Cozy, Historic Cabin by Rushmore & Custer St Park

Keystone, South Dakota
$182 avg/night Minimum Stay 2 Nights
Bed 1

Bed

Bath 1

Bath

Home Cabin

Property Type

Sleep 3

Max Sleeps

Night 2 nights

Min Stay

The Calamity Jane cabin is an authentic, historic log home with the original wood floor, main door, and historic rock fireplace. (Due to its historical nature, the fireplace is non-functioning.) The cabin got its name because Calamity Jane herself spent an evening in the cabin while traveling through the hills back in the day. The cabin was used at various times for stage coach travelers, a guest house, and to house the school teacher for the nearby mining town of Spokane. Its authenticity has kept alive the spirit of its age, bringing its visitors back to a more simple and romantic age of mankind. A hand stacked rock fireplace, (historical and therefore non-functioning), is the central feature of this genuine historic log building.

The Calamity Jane is an open floor plan which sleeps 3 people. It has a king-size bed and a twin bed. A kitchenette and small bath were added to the original cabin. (The old outhouse still stands nearby; we use it as a gardening shed.) The kitchenette includes a sink, microwave, mini fridge, toaster, drip coffeemaker, and an induction hot plate. We stock the kitchenette with pots, pans, basic cooking and eating utensils. We include dishes, drinking glasses, basic spices, and a limited amount of coffee and filters. A small bath with a walk-in shower and toilet. There is also a kitchen table with two chairs, as well as a dining table with four chairs near the fireplace. There is a 32 Roku TV in the main cabin. We use Starlink satellite internet for our WiFi. Outside there is an all-cedar deck with a small table, 2 chairs, and BBQ grill for outdoor enjoyment.

There is a 2-night minimum to rent the Calamity Jane.

McDonald Mountain Ranch is in a very convenient location. Center Lake is nearby, which is a swimming/fishing lake with picnic tables, barbeque grills, showers, and restrooms; located 2 miles away from the ranch. The Black Hills Historic Playhouse is also within a few miles. The beautiful Iron Mountain Hiking Trail is right around the corner. The Wolf Camp outdoor restaurant, which serves barbeque ribs, burgers, pizza, etc., is 1/2 mile away. The entrance to Custer State Park is also right around the corner.

Minimum age requirement on Calamity Jane is age 3.

Unfortunately, due to many considerations and despite the fact that we are huge animal lovers, we do not allow pets in our cabins. If a guest arrives for their reservation with an animal, they will NOT be given a rental key NOR issued a refund.

We do not have guest laundry facilities. There are laundromats in Keystone and Hill City.

Due to our small staff, we do not offer early check-in nor late check-out.

Driving and Parking Info: The Ranch is located directly off of a well-maintained and paved county road. Our driveways are hard-packed dirt and gravel. We have limited parking near each of the cabins and suites. We have an additional parking area at the rear of the main lodge. We have a large, well-kept meadow beyond that for overflow parking of motorcycle trailers, side by sides, etc. We ask that you please do not block the main driveways or the two-car garage at the front of the property.

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  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • PETS

    No Pets Allowed
  • DINING

    Dining Table
  • SAFETY

    Carbon Monoxide Detector Not Reported (host Has Not Indicated Whether There Is A Carbon Monoxide Detector On The Property; Consider Bringing A Portable Detector) Fire Extinguisher Smoke Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    Bed Sheets Provided
  • GENERAL

    Unit Size: 330 Sq Ft (31 Sq M)
  • KITCHEN

    Coffee/tea Maker Cookware/dishes/utensils Microwave Refrigerator (mini) Toaster
  • PARKING

    Car Required Limited Onsite Parking (max 2 Spaces) Onsite Parking RV, Bus, And Truck Parking On Site
  • INTERNET

    Free WiFi
  • OUTDOORS

    Barbecue Grill Patio
  • BATHROOMS

    1 Bathroom Hair Dryer Shower Towels Provided
  • LANGS SPOKEN

    English
  • THINGS TO DO

    Cycling Nearby Fishing Nearby Golf Nearby Hiking/biking Trails Nearby Horse Riding Nearby Hunting Nearby Kayaking Nearby Mountain Biking Nearby Water Tubing Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Smart TV
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Air Conditioning Heating
  • FAMILY FRIENDLY

    Playground
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    In A Rural Location In The Mountains Near A Zoo
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    3 Stairs To Reach Property Hardwood Flooring In Public Areas If You Have Requests For Specific Accessibility Needs, Please Contact The Property Using The Information On The Reservation Confirmation Received After Booking. Smoke-free Property

CheckIn Check-in : 04:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 11:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 3

Map Map

School District Availability

Review Review

  • Erik

    Submitted Jul 6, 2025

    Stayed Jun 29, 2025

    This was an excellent stay in a 1800s cabin. Richard the owner is a true gem. Stop by and visit with him when he is out relaxing on his porch- It is worth it.

