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Cabin

Borders National Forest/Sleeps 8-Close to Town/Privacy Yes!

Photo gallery for Borders National Forest/Sleeps 8-Close to Town/Privacy Yes!

Cabin with front deck from yard @ Golden Valley Ranch
Living room with large screen DISH satellite TV and electric fireplace.
Queen-sized sofa sleeper in living area
Dining table can add leaf, bench and stools to seat eight.
Kitchen and island with dinning room table

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top rated for families.
  • Fireplace
    A rare find - cosy up in front of a warm, inviting fireplace.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Balcony
  • Toys
  • Barbecue grill
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Custer, SD
  • Place, Stockade Lake
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Custer State Park
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Crazy Horse Memorial
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Airport, Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)
    ‪62 min drive‬

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
Balcony
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.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children under ten years of age are free.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Parking only on gravel, no parking on center grass area (septic tank location)

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3749326
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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 are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances 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

About the area

Custer

Custer is home to this cabin. Crazy Horse Memorial is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at 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 cave exploring nearby.
View more Cabin rentals in CusterOpens in a new window
Map
Custer, SD

What's nearby

  • Stockade Lake - 2 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Custer State Park - 6 min drive - 7.4 km
  • Sylvan Lake - 14 min drive - 18.2 km
  • Crazy Horse Memorial - 17 min drive - 17.6 km
  • Mount Rushmore - 28 min drive - 42.8 km

Getting around

  • Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) - 63 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Miner's Cup - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Frontier Bar And Grill - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪VFW Post #3442 - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Skogen Kitchen - ‬7 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.

How much does it cost to stay at Borders National Forest/Sleeps 8-Close to Town/Privacy Yes!?

As of 9 Jun 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Borders National Forest/Sleeps 8-Close to Town/Privacy Yes! on 10 Mar 2027 start from £311, 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 at Borders National Forest/Sleeps 8-Close to Town/Privacy Yes!?

On-site parking is available at the 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 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Custer State Park. Black Hills National Forest is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 131 out of 133 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 133 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 133 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 133 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 133 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful, peaceful location. Secluded and private cabin, but close to Custer. Plenty of room for our family of 5. The house had everything we needed! So many cute decorative elements and details throughout the cabin. We loved exploring in the forest across the bridge, watching wildlife, especially the birds. A perfect home base for exploring the Black Hills! Thanks so much, Elaine & Kirby!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John Z.

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

Great place to stay!

Nice house with a nice view and a great space for a family vacation.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Troy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent remote property with easy access. Great place to stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This modern cabin has several amenities to offer. It is comfortable, spacious and well maintained.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jodie D.

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

Black Hills Vacay

Great location for this beautiful property. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay tucked away from the city, very quiet. Host answered all our families questions and went above by giving us recommendations of places to eat and things to see. Home was clean and well taken care of and had a lot of essentials and more! Beautiful views to sit out and enjoy a meal on the deck or coffee in the morning.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Penny C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent stay, clean, well stocked pantry of spices and misc, beds slept well, beautiful wildlife and walking trails. Very peaceful and quiet. Very spacious. Comfy couches!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pamela V.

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

I can't say enough...beautiful place!

This cabin is located
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Duane S.

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

Perfect Location

My grandnephew and I had a great 3 day stay here. Perfect spot for access to all the hiking trails in Custer State Park. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather M.

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

Wonderful stay

We had a great stay at the house in Custer. Perfect location to easily explore the Black Hills area (Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, Badlands). Very spacious and clean. Enjoyed seeing deer in the morning. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie G.

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

July 2025

We can not say enough about our stay at Golden Valley Ranch.It was spacious, well stocked, serene and absolutely beautiful. The location was perfect for our numerous outings. We would come back and stay here ANYTIME
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James M.

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

Fantastic!

Great location. Wonderful property. It was a fantastic place to stay and enjoy the whole area!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This house is just as advertised. It is in a beautiful, secluded spot a few miles outside Custer. Perfect location to do all the fun things in the hills and relax at the end of the day.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything about this house was amazing. Deer on the lawn when we arrived, kitchen very well equipped, hostess was so helpful and accommodating. She helped locate a cabin down the road when my nephew and family decided that they would like to join us. Weather was perfect and we couldn’t have found a better location. We mostly cooked at home and had a wonderful time.
Cathedral Spires hike
Aspens changed color a lot while we were here.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved our stay at Golden Valley Ranch. It’s not very far from Custer, but it’s very private and quiet. The kitchen is stocked with everything you may need for cooking meals. Everything was super clean. Communication with the owner was prompt and helpful. We would definitely return if we return to the Black Hills.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian B.

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

Great Cabin!

We had such a wonderful vacation. This cabin is an absolute gem. Beautiful surrounding and so close to Custer state park.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kerry S.

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

Cuater

Wonderful stay and the cabin is as pictured. Perfect location to visit all the sites in the area. We would stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sybil B.

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

Near Custer State Park

This is a great location near Custer State Park. The kids ages 4 and 6 liked it and enjoyed hiking with Dad in the area beyond the cabin.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Wonderful vacation spot

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.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie B.

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

Excellent cabin

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.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Priscilla A.

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

comfort & serenity

accessible but so very quiet no highway noise or other people lovely green space for games with kids, decks to sit and relax on fire pit area was fantastic with wood provided well appointed kitchen comfortable beds and linens great tv on rare occasin we wanted to watch
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim O.

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

Perfect Custer Property

Amazing - the perfect Black Hills get away. So close to the Custer Wildlife Loop. Out of town vibe, close to town!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michele S.

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

Golden Valley

Fun place, fits the description and more.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly S.

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

Peaceful and private

This property is close to Custer and Custer state park. Perfect location in a private peaceful setting. Trails, wildlife, views, it had it all.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shelley M.

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

Exceeded expectations

What a delightful place for our family getaway. Very spacious and comfortable house. I loved the charming decor. Very well stocked.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

About the host

Hosted by Elaine and Kirby Mellegard

Host profile image
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

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They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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