Here Are The 15 Absolute Best Places To Stay In South Dakota
Clarisa
Author
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
Though planning a road trip itinerary involves a lot of estimation for timing, the most important part of any vacation is finding a solid place to stay. Among the best places to stay in South Dakota, there are a few that rise above the rest and have sparkling reviews to match. Instead of searching for the best hotels to fit your space and budget, why not get a whole space to yourself that feels not only more comfortable and more welcoming? The perfect accommodations for your next adventure are here in South Dakota just waiting to be booked. Let’s take a look at some of the best Vacation rentals in South Dakota, shall we?
Best Affordable Places to Stay in South Dakota
When planning a road trip, staying within a budget is a key part of enjoying your time spent away from home. Thankfully, saving money on accommodations in South Dakota is easy as pie. Without skipping any essentials, these rentals have everything you need at a price that doesn’t leave any holes in your wallet.
- Location: Hermosa, SD
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 9), 1 bath
- Price: $164/night (horse accommodations not included in price)
- Amenities: Internet, grill, hot tub spa, mountain view, deck seating, fire pit, handicap accessible
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
On 5 acres out in Custer County sits the beautiful Diamond K Bunkhouse, ready for relaxation and fun. Just 12 miles down the road, you’ll find Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial if you need to cross those off of your bucket list. Visitors are encouraged to bring their bikes, 4-wheelers, snowmobiles, and even horses to the house for all sorts of adventures. When you get back, relaxing in the large hot tub is a great way to warm up and calm down before bed.
- Location: Arlington, SD
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 8), 1 bath
- Price: $120/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, electric fireplace, grill, kayak/canoe with life jackets, fire pit, books and games, fishing poles, sunroom
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
Out by Lake Poinsett is a place called Pompi’s, home to a few gators but also plenty of stunning scenery for you to enjoy. Sitting out on the deck and enjoying your favorite drink is second only to a beautiful kayak trip on the water. If you head up to Watertown in your spare time, you’ll find the mall, museums, art center, and aquatic center to be more than enough to entertain yourself with.
- Location: Deadwood, SD
- Size: Studio: 1 bath, sleeps 4
- Price: $138/night
- Amenities: Train theme, plenty of snow for snowmobiling, quiet setting
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
For those vacations where you want easy access to recreation, you’ll find plenty to enjoy at The Depot. Sitting right on Trail #7 with snowmobile rentals around the corner, access to the outdoors is a big benefit. Plus, being near the Black Hills National Forest means you can have all sorts of adventures in the area while you use this as a home base.
Best Places to Stay in South Dakota for Families
Finding enough room for the whole family when you’re planning a vacation is sometimes a hassle. Thankfully, there are plenty of beautiful vacation rentals that easily suit groups of 8 or more. With everyone comfortable and settled, you can focus on making memories with your friends and loved ones.
- Location: Nemo, SD
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 8), 1 bath
- Price: $260/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, remote-controlled fireplace, hot tub spa, outdoor furniture, fire pit, fishing poles, pool table, games and books, toys for kids
- Ratings: 5 stars
With an irresistible view of the spring-fed pond and mountains in all directions, Custer Camp feels like the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful vacation with the family. You can fish trout out of the pond, revel in the history attached to the valley, and take Kelly Spur Road to a plethora of ATV trails. Relax out in the hammock or recline in a chair by the fire for the perfect ending to a day full of adventure. What more could you want? The Black Hills await!
- Location: Sturgis, SD
- Size: 5 bedrooms (sleeps 14), 3 baths
- Price: $450/night
- Amenities: Fireplace, internet, fitness center, grill, deck space, fire pit, wildlife
- Ratings: 4.7 stars
Being close to the attractions you came for is what usually draws people to pondside cabins like this slice of paradise. From skiing at Terry Peak to exploring the town of Deadwood, you can fill your day with all sorts of activities. Then, when your adventures are over, you can relax inside or outside by the fire for a cozy night in telling stores, eating s’mores, and making memories.
- Location: Keystone, SD
- Size: 4 bedrooms ( sleeps 8), 3.5 baths
- Price: $461/night
- Amenities: Fireplace, books, DVD player, close to Mount Rushmore
- Ratings: 5 stars
In the Black Hills, places like this perfectly positioned cabin that houses the whole family are worth their weight in gold. Only 9 miles from Mount Rushmore and 21 miles to the Crazy Horse Memorial means this spot can be a key element to crossing off those bucket list items in the most efficient way possible. Whenever you’re not out adventuring, spending your peace and quiet gazing at the mountains is a great way to pass the time.
Best Romantic Places to Stay in South Dakota for Couples
Romance in South Dakota can be found as easily as you’d find a pretty piece of scenery. There isn’t anything more romantic than a cozy stay cuddled up with your partner. Every rental is a rental for two when you have the whole place to yourselves.
- Location: Hot Springs, SD
- Size: Tent (sleeps 4), 1 full bath
- Price: $150/night
- Amenities: Tree deck, flushing toilet, hot tub, king-sized bed, grill, fridge, Wi-Fi
- Rating: 5.0 stars
Up on the side of a little cliff, you can relax with your partner in style with a tent and tree deck fit for a camping king. Between the flushing toilet and the outdoor shower, this glamping opportunity is like an outdoor mansion compared to rougher setups. Enjoy the hot tub and romantic lighting before tucking yourselves into this spacious Sibley Bell tent for a night in the trees. If you are looking for where to stay in South Dakota that is a step up from camping this is a wonderful spot.
- Location: Hot Springs, SD
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 1 bath
- Price: $500/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, double sided fireplace, whirlpool hot tub, outdoor furniture, games and TV, diverse wildlife
- Ratings: 5 stars
Unparalleled views await you at Red Canyon Ranch, where you sit cozy at the edge of a cliff enjoying some of the best scenery South Dakota has to offer. Whether you venture out to the deck chairs or stay inside where it’s cozy and warm is up to you! On a clear day, the scenery really sings. The price might be as steep as the cliffside, but the views pay for every cent.
- Location: Lawrence County, SD
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 1 full bath
- Price: $185/night
- Amenities: Wood burning fireplace, full kitchen, washer & dryer, grill
- Rating: 4.7 stars
For a delightfully romantic getaway to the Black Hills check out this simply perfect A-frame cabin with an inviting hot tub. Whether you visit in the winter or in the warmer months relaxing in a hot tub surrounded by this beautiful old-growth forest is simply divine. You will be right near Deer Mountain and the ATV/Snowmobile trails along Mickelson trail. Spearfish Canyon is also only a few minutes away for incredible hiking and waterfall trails. Your stay at Bobcat Retreat will certainly be a memorable one.
Best Places to Stay in Sioux Falls
As the largest city in South Dakota, Sioux Falls is a big center of tourist action in the region. Between the wide array of restaurants and attractions like the Great Plains Zoo, Butterfly House, Falls Park, and Arc of Dreams, you can fill every spare moment with new memories. The only hard part is choosing a home base to be the centerpiece.
- Location: Sioux Falls, SD
- Size: 4 bedrooms (sleeps 10), 3 baths
- Price: $433/night
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, washer & dryer, fireplace, game room, swimming pool, deck, grill
- Rating: 4.8 stars
In the heart of downtown Sioux Falls you'll find this Poolside Oasis that is perfect for visiting a son or daughter at college. The University of Sioux Falls and Augustana University are only about a half mile away. This accommodation in South Dakota is conveniently located near restaurants, movie theaters, and shops for everything you might need during your stay.
- Location: Sioux Falls, SD
- Size: 4 bedrooms (sleeps 10), 3 baths
- Price: $249/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, fireplace, game room, smart TV, driveway parking, fenced-in yard
- Ratings: 5 stars
If you have a larger group headed to Sioux Falls, you’ll need a large rental to match. Thankfully, this city lodge near the Empire Mall makes for a great home base. Between the Great Plains Zoo, the Delbridge Museum of Natural History, and everything else in Sioux City, you’re bound to have an adventure and a half. You’ll make better memories after a great night’s sleep.
- Location: Sioux Falls, SD
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, sleeps 3 (two adults, one child under 12)
- Price: $195/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, instant pot, propane grill, hot tub, fire pit, dedicated workspace
- Ratings: 5 stars
If you are traveling alone or with a friend, this couple’s escape will keep you comfortable and give you easy access to the city. Just a 10 minute drive to restaurants, shopping, arts, and Great Shots, the local golf course. If you’ve had a busy trip so far, this is a quiet place to relax in front of the fire and let your worries melt away for a while.
Best Places to Stay in Rapid City
Rapid City is a great home base for any road trips that include the Black Hills National Forest or Mt. Rushmore. Plus, once you’re done crossing things off of your list, you can come back into town to enjoy Dinosaur Park, Reptile Gardens, the Museum of Geology, and much more. If you love these hills, you’ll love Rapid City.
- Location: Rapid City, SD
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 1 bath
- Price: $250/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, charcoal grill, books and games, smart TV, fenced front yard, pet-friendly
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
Inspired by the hygge trend, this cozy cottage is a hidden gem that welcomes travelers and their pets to relax and find contentment during their stay. Hygge is all about comfort and peace, and a little house full of soft cushions, comfortable beds, and plenty of little touches that make sure your stay is perfect.
- Location: Rapid City, SD
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 1 bath
- Price: $242/night
- Amenities: High chair, books, smart TV, off-street parking, grill, fenced-in backyard, pet-friendly (weight limit applies)
- Ratings: 5 stars
In downtown Rapid City, this cute centennial cottage is an old craftsman home from 1908 that has been renovated to include all of the modern amenities needed for a present-day stay. The neighborhood is Send the kids out back to play on the little red fort or use this as a home base while you’re out exploring the wonders of South Dakota.
- Location: Rapid City, SD
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 12), 3 full baths
- Price: $567/night
- Amenities: Fast Wi-Fi, fireplace, full kitchen, washer & dryer, foosball table grill, hot tub
- Rating: 4.9 stars
Gather all of your friends and family for a fantastic multi-family getaway to the Black Hills! This beautiful home with even more stunning views is the perfect spot for a vacation. With three acres of land, this home is quiet and private, and it's close to fun attractions like Mt. Rushmore, mini golf, the Reptile Gardens, two golf courses, Fort Hays Old West Town & Dinner Show, and the Black Hills Maze. Not to mention some pretty great places to hike.
Whether you prefer your home base to be in the city or as remote as it gets, South Dakota has plenty of places for you to stay. Between the unparalleled scenery and the bucket-list attractions you’ll want to visit, adventures in these parts are easy to come by. Full kitchens, spacious rooms, kitchenettes, the works. Time to get planning!
What places would you add to this list of the best places to stay in South Dakota? Share your favorite finds with a comment.
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More to Explore
The Best Places To Stay In South Dakota
What are the best unique hotels in South Dakota?
South Dakota is home to hotels of all kinds, from fun to historic to haunted.
- Chateau de Soleil - a treehouse inn in South Dakota;
- Rocket Motel - a blast from the past;
- Waitiki Waterpark - a waterpark hotel in SoDak!
What are the most unique getaways in South Dakota?
South Dakota has all sorts of fun adventures when you want to have a unique adventure:
- This 1880s homestead cabin is a fun trip back in time;
- Sleep in a covered wagon campground, another unique getaway in SoDak;
- The historic Hotel Alex Johnson is always a fun choice for history lovers!