Famous for the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, and other fascinating natural and historic sites, South Dakota is an under-the-radar destination that’s worthy of your next road trip. There are some excellent stops to check out along your drive and also some interesting places to stay to make it especially memorable.
As standouts among the many listings on Airbnb and Vrbo, here are the coolest vacation rentals in South Dakota right now.
Three-Bedroom Log Cabin, Hill City
When you’re in the Hill City area, consider this three-bedroom, two-bathroom log cabin that sleeps up to eight people. It is in a meadow on Spring Creek and is great for family vacations. The home features a kitchen, loft, laundry machines, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, gas grill, and patio. When you stay here, it’s fun to check out the art galleries and hiking trails nearby. There’s so much to do within just 30 minutes of driving or less. The location is also convenient at just over a mile from Hill City on Highway 385.
Restored Nemo Farmhouse on Centennial Trail & View, Nemo
For up to eight people, there’s the option of renting this house that has four bedrooms, five beds, and one bathroom. The farmhouse is 30 minutes from Deadwood and 20 minutes from Sturgis. It comes with lots of parking, a smart TV, Wi-Fi, and a guest laundry area. The home dates back to the late 1900s and has been updated and remodeled. You’ll enjoy the quiet book nook with lots of books to browse through and a view of the barn and national forest from here.
Downtown Modern-Farmhouse Studio, Spearfish
Here’s a studio rental that’s great for two people because it’s a renovated 24-foot by 20-foot space that used to be a hobby garage. It’s next door to the original homestead and located in downtown Spearfish, just two blocks from Main Street. This is a great place to bring your dog because there’s a fenced-in yard. Dogs are allowed by pre-approval only, and cats are not allowed. The studio has a queen-size bed, couch, and free street parking. There is a shower with a tiny-home-style water tank.
Beautifully Remodeled Lake Front Home, Lake City
This Vrbo rental property gets great guest reviews and is 1,280 square feet in size. The home sleeps six people and has three bedrooms and four beds. It’s a lakefront home on Roy Lake, which is a nice place for fishing. It has an open floor plan, full kitchen, comfy living room, and deck with a fire pit. Other features of the home are laundry machines and a private dock to fish off of or launch a kayak from. There’s a nearby park with a disc golf course and playground. Just a few miles away, you’ll find a lakefront, nine-hole golf course. Internet and TV are also provided here.
Tiny Retro Camper, Custer
Two people will love staying in this adorable Airbnb camper when they visit the Custer area of South Dakota. It’s in a local campground, so you’ll have access to shower houses, a game room, laundry facilities, playgrounds, and a general store. This 16-foot camper has a retro vibe and includes a toilet/sink room, cozy dinette, and two-burner stove. The outside area has a picnic table, fire ring, and decorative lights in the trees. You’ll be right next to the Black Hills National Forest with this rental. The ceiling is low inside the camper, so this isn’t the best option for very tall people.
Harley Court Loft, Lead
Some of the best vacation rentals in South Dakota are located in Lead, such as this popular and highly rated studio space. The property is close to downtown but still feels secluded and has easy access to outdoor recreation. It’s a nice spot for two people but does not allow pets. There are 18 steps you’ll need to climb to access the loft. Up here, you’ll find a portable air conditioner and electric heat. Meanwhile, the kitchenette has a microwave, small fridge, coffeemaker, and toaster. It’s a good idea to have a 4WD vehicle to get here in the winter.
Kate's Cottage on the Peterson Farm, Beresford
Kate’s Cottage is one of the most popular and highly rated properties listed on Airbnb in South Dakota. It accommodates up to two guests in a 1930s cottage on the Peterson Farm. With this rental, you’ll even get homemade breakfast delivered to your door. The rental has a queen-size bed and also a twin air mattress if you need it. Pets are allowed here if you get prior approval from the host, but just keep pets in a kennel when you are out. The cottage has a kitchen and air conditioning as well to help you feel comfortable and right at home.
Hideaway Cabin Near Rochford, Hill City
The Hideaway Cabin is an A-frame getaway with a loft and deck on a pine-filled hillside. It works well for two or four people and offers a very quiet and private stay. It’s by Rochford and does not have cell service or Wi-Fi. The space comes equipped with a basic kitchen and is a mile from the Mickelson Trail for hiking and biking. You can also take a short walk down the hill to Rapid Creek from here. Book this Airbnb vacation rental for a nice place to chill and unwind. Overall, this is an affordable place that has received many excellent guest reviews.
Cozy Stream-Side Cabin, Lead
Spanning 700 square feet, here’s a cabin for up to six people in the heart of the Black Hills. It’s by a babbling stream and pine forest to help you relax and unwind. You’ll be in a secluded space but less than 20 minutes from attractions. Your rental here includes a cabin (ideal for a couple), a snug loft space, and a newly finished bunkhouse. A wood-burning fireplace is onsite for guests to use.
Cabin on Open Acreage, Spearfish
This cute cabin is available to rent on Airbnb for up to four people. It has basic amenities, including two queen-size beds, a full kitchen, Wi-Fi, TV, closet, loveseat, and shower. Your stay here also includes towels, laundry machines and detergent, a coffee pot, and basic kitchen supplies. Wi-Fi and TV are provided. The outside area has camping chairs and a fire pit. The hosts live in a house and have a shop on the land here. You can bring your pet along on your trip when you book this vacation rental.
