooking, etc.
3.) There are flies, bring bug spray, citronella candles, etc.
4.) Basically, this place is camping in a wooden cabin/tent, you need to bring everything. We've stayed in 7 prior forest service cabins, this was the least equiped but for $45 a night, it was great!
Scott W
VerifiedJuly 4, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
The location was great, we really enjoyed the solitude and beautiful setting. We came prepared, but some things to know that might otherwise ruin your trip:
1.) The bed frames do NOT have bedding including mattresses, you need to bring your own air mattress, or plan on sleeping on plywood.
2.) There is NO water anywhere nearby. There is no well, there are no streams, or even ponds. The nearest water is in Newcastle, WY, a half hour drive away. Consider that you will want water for more than just drinking; for things like washing, cooking, etc.
3.) There are flies, bring bug spray, citronella candles, etc.
4.) Basically, this place is camping in a wooden cabin/tent, you need to bring everything. We've stayed in 7 prior forest service cabins, this was the least equiped but for $45 a night, it was great!
Al P
VerifiedMay 7, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
Nicely cleaned new solar panels pile of firewood. Overall a great stay enjoyed by all 5 of us.
Al P
VerifiedMay 7, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
Nicely cleaned new solar panels pile of firewood. Overall a great stay enjoyed by all 5 of us.
Heather T
VerifiedApril 10, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
Amazing little cabin, bring what you need because there is minimal things at the cabin. We stayed in winter and it was plenty warm with the fire place. We brought a propane bottle to use the over and gas stove. We will be back!
Also make sure to clean up after yourself, there is no house keeping.
Heather T
VerifiedApril 10, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
Amazing little cabin, bring what you need because there is minimal things at the cabin. We stayed in winter and it was plenty warm with the fire place. We brought a propane bottle to use the over and gas stove. We will be back!
Also make sure to clean up after yourself, there is no house keeping.
Location & Directions for Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin
Hell Canyon Ranger District, 1019 North 5th Street, Custer, SD 57730 United States
Elevation: 1,858 ft
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,...
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 mi to Forest Service Road 117, Boles Canyon Road. Go North on Boles Canyon Road for approximately 12 mi 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.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: October 20, 2026
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Explore Custer, SD
Population: 2,341
Nearby city: Rapid City, SD
Approx. 44 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 5,315 ft
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