Main Cabin
Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin
Fire Tower

Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin

Closed — Open year-round for reservations. Access roads are not plowed, making the cabin generally inaccessible December through March without snowmobiles or other oversnow vehicles. Contact Hell Canyon Ranger District at +1 (605) 673-9200 for current snow conditions.

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.

Occupancy and Use Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to protect the public health and safety in the Rocky Mountain Region. This Order is supplemental to and does not rescind or replace those restrictions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A, or any Forest Supervisor Order issued under 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart B.

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.

Special Restrictions: Over Snow Travel Order

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R.

Prohibition of Motor Vehicles On Beretta Road, Mystic Ranger District

A closure of the entirety of NFS Road 366.3 (Beretta Road), located approximately 3.3 miles north-northeast of Keystone, South Dakota, beginning at the intersection with US Highway 16 South and continuing to the intersection with NFS Roads 674.

Topaz timber sale near Sturgis, SD Continues Operations

The Topaz timber sale near Sturgis, SD continues operations.Tethered fuels reduction (a steep slope logging/fuels treatment system that uses equipment tethered to steel cables) is being utilized to perform chipping and mastication operations.  These operations cause flying debris.

Attention Cavers and Spelunkers

Remember that access to all caves in Region 2 must be authorized through a mandatory registration system that is available Online through the regional office.

Please Use Caution When Entering the Black Elk Wilderness

Please use caution when entering the Wilderness. At any given time, trees can fall without warning.

Don't Move Firewood & Other Firewood Information

The Forest Service sells permits to cut firewood for personal use. Firewood cutting can be a fun outing, can save on your heating bill and can be good exercise.

Hwy 385 Construction Updates

Visit https://us-385.com/ for updates on the Hwy 385 Construction project and/or text “US385” to 605-566-4041 to receive updates.

Order 182 - Open Fire Restriction - BKNF/SD

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R.

Order 172 - Cook Lake Closure Order

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R.

Order 082 - Area Closure - Motorized Vehicles within Botanical Area

Acts prohibited information on possessing or operating a motorized vehicle off Forest Development Roads within these Botanical Areas. 36 CFR 261.53 (b).

Order 079 - Area Closure - Craven Canyon

Area closure for occupancy and use regulations - Craven Canyon information

Order 074 - Prohibited Entry - Forest Caves/Mines

Prohibited Entry - Forest Caves/Mines information.

Order 046 - Length of Stay Restrictions & Reservation - Campgrounds

Length Order Special Restrictions & Reservation.

Order 044 - Area Closure - Concentrated Public Use Areas & Developed Rec. Areas

Special Closure Order on Concentrated Public Use Areas and Developed Recreation Areas. See Order below for details.

Order 015 - Road Use Regulations - Forest Development

Code of Federal Regulations, the following acts are prohibited on all Forest Development Roads under the jurisdiction of the Black Hills National Forest:

Order 025 - Site Closure - Designated Seismic

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), the following is prohibited: No person(s) may enter or be within the area within 1/2 mile of the Designated Seismic Site, (DSS), or on Forest Development Road 711 or FDR 110.4A within 1/2 mile of the DSS.

Order 024 - Mine Closure - Spokane

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following are prohibited:

Order 019 - Mining Prohibited - Norbeck

In accordance with. "36 CFR 251.10 PROHIBITION OF LOCATION OF MINING CLAIMS WITHIN CERTAIN AREAS IN THE NORBECK WILDLIFE PRESERVE, SOUTH DAKOTA", it has been determined that the location of mining claims within the area described below would not be in the public interest.

Order 010 - Nuclear Burial Site - Warren Peak

For public health or safety the use of explosives within the below described area is prohibited. (36 CFR 261.53)

About

Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin sits at 6,096 feet elevation near the Wyoming border in Black Hills National Forest. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, this historic cabin originally housed personnel who staffed the adjacent fire lookout tower. The primitive cabin measures 22x32 feet and comfortably sleeps four, though groups up to ten may rent the facility. It comes equipped with three bunk beds, a propane stove for cooking, a wood stove for heat, solar LED lighting, and an outdoor fire ring. A steel fire tower stands nearby but is closed to public access. Guests must be self-sufficient, bringing their own bedding, water for drinking and cooking, firewood, propane, and all cooking supplies. No mattresses, food, utensils, or toilet paper are provided. An accessible vault toilet is located on site. The cabin also offers two RV sites accommodating rigs up to 20 and 30 feet for an additional fee, reservable only in conjunction with the cabin rental. The remote location provides access to diverse recreation including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, OHV riding, hunting, and fishing in warmer months, with snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling in winter. The George S. Mickelson Trail lies approximately 40 miles away near Custer. Nearby attractions include Mount Rushmore, Jewel Cave, Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, and Crazy Horse Monument.

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. Note that access roads are not maintained or plowed in winter. Contact Hell Canyon Ranger District at +1 (605) 673-9200 prior to arrival to obtain cabin entry combination.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $35

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

Main Cabin
Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin
Fire Tower
Lookout Tower

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