Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin
The cabin is available for reservation year-round when accessible. Roads to the cabin (Boles Canyon Road and Summit Road) are not maintained or plowed during winter months, making access typically impossible from December through mid-March. An open fire restriction is currently in effect for Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota. Reservations require minimum 3 days advance booking via Recreation.gov. Contact Hell Canyon Ranger District at 605-673-9200 for access code before arrival.
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
Cave Closure and Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.
About
Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin is a historic rental cabin in Black Hills National Forest, the only cabin available for rent on the forest. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, this 22x32-foot structure originally housed personnel staffing the adjacent fire lookout tower. The steel fire tower remains on site but is closed to public use. At 6,096 feet elevation near the Wyoming border, the cabin offers a remote setting surrounded by Ponderosa pine and grassy understory characteristic of the Black Hills. The primitive cabin sleeps 7 comfortably on 3 bunk beds and can accommodate groups up to 10. Amenities include a wood stove for heat, propane stove for cooking (guests supply propane), and solar LED lighting. An accessible CXT vault toilet is located on site. There is no potable water, electricity, or bedding provided. Guests must bring sleeping bags, cooking utensils, firewood, water, and trash bags. An outdoor fire ring is available, subject to current fire restrictions. Two RV sites accommodating rigs up to 20 and 30 feet are available for an additional $12 each. Recreational opportunities include hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and OHV riding in warmer months. The George S. Mickelson Trail is approximately 40 miles away near Custer. Winter activities include snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling when conditions allow access. Nearby attractions include Mount Rushmore, Jewel Cave, Custer State Park, and Wind Cave National Park.
Directions
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 3 miles to Summit Ridge Cabin on the left.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (605) 673-9200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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