Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)62 min drive
Most relevant reviews
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10/10 Excellent
Very comfortable. Every detail was thought out. We wanted for nothing
Doris H.
Sep 17, 2023
10/10 Excellent
We arrived to a thunderstorm with heavy rain and hail. Then the weather cleared and we saw how beautiful the property wa...
Karin A.
Sep 15, 2023
10/10 Excellent
The cabin was great, and the property is awesome! More room than the 2 of us needed, but so glad we decided to stay here...
Therese M.
Sep 7, 2023
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
1 King Bed
Bedroom 3
2 Single Beds
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area
About this property
Borders National Forest/Sleeps 8-Close to Town/Privacy Yes!
Golden Valley Ranch is a wonderful single story 3 bedroom, 2 bath log cabin sitting at the back of 7.02 acres surrounded by National Forest Service on 3 sides . The inside of the home is open and light plus there are views from just about every direction you look. There are two king sized beds, a smaller bedroom with a trundle (two singles) along with a queen sized sofa sleeper in the living room. All bedrooms and living areas have ceiling fans. There are two small ponds on the property fed by a natural spring that bubbles out next to the deck. The National Forest is out the back gate for those of you who want to ride four wheelers. A nice large deck with table and chairs is accessed from the kitchen door and has a gas grill for those cooking adventures! There is a wooden bridge that crosses the small creek at the upper pond so you can walk to enjoy the outdoors in the meadow. Enjoy the variety of wildlife and view from the front deck. Deer, fox, turkey and marmots are common sights. The veranda (all glass windows) front porch is a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the scenic beauty for morning coffee or evening beverages. It is 1-1/2 miles to the entrance of Custer State Park and Stockade Lake. The tall pine trees, the wildlife, the seclusion, bordering National Forest and being close to the town of Custer make this the ideal place to stay. Come see for yourself.
Parking only on gravel, no parking on center grass area (septic tank location)
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Custer
This cabin is located in Custer. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Mount Rushmore National Memorial, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Custer State Park and Black Hills National Forest. Needles Highway and Granite Sports are also worth visiting. Fishing and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby.
Custer, SD
What's nearby
French Creek - 3 min drive
Custer State Park - 6 min drive
Sylvan Lake - 15 min drive
Crazy Horse Memorial - 22 min drive
Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road - 22 min drive
Getting around
Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) - 63 min drive
Restaurants
Buglin' Bull Restaurant and Sports Bar - 6 min drive
Purple Pie Place - 7 min drive
Blue Bell Lodge - 17 min drive
Gold Pan Saloon - 6 min drive
Laughing Water Restaur - 14 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Borders National Forest/Sleeps 8-Close to Town/Privacy Yes! pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at Borders National Forest/Sleeps 8-Close to Town/Privacy Yes!?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Borders National Forest/Sleeps 8-Close to Town/Privacy Yes!?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Borders National Forest/Sleeps 8-Close to Town/Privacy Yes! located?
Situated in Custer, this cabin is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Stockade Lake and within 3 miles (5 km) of Custer State Park and Black Hills National Forest. French Creek is 1.3 mi (2.1 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This place is a jewel. My husband and I along with our daughter and her two sons stayed here for a total of six nights and loved every minute. It is close to Custer and yet far enough away for privacy. Very quiet and has everything you need for a home away from home.
Wonderful place to stay. More than well equipped. Private and cozy in the woods. Great hosts. Hope it's available any time we come to the area. Very convenient to everything.
We arrived to a thunderstorm with heavy rain and hail. Then the weather cleared and we saw how beautiful the property was. So quiet and peaceful it made you want to just sit and relax. Thank you for sharing your cabin with us.
The location of this house is fantastic! You feel like you are in your own hidden oasis. The house was clean, spacious and comfortable. It was so quiet that we slept with the windows open every night! We really appreciated the extras that came with the house (I.e. seasonings, coffee, board games and puzzles, etc.). We would definitely stay here again!
This is the best property. The owners have thought of everything you could need while staying here. It is away from the hustle and bustle to allow for relaxing and creating memories with your family. Close to town and all attractions. Quiet and peaceful. Neat to watch the marmots play and the deer walking through the woods/property. Definitely a 10/10.
We were so happy here, location can't be beat. Cabin is really well maintained and stocked. Setting is absolutely beautiful. Would 100% stay here again.
The cabin was amazing, surpassing any expectations we had. Every amenity was provided.
The location was outstanding, close to all site seeing attractions while still giving us the beauty of the surroundings and much privacy.
Great place to stay if you need to get away! Clean, well supplied for all your needs, beds were comfortable, everything worked properly, love the forest that surrounded the property, lots of wildlife, areas to hike, close to town, Owner was quick to respond to your needs, A+ Rating
Fantastic place to stay. SO relaxing… on the deck, by the pond, in the sunroom. Many relaxing cups of coffee were had. the owners take great care to have everything you might need. Will definitely stay here again.
Everyone who entered the cabin were impressed. It was clean, comfortable, and located in a beautiful area. There was wildlife to watch, deer, rock chucks, and lots of birds. I would recommend this property to anyone wanting a great place to stay. We had 8 sleeping and many friends and family show came to spend time. I would go back in a minute.
Staying here made me want to move to South Dakota--but would need to return to the South in the winters. This was more than we could have asked for--the starry nights, the wildlife, the quiet and privacy-perfect. We had wonderful communication with our hostess and could not have asked for anything else. Thank you for a wonderful VRBO stay.
It was close to the park and Custer. very quite place .
Everything was there for cooking and fire ring. Cabin was very roomy and clean there was 6 of us ladies that stayed. we shared bed but we are family . I would go back again
You could not ask for a more private and secluded location. The six of us in our sixties absolutely loved this home. Great communication with Elaine. A great place!!
If you want peace and quiet, this is the place.
If you want a lot of scenic drives, this is the place. Elaine and Kirby are awesome hosts, both with knowledge of the area, and responsiveness to communication. They definitely make you feel like Family. Will definitely stay here again. Cabin and surroundings are beautiful, don’t think I’ve slept this well in a long time. My hat’s off to Elaine and Kirby for such a great experience and rental.
Best Regards,
Rich Derby
It’s private but easy access to Custer. The surrounding landscape is nothing short of awesome. Great hiking trail, wildlife, and a deck where we spent a lot of time. The house is generously supplied with kitchen equipment, quilts and places to relax. The three season front porch extends the full width of this log home.
The property was above and beyond our expectations. All the indoor accommodations we were perfect. We all enjoyed ourselves immensely. Definitely will recommend to others.
Marie K.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
About the host
Hosted by Elaine and Kirby Mellegard
We have lived 30+ years in the Black Hills. We recently retired and live in Rapid City. We enjoy outdoor activities of fishing, hiking, four wheeling, boating. This property offers easy access to those and all the attractions of the Hills.
Why they chose this property
It was a rare opportunity to get an authentic log cabin that offers privacy yet easy access to town. It also has the historical note of being in the valley where General George Armstrong Custer camped in 1874 and near where gold was discovered on French Creek.
What makes this property unique
It has modern amenities in a rustic log cabin offering a very private setting, yet only 3 miles to town.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests