If you need to take a break and get away from everything for a while and just let your mind and body rest, consider taking a vacation at this remote retreat in the beautiful Vanocker Canyon near Nemo, South Dakota.
This quaint cottage is hidden among acres of forests, creeks, and meadows in the scenic Vanocker Canyon. It borders right on a national forest and is in a truly stunning setting. It is known as the Little Elk Cottage, and yes, there is a chance you can see elk wander right through the front yard.
This place isn't in any sort of development or near any other homes or cabins; it is completely on its own. This gives it the sense of seclusion and comfort to make the perfect getaway for anyone who needs it. It isn't way out in the middle of no where, either - it's only a 30-minute drive from Rapid City. The meadow you see above is part of the cottage, as is the peaceful creek that meanders through the property shown below.
The cottage includes all the amenities you need and more, including two bedrooms, four beds, a full bathroom, satellite TV, wifi, a full kitchen, and a lovely patio to enjoy some outdoor grilling.
The drive through the Vanocker Canyon is absolutely gorgeous, and the surrounding area of the Black Hills is full of trails to immerse yourself in nature. Many of these trails were built in part by one of the owners of the cottage, Wolfgang and Kathleen Schmidt. Wolfgang was part of many trail and bridge developments through the Black Hills that you can take advantage of during your visit. The hikes are stunning and you'll definitely want to bring your camera.
Other than the main attractions in the area, there are also other awesome activities to consider while you visit. Dalton Lake, just three miles east of the cottage, is stocked with rainbow trout and makes a prime fishing spot.
With the spectacular nature you'll be surrounded by while in the comfort of a cozy cottage loaded with just about anything you'd need, you can truly get away from it all and just enjoy the simple things in life.
The cottage is one of two places to stay at that are owned by the Schmidts, they also have the Little Elk Cabin in a separate 5 acre area not far from here. To learn more about the Little Elk Cottage and Cabin, click here.
Consider taking this relaxing scenic drive through South Dakota to help put yourself at ease if your budget or schedule might be a bit tight for a getaway. Sometimes you need a little you time to just appreciate everything around you, and this is a great way.
Spearfish, South Dakota is a small town - well, a small town by most places' standards, anyway - that's filled with fun stuff to do, see, and experience, particularly for anyone who fancies themselves a lover of the outdoors. Spearfish Canyon is an adventure in and of itself, and the Spearfish River is like something out of a dream. While you're exploring this amazing region in this amazing state, you'll need a place to stay - and that's where this amazing dome stay I found comes in. Of all the best small-town Airbnbs in South Dakota, this one ought to be at the top of your list.
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If you've never heard of "glamping," this makes for an excellent introduction.
The place is a blend of a dome stay, a cabin dream, and a tiny house delight. But don't be fooled: It's spacious and cozy, with just enough room for up to two.
With a delightful living room offering enough space to live in, a kitchen, a full bed, and more, you'll find that this place makes for the perfect solo escape and/or couple's getaway.
If you've never had the experience of waking up to new sunlight, strolling outside, and listening to the wonder of the natural world around you, you'll definitely want to pencil in some time here.
The place is small without being cramped, and elegant without being overwhelming.
It's the perfect blend of class and sophistication mixed with outdoorsy charm, and it makes for the perfect place to hang your hat while exploring the incredible wonder that is the Spearfish area.
Step outside and find yourself immersed in the beauty of the forest, and should you wander out and about, you'll find that the immersion in amazingness doesn't end there.
Wander off a little further and you'll find incredible wonders like Spearfish Canyon, Devil's Bathtub, and Bridal Veil Falls (one of the best waterfalls in the state). You can't go wrong!
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When you return, you know you're coming back to a warm, safe space with all the coziest amenities of home.
Make a delicious meal in the kitchen, go out and enjoy the sunset (or the sunrise) on the patio, and reconnect with nature for a bit. Explore all there is to explore in the incredible landscape that surrounds you, and daydream endlessly about the next time you'll find yourself out here.
