Just a stone's throw from Custer State Park! Three guest cabins, and two suites located in the lodge, are located on 6 beautiful, serene, and quiet acres in Custer County, SD.

The Carol Jean is a historic cabin getaway that we renovated a few years ago. The Carol Jean includes a kitchenette with granite countertops and all new appliances. The bath includes a large natural rock shower. The cabin sleeps four, with a king bed on the first level and two twin beds on the second level (loft). There is an all redwood deck with a swing for outdoor relaxation.

All cabins include Wifi, 32" Roku TV, air conditioning, heating, and outdoor dining facilities with access to a barbecue grill. Cell service can be spotty all through the Black Hills. However, we have recently, (Spring 2022), upgraded to Starlink satellite internet.

This cabin has a swing set and other outdoor equipment in front of it for children to use. There is a large meadow on the property and if you walk to the end of it you can see Mt. Rushmore through the trees.

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. In our opinion we have the best and most beautiful property and location in the hills!

Minimum age requirement is 3 yrs old.

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

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

Check in is at 4:00pm MST. Because we have a full house and are small staffed please do not arrive early. Late check in is fine, just give us a call to arrange it.

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.