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Ponderosa Cabin with Private Hot Tub - Near Mt Rushmore and Hills Attractions

Photo gallery for Ponderosa Cabin with Private Hot Tub - Near Mt Rushmore and Hills Attractions

The Ponderosa with the Aspen nearby
The Ponderosa dining area and kitchen
Dining Room window view
The Ponderosa living room
The Ponderosa Seasons Room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 162032 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washer and dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Custer, SD
  • Place, Crazy Horse Memorial
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Place, Needles Highway
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Place, Custer State Park
    ‪34 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 16)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 Twin Futon

2 bathrooms

Main Bathroom - Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Master Bath - Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Ponderosa Cabin with Private Hot Tub - Near Mt Rushmore and Hills Attractions

Come Stay at The Ponderosa Cabin and enjoy a lovely soak in the private hot tub. There are 4 bedrooms all with queen beds and linens provided and a portable baby crib with linens in the Master Bedroom closet.
There are also two Double Futons in the Living Room for added sleeping space. Linens for the Futons are in the hall closet.
There is a little woodland path that connects the Ponderosa to the Aspen Cabin and both are available from May - September and can be rented separately or together. Nightly rate is for one cabin.
The cabins are spacious and cozy. Each cabin has 2 full bathrooms: one with tub/shower combo and the Master baths each have a garden tub and a separate walk-in shower. The kitchens are fully furnished with place settings for at least 16, silverware and a variety of cooking utensils and pans. There is a microwave, toaster, blender, crock pots, coffee maker, French press, coffee grinder, dishwasher and dining area (guests provide their own meals).
Each deck has a HOT TUB, gas grill and outdoor seating,
and each cabin has an iron and ironing board, washer and dryer - (laundry soap is provided - bring your favorite laundry aids), central air conditioning and heating, Internet, satellite TV, dvd/video player with a large video library.
We are located 6 miles west of Crazy Horse Mountain, 10 miles south of Hill City and 8 miles northwest of Custer and are nestled in the Black Hills National Forest with silver aspens and pines.
Step out on the deck and you are surrounded by miles of prime National Forest habitat for deer, elk and turkey as well as many other kinds of wildlife. Numerous trails and logging roads invite hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and are perfect for ATV enthusiasts. Stay in one or both - nightly rate is for one cabin. (To check availability for both cabins, message Donna through the VRBO site).
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot Tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (33 reviews)
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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No pets unless arrangements are made with the owners. There is a $100 pet cleaning fee and a Form. Contact Ray and Donna with3 questions or requests.

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 35
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

About the neighborhood

Custer

Located in Custer, this cabin is near theme parks and near a water park. Crazy Horse Memorial is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Black Hills National Forest and The Black Hills. Traveling with kids? Consider Needles Highway and Granite Sports. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing, and don't miss out on the sledding and snowmobiling.
View more Cabin Rentals in CusterOpens in a new window
Map
Custer, SD

What's nearby

  • Crazy Horse Memorial - 27 min drive - 17.2 km
  • Needles Highway - 28 min drive - 26.6 km
  • Jewel Cave National Monument - 33 min drive - 24.6 km
  • Custer State Park - 34 min drive - 33.6 km
  • Sylvan Lake - 36 min drive - 36.8 km

Getting around

  • Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) - 78 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Laughing Water Restaurant - ‬25 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Ponderosa Cabin with Private Hot Tub - Near Mt Rushmore and Hills Attractions pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Ponderosa Cabin with Private Hot Tub - Near Mt Rushmore and Hills Attractions?

As of Apr 18, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ponderosa Cabin with Private Hot Tub - Near Mt Rushmore and Hills Attractions on May 19, 2026 start from $383, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Ponderosa Cabin with Private Hot Tub - Near Mt Rushmore and Hills Attractions?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Ponderosa Cabin with Private Hot Tub - Near Mt Rushmore and Hills Attractions?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Ponderosa Cabin with Private Hot Tub - Near Mt Rushmore and Hills Attractions located?

Located in the mountains, this family-friendly cabin is within 12 mi (20 km) of Indian Museum of North America, Black Hills National Forest, and Crazy Horse Memorial. Gates Park and Way Park are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 26 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 26 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deb I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our second stay here and had a great time! Easy access to trails. Enjoyed the hot tub.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

DEAN G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host Donna answered all of my questions and allowed us to check in a few hours early. We had stayed at this location before and it was just as enjoyable as the last time.Very well maintained and clean.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

john j.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable, cozy retreat!

Quiet, well prepared for guests. Donna and Ray were helpful, answered any questions we had, beautiful scenery, relaxing!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Phillip B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Close to many activities

There were many places to go to and do close by. Then you can get away to a quiet cabin whenever you want
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shelly R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

Close to local attractions
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laurie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

Great place to stay! Fast communication with thenownwe
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lorri W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family getaway

The house was nice and clean and plenty big for our family. Kitchen was well stocked with everything you need to make your meals. Kids especially liked the hot tub. Would stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vickie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Cabin

Everything was as expected. Loved having a hot tub after long days of adventure.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous!

Well stocked place!!! Plenty of toilet paper, coffee filters, wine key, salt and pepper, dish soap, paper towels….and thank you for the fresh flowers. Lovely stay!!!! Great hot tub and deck and grill!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debra S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We came out to go 4 Wheeling, we enjoyed it very much. We had family— 11 of us and got very well.

We enjoyed it very well, and would recommend it. We had 11 of us and did very well .
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enjoyed our stay.

