Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin

Star4.46
52 reviews
Hell Canyon Ranger District, 1019 North 5th Street, Custer, SD, 57730, USA
Stargazing

Quick Facts

6,096 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Hell Canyon Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for the Summit Ridge Cabin is $35. Additional charges apply for larger groups: $12 for 10-13 people, $24 for 14 people. RV sites are...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$12.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
605-673-9200
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What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 52 reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullocation

Some mention

noise

"User reviews reflect a mix of positive and critical feedback. The cabin is appreciated for its remote location, rustic charm, and wildlife observation opportunities. However, some guests have reported issues with cleanliness, inconsistent management responses, and disturbances from nearby road traffic."

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Campground Map

Hell Canyon Ranger District, 1019 North 5th Street, Custer, SD, 57730, USA

Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin

Hell Canyon Ranger District, 1019 North 5th Street, Custer, SD, 57730, USA

Driving directionsEntrance into the cabin is by combination lock. Prior to your arrival, contact the Hell Canyon Ranger District 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 maintenance during winter months, including snow plowing.
The roads leading to Summit Ridge Cabin (Boles Canyon Road and Summit Road) are unpaved and do not receive maintenance or snow plowing during winter months. Travelers report that these roads can be bumpy and rippled, especially Boles Canyon Road.
Nearby places
Newcastle, WY (9 miles), Custer, SD (approximately 40 miles)
Nearby supplies
Visitors must bring all essentials, including food, cooking utensils, sleeping gear, firewood, and water for drinking, cooking, and washing as no supplies are available on-site. The nearest supply locations would likely be in Custer, SD or Newcastle, WY.

Best Time to Camp at Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin

Winter transforms Summit Ridge into a snow-globe wonderland from December through March, where heavy snowfall creates a pristine blanket of white that may temporarily close access roads—perfect for those seeking true solitude. As spring awakens the forest, wildflowers emerge and temperatures become delightfully mild. Summer brings warm days ideal for hiking and cool evenings perfect for stargazing from your cabin porch, making these seasons the most popular times to experience this mountain retreat.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers wildlife and clear road conditions but increased OHV traffic noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is popular (hunting, scenery) with fewer crowds and good conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers wildlife sightings and improving access; muddy conditions possible.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Snow creates a 'snow-globe' setting and winter activity but roads may be impassable Dec–Mar.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Generally accessible year-round except December through March when snowfall can render roads impassable.
  • Current Alerts: Currently undergoing improvements. Fire restrictions may apply; guests are advised to confirm before arrival.

About Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin

Step back in time at Summit Ridge Cabin, where the echoes of the 1930s still resonate through weathered timber walls. This cherished piece of living history, lovingly crafted by the skilled hands of the Civilian Conservation Corps, once sheltered vigilant fire lookouts who kept watch over the vast Black Hills wilderness. Today, this rustic mountain sanctuary invites modern adventurers to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's timeless rhythms in the heart of Black Hills National Forest.
Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin provides rustic lodging options, including a cabin suitable for small groups and two additional RV sites. Tent camping and other types of accommodations are not explicitly mentioned.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The remote location offers diverse recreational opportunities. Popular activities include hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles during summer and early autumn. Winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling. The nearby George S. Mickelson Trail, about 40 miles from the cabin, offers over 100 miles of packed gravel trails featuring tunnels, converted railroad bridges, and scenic views of the Black Hills.
HikingHiking opportunities are abundant in the area. The George S. Mickelson Trail, located approximately 40 miles from the cabin, provides over 100 miles of packed gravel trails through mountains, meadows, and forests.
FishingFishing is permitted in the surrounding area, though specific details about fish species or quality are not provided.
BikingMountain biking is popular in the area, with trails offering a mix of terrain suitable for various skill levels.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight of the area. Notable species include bighorn sheep, elk, deer, pronghorn, bald eagles, hawks, osprey, and peregrine falcon. A user review notes, 'Drive slowly up to the cabin, you'll catch views of wildlife like elk and deer!'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as squirrels, mice, and rats may be attracted to the cabin if not kept clean. Visitors should also be cautious of bees and potentially rough roads.
Active AlertsCurrently undergoing improvements. Fire restrictions may apply; guests are advised to confirm before arrival.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin

Reviews

4.5
52 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews reflect a mix of positive and critical feedback. The cabin is appreciated for its remote location, rustic charm, and wildlife observation opportunities. However, some guests have reported issues with cleanliness, inconsistent management responses, and disturbances from nearby road traffic.
Review Summaries
Based on 52 reviews

What Campers Love

Common positive remarks include the peaceful location, opportunities to observe wildlife, and the functional wood stove and propane stove in the cabin. One user writes, 'The cabin was wonderful...
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Based on 52 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback focuses on cleanliness issues upon arrival ('The cabin was very dirty when we arrived'), difficulties obtaining the lock combination ('Make ABSOLUTELY sure you call the ranger...
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Based on 52 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing extra bedding, propane-compatible equipment, cleaning supplies, lanterns, and garbage bags. One user advises, 'Make sure you bring cleaning supplies, a saw or hatchet for...
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Based on 52 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The cabin is less accessible during winter due to snow-covered roads. Spring and summer visits are noted for wildlife sightings and clearer road conditions, though summer brings increased traffic...
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Based on 52 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Fantastic stay, we loved the night sky and the seclusion of this cabin.' 2. 'After camping at Custer State Park, it was nice to have some quiet space to relax.' 3. 'I stayed in two different...
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Based on 52 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most reviews pertain to the cabin itself (Site 001), Loop Summit Ridge Lookout. One user notes, 'Summit Ridge is a great escape in the Black Hills any time.'
Based on 52 reviews

Accessibility Features

The accessible vault toilet is appreciated in reviews, though some guests mention challenges with obtaining the lock code for entry.
Based on 52 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences at the site.
Based on 52 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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