  • Roger

    Submitted Sep 14, 2023

    Stayed Sep 10, 2023

    The cabin was comfortable and in a good location to get to all of the attractions in the area. I didn't like it being so close to the road but it wouldn't keep me from coming back. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to stay there. Thank you.

  • Crystal

    Submitted Oct 14, 2022

    Stayed Oct 10, 2022

    This quaint cabin makes you feel secluded and peaceful and at the same time not far away from many local activities and attractions. It was very clean and quiet and relaxing. Highly recommend!

  • Danielle

    Submitted Sep 13, 2020

    Stayed Sep 5, 2020

    We had a great stay and would highly recommend to anyone who wants to get away from the fast paced lifestyle and modern technology. We look forward to going back again soon

  • Billy

    Submitted Jun 10, 2020

    Stayed Jun 2, 2020

    Richard and his helpers. Cheryl and Torrey could not have been greater. We have been all big bucket list places. Stayed in 5 start hotels. Cruise ships and other cabins. This way a wonderful experience so much we already planed to go back. Close to everything but out of town enough for peace and quite I usually don’t write reviews usually just check boxes and are done. But Richard and company deserves the time to write. Billy Campbell. Florida

  • Bradford R.

    Submitted Aug 25, 2025

    Stayed Aug 17, 2025

    This was a great little cabin in a beautiful area. The deer were great to see most mornings as we were watching the sunrise. We also saw wild turkeys. Very relaxing place to stay and close to other attractions.

  • Rick E.

    Submitted Aug 10, 2025

    Stayed Jul 30, 2025

    This has been my favorite place to stay so far using VRBO

  • Tarah P.

    Submitted Jul 7, 2025

    Stayed Jul 3, 2025

    We stayed 4 nights and absolutely loved it. We would love to stay again. The host is so helpful and friendly. The property is beautiful and you see alot of wildlife. Close to Custer and Keystone! I highly recommend this property.

  • Patricia C.

    Submitted Jun 7, 2025

    Stayed Jun 4, 2025

    Our stay was GREAT!!The bed was comfortable, and we had everything we needed. Thank you so much!

  • Linda W.

    Submitted May 27, 2025

    Stayed May 20, 2025

    Small space works for 2 people, found 2 trails on all trails, close. Stockade trail excellent in park.

  • todd w.

    Submitted Oct 1, 2024

    Stayed Sep 16, 2024

    Had a great time, so much to see. Great location for home base. Cabin as described.

  • Katherine E.

    Submitted Sep 23, 2024

    Stayed Sep 20, 2024

    Lovely property. Close to where I needed to be. Lots of deer, drive slow and safe especially around 5-6p. FYI navigating to Old McDonald Ranch is better than typing the address to GPS. The lock might benefit from an update. I was having trouble locking it as you have to pull the door hard while turning the key.

  • Lynn B.

    Submitted Sep 17, 2024

    Stayed Sep 5, 2024

    Decorated nicely. Cozy, relaxing atmosphere. So peaceful and quiet. Perfect for the two of us. Loved it!!

  • Don O.

    Submitted Sep 2, 2024

    Stayed Aug 18, 2024

    Great location and Richard the owner is a gem. Rustic and very peaceful. Good sleeping, bed, mattress a d sheets good.

  • Christopher A.

    Submitted Jul 29, 2024

    Stayed Jul 25, 2024

    This is a beautiful place to stay. The view is awesome, where one can see wild turkeys,deer, and other wildlife. Close to Mt. Rushmore and Keystone, SD. Mr. McDonald is a treasure to visit with.

  • Beth K.

    Submitted Jul 13, 2024

    Stayed Jul 7, 2024

    Our second stay at the McDonald Mountain Ranch! Love the location and the friendly host! So close to all of the attractions yet on a peaceful rural road next to Custer State Park and the Black Hills National Forest. Beautiful area with so much to see and do!

  • Orvel R.

    Submitted Jul 5, 2024

    Stayed Jun 30, 2024

    Very beautiful and quiet. We enjoyed it very much

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Total

Includes taxes and fees
$182+
View details