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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
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
- Fire Pit
Cabin Interior
- Toilet Type
- Bedrooms
- Heating
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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
Tyler M
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
Rented the cabin for a night on our anniversary vacation. When we finally got to the cabin there were other people thete just "chillin" in the front yard and parked in front of the outhouse. They said they didn't have a reservation when I asked them if we were double booked. They didn't seem to want to leave after 3 hours of me waiting so finally I just left. I called the parks services to see if we were double booked before talking to the squatters and got no awnser. I've called multiple times through the week to tell the parks services and get a refund with no response back. ALSO: THIER IS NO LOOKOUT ANYMORE SO THAT WAS A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT ON TOP OF IT ALL.
Linda C
VerifiedSeptember 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
We loved the peace and quiet.
We wished there were mattresses like they have in other camping cabins; even though we brought foam pads, the beds were hard!
We would definitely go again!
Linda C
VerifiedSeptember 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
We loved the peace and quiet.
We wished there were mattresses like they have in other camping cabins; even though we brought foam pads, the beds were hard!
We would definitely go again!
Amy R
VerifiedAugust 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
We called several times to get the code and never recieved it. We even called recreation.gov for help. We didn't even recieve a follow up or apology. We thankfully had a tent with us to set up.
It is a beautiful location and likely worthwhile if you are able to get the code.
Amy R
VerifiedAugust 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
We called several times to get the code and never recieved it. We even called recreation.gov for help. We didn't even recieve a follow up or apology. We thankfully had a tent with us to set up.
It is a beautiful location and likely worthwhile if you are able to get the code.
Britt D
VerifiedAugust 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
One of our favorite summer traditions - escaping the constant drone of the Sturgis Rally to head for the peace and quiet of Summit Ridge. This year was no exception; we had a fantastic weekend with good food, good friends, lots of laughter, bike rides, bocce ball, many cornhole tournaments, and evenings spent watching the Perseids. The UTVs are starting to invade and unfortunately most aren't polite enough to slow down and not dust you out which is frustrating. We were also sad to hear the tower may be coming down. But overall, Summit Ridge is a great escape in the Black Hills any time.
Britt D
VerifiedAugust 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
One of our favorite summer traditions - escaping the constant drone of the Sturgis Rally to head for the peace and quiet of Summit Ridge. This year was no exception; we had a fantastic weekend with good food, good friends, lots of laughter, bike rides, bocce ball, many cornhole tournaments, and evenings spent watching the Perseids. The UTVs are starting to invade and unfortunately most aren't polite enough to slow down and not dust you out which is frustrating. We were also sad to hear the tower may be coming down. But overall, Summit Ridge is a great escape in the Black Hills any time.
Elizabeth H
VerifiedAugust 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
Fantastic stay, we loved the night sky and the seclusion of this cabin. Make sure to drive slowly up to the cabin - you'll catch a lot of views of wildlife like elk and deer! The cabin has some firewood provided, some water for cleaning (I don't think it's potable though). The beds don't have pads, so make sure to bring sleeping pads, and garbage bags for your trash. You can use a gas stove if you bring propane to hook up to it. There's also a drawer full of games, which is nice. The fire tower is NOT accessible to the public. Highly recommend, it's a quiet, beautiful place to stay.
Elizabeth H
VerifiedAugust 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT
Fantastic stay, we loved the night sky and the seclusion of this cabin. Make sure to drive slowly up to the cabin - you'll catch a lot of views of wildlife like elk and deer! The cabin has some firewood provided, some water for cleaning (I don't think it's potable though). The beds don't have pads, so make sure to bring sleeping pads, and garbage bags for your trash. You can use a gas stove if you bring propane to hook up to it. There's also a drawer full of games, which is nice. The fire tower is NOT accessible to the public. Highly recommend, it's a quiet, beautiful place to stay.
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