...and there will be a next time; I promise - this place is as addictive as it is charming and comfortable.
To see more photos and to book your stay at one of the greatest small-town Airbnbs in South Dakota (which I recommend you do well in advance - this one books up quickly), be sure to check out its official Airbnb listing. Need more ideas for what to do while you're here? Check out all the cool stuff you'll find on Airbnb Experiences.
If you'd like more things to do while in South Dakota, be sure to check out some of our amazing state parks.
Are you feeling stressed and looking for a way to de-stress and unwind? Looking for a way to experience the scenic splendor of this great state of ours? In search of a "home base" for your epic outdoor adventures in SoDak? Or are you simply wondering about a romantic cabin getaway for two? In search of world peace? We get it -- and the solution to all of these quandaries is booking one of the best cabins in South Dakota featured here.
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Okay -- maybe not "world peace," but we do think everyone would be a bit happier after a stay in one of these cozy cabins in South Dakota!
Affordable Cabins in South Dakota
Enjoy the best of the Mount Rushmore State without breaking the bank when you check into one of these adorable *and* affordable cabins in South Dakota:
1. Family-Friendly Vacation Cottage with Hot Tub, Glenham
This Family-Friendly Vacation Cottage is located in Glenham, approximately a 10-minute drive east of the town of Mobridge which sits along the beautiful Missouri River in this part of the state. This cabin rental is about as quaint and charming as they come! In addition to the hot tub, the Vacation Cottage can accommodate up to 10 guests that can spread out among the four bedrooms and upstairs bedroom loft. There are also two full bathrooms and a wealth of other amenities tucked inside a homey ambiance.
This Bobcat Retreat is an impossibly charming A-Frame that's peak rustic luxury. We especially love this cabin as a winter getaway; sitting in the hot tub while snow falls sounds like the best thing ever!
3. Little Gem With The Best Views Bungalow, Custer
This Little Gem With The Best Views Bungalow is set in the Black Hills among a forest of Ponderosa pine trees. This exceptional and charming getaway offers indoor and outdoor living spaces. There's a covered patio for you to enjoy the lake and forest views during inclement weather. If you rent this cabin during the winter, take into consideration that a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended.
Luxury Cabins in South Dakota
A "luxury cabin getaway" is not an oxymoron, at least not in South Dakota! Below are some truly amazing luxury cabins in South Dakota perfect for your next vacation.
Size: This spacious cabin has four bedrooms and three bathrooms and accommodates up to 14 guests.
Price: $316/night
Amenities: Wi-Fi, full kitchen, private deck with a hot tub, proximity to the Gilded Mountain clubhouse with a heated pool year around, and other amenities for guests to take advantage of.
Luxury is the name of the game at The Outback, a well-appointed cabin rental in the mountains of South Dakota. This beautiful log cabin boasts three levels of space that's perfect for a large family or group getaway. With its location near outdoor recreation (including snowmobile and ATV trails) as well as a 5-minute drive to Deadwood, this cabin is the perfect home base for an epic SoDak adventure.
Size: This 1,200 sq. ft. cabin has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and accommodates up to six guests.
Price: $375/night
Amenities: Full kitchen, custom stone wood-burning fireplace, expansive deck with a hot tub and fire pit, prime location just minutes from Custer State Park and Mt. Rushmore.
This beautiful timber frame cabin will sweep you off your feet with its rustic luxury and scenic surroundings. Watch big horn sheep, turkeys, and deer roam the wide-open property from a large deck (plus hot tub) or the comfort of its modern yet rustic interior.
Whispering Pines Cabin is nestled in a fragrant pine forest with stunning views and nearby hiking trails. The spacious deck is the perfect spot for grilling or firing up the Pit Boss griddle for flapjacks in the morning. If you are looking for one of the best cabin Airbnbs in South Dakota, this is a fantastic spot in a beautifully designed cabin with high-end amenities and lots of room to spread out and relax.
Romantic Cabins in South Dakota
Does it get any more romantic than a cozy cabin for two? We don't think so, and after viewing these romantic cabins in South Dakota, we think you'll agree!