Loved it! Very clean. Good communication with owners. Great location. Comfortable beds. No complaints at all.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Black Hills Hideaway

We wanted quiet, comfy, and convenient. Ray and Donna's place was perfect for us -- above and beyond our expectations. Roomy, wonderful forested view, and plenty of local geology (rocks and ridges and views), plants, and animals to enjoy! The cabin was huge.... and had everything we could possibly need ... and enjoy. Thoughtfully placed and lovingly maintained. We will definitely go back as soon as we can. Sarah & Chuck
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An absolutely wonderful place to stay!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay! The host, Donna was fabulous with communication and fun to talk with! The location is off the beaten path and quiet which was wonderful. We wish we had had one more day to spend just at the cabins! We rented both the Aspen and Ponderosa! Fabulous for a larger group like ours ranging in age from 2-74! The kids loved running between the cabins and hiking up the hills. The kitchen had everything you need. There are toys, books, movies, etc. Seriously met the needs of all ages. 10/10 would definitely recommend!!! Hoping to stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff M.

Great

The home was clean everything worked there were no surprises. This is the second time we stayed at this home and both experiences have been positive.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceptionally well set up for visitors.

At this cabin it is immediately obvious that the host/hostess have thought out the needs of users. They have literally provided everything one could possibly need to enjoy a visit and not worry about "where are we going to find a coffee pot, ironing board, dishwasher, washer/dryer, tv system, linens, or virtually anything else one might need. I was tremendously impressed with both the accommodations and the response from the owners when any question was raised. Bravo and I would highly recommend you stay here!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joan P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

If you want absolute quiet, this is the place.

It’s a full large house which is extremely well furnished. The kitchen has everything down to the detail in utensils and cooking ware. The in room soaking bath was luxurious. The hot tub is big and the water is silky, well balanced Ph. We never turned the large TV on. The only stairs are a few getting into the house in front, some stairs below the hot tub deck where the grill stands, and the steps getting into the hot tub. It is a few miles of dirt road to get there but well worth the drive to absorb the deafening silence. We could hear the elk bugle and coyotes howl. The only drawback is one of personal preference; the bedrooms are very comfortable but the window coverings don’t darken the room very well. A heavier drape would work well. The blinds are fine. The proprietor is wonderful and most helpful answering questions about the house prior to making a reservation and giving us excellent directions to get there. This is a bit long but I just want to stress what a perfect place the Ponderosa is. We will definitely return.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Family Rental

Our family of 5 (kids ages 8, 10, and 12) stayed here while visiting all of the “must do” sights in the Custer area. It was far enough away from the crowds but not too far to be inconveniently located. We appreciated the peace and quiet, seeing the deer outside our windows, and soaking our tired feet in the hot tub each night. The house was VERY clean (and I am a clean freak) and offered plenty of linens, kitchen supplies, and toiletries. We appreciated the stock of spices so we didn’t have to purchase every little thing from the grocery store. The beds were fairly comfortable and the supply of board games, puzzles, and movies kept our kids happy. The owner, Donna, was very responsive with answers to my questions. Her notes around the house are helpful and the landline phone was awesome to have since we didn’t have great cell service at the house. The wifi worked very well, so that wasn’t a concern at all! We definitely would stay here again if we return to the area!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donny I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location

Used as a base for UTV trip. Close to fuel. On main arterial roadway to access off road locations. Owners were great.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great for trail-riding with large group

We rented both Aspen and Ponderosa and stayed with family and a few friends for 5 days in the Black Hills. Our main focus was ATV trail-riding and is an excellent location for easy access to trails. The houses were both fully furnished and comfortable. The hot tub was a plus. We have stayed here at least twice before and would definitely stay here again in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing location

Felt like your own home. Everything was laid out great, clean and so welcoming. Our hosts were very accommodating and answered all quires quickly and concise. We were impressed with the location and loved the quietness. They had everything you could have asked for and more!! Highly recommend.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deb D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Outstanding place to stay in Black Hills!

Centrally located to everything we wanted to do. Also lots of trailheads close by, and some we could easily get to that were farther away. The property owners provide so many extra touches that really made our week long stay very pleasant. Hope to return.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Kevin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

labor day

could use more grassy area for yard games Wifi no reception for cell service
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lance S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secluded. Quiet. Just what we wanted.

We had a great stay. The property was clean, comfortable, and exactly what was represented. We enjoyed our stay, and would stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Traci O.

We thought it was a fantastic place

The property was really nice
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

Quiet, Scenic, Clean, Fully stocked Cabin

The Mile High Retreat is a terrific place to stay. The cabin has everything you could need and more. It has cute themed rooms which my boys loved. It was extremely clean and well cared for The drive back to the cabin is absolutely amazing. The views and wildlife do not disappoint! Driving by Crazy Horse daily is an add bonus. We had the good fortune to meet Donna the owner on the last day. She is delightful and takes pride in you having a great stay. I would definitely recommend Mile High Retreat for your stay in the Black Hills!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2018

About the host

Hosted by Ray and Donna Lautenschlager

Host profile image
Ray and I are in our late 60's and have been married for over 40 years. We love these cabins and hope you will too!

Why they chose this property

The Mile High Retreat cabins are quiet and secluded, centrally located and easily accessible.

What makes this property unique

Great place to relax on the deck or in the hot tub with beautiful mountain views and abundant wildlife. Suitable for a small group or a large family reunion up to 24+ people.
No Pets unless arrangements are made with the owners. There is a $100 pet cleaning fee and a Pet Agreement Form- please contact Ray and Donna with any requests or questions.

Languages:

English

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