Couples will fall in love with this Contemporary Retreat near Custer, South Dakota. Walk through the cherry red front door of this glorious getaway into a spacious villa decked out in a Mid-Century Mod style. A fully-stocked chef’s kitchen leads into a cozy sunken living room and opens up to a spacious backyard patio with a zen garden, hot tub, and secluded hammock. It doesn't get more romantic or luxurious than this!
Size: This cabin has two bedrooms and one full bathroom.
Price: $265/night.
Amenities: This brand-new cabin features an apartment-sized kitchen, private deck with a gas grill and fire pit, and secluded location just 60 ft. from one of South Dakota's most remote national forests.
Bright and airy, The Notch Cabin is a delightful change of pace from the typical log cabin rental in South Dakota. The Notch Cabin is a brand new cabin at Hinterwood situated just 60 feet from national forest land, making hiking right out your front door easy!
This cool fire tower lookout cabin is a new addition to the Custer State Park area. You are only five minutes from the park with stunning views and ample opportunity for outdoor adventures. The cabin has a second-floor wrap-around deck with great views and there is a community fire pit and patio with yard games to enjoy. If you are looking for a lovely couple's getaway this is a very nice spot and a beautiful cabin.
Secluded Cabins in South Dakota
South Dakota is a beautiful state with so many wonderful places to get away from it all, including these secluded cabin rentals:
10. Secluded Cabin Rental with Expansive Deck, Rapid City
This Secluded Cabin Rental outside Rapid City, SD, is easily one of the best getaways in the state. If you love outdoor living, you are going to go crazy for this cabin rental, which features three bedrooms and one bathroom, and sleeps up to six. A roomy family room and living area make for a super cozy getaway in the wilds of South Dakota!
This Rustic Secluded Log Cabin is the perfect place to get away from it all without sacrificing comfort. No matter what time of year you visit, you'll find that this rustic secluded log cabin will be a one-stop-shop for all things rest and relaxation. The cabin is located right in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills, so you know the backdrop is nothing short of dreamy. When not indoors dispersed with family and friends between the five bedrooms, living room, or game room, you can enjoy the hot tub which is covered, making it an oasis even in the dead of winter.
Cabins in South Dakota with Hot Tub
Soak up the lap of luxury in SoDak -- literally! -- when you book a getaway in one of these charming cabin getaways in South Dakota with a hot tub.
Size: This 1,100 sq. ft. cabin has two bedrooms and one full bathroom and accommodates up to six guests.
Price: $381/night.
Amenities: This spacious ranch-style cabin has it all: full views of Red Canyon from three sides, rustic floors and cabinetry, slate fireplaces in the living room and master bedroom, an outdoor hot tub, and so much more.
Red Canyon Ranch is located in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, an area that offers some of the most dramatic scenery you can imagine. And that is exactly what you’ll experience at this stunning accommodation in the Red Canyon area. The proprietors are calling this place the Red Canyon Ranch -- and it is a stunning beauty. This lodge-pole pine dwelling encompassing 1,100 square feet features four bedrooms and can accommodate up to six people. Although the view from every room in the cabin is dramatic, those from the outdoor hot tub are simply captivating!
13. Family-Friendly Luxury Cabin Rental in the Black Hills, Lead
This Luxury Cabin in Lead is the place to go if you want to get away from it all -- with a large group! Accommodating up to 12 guests, if you're looking for a getaway in one of the most beautiful regions of SoDak, this is it!
This creekside cabin in the Black Hills of Rapid City is quite a special place. You'll feel relaxed listening to the sound of the creek just outside the door and even more relaxed after using the hot tub. Doesn't that sound nice?
Have you been to any of these awesome cabins? What did you like about it? We'd love to see your photos and hear about your experiences at any of the best cabins in South Dakota featured here!
If you have a favorite place that you would like to see featured on Only in South Dakota, please nominate it! For even more of our favorite Mount Rushmore State accommodations, check out this South Dakota Glampground that was just named one of the best in America!
