Entire cabin

Quiet, Comfy Black Hills Cabin; Within 10 Mi of Mt. Rushmore & Custer State Park

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Quiet, Comfy Black Hills Cabin; Within 10 Mi of Mt. Rushmore & Custer State Park

Children's area
1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Dining
1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, toaster

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire cabin

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 442 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Keystone, SD
  • National Presidential Wax Museum
    11 min drive
  • Rushmore Tramway Adventures
    11 min drive
  • Holy Terror Mini Golf
    11 min drive
  • Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)
    40 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Keystone

In Keystone .Within 6 miles (10 km) of this cabin, you'll find Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Custer State Park. Presidents Park and Big Thunder Gold Mine are also within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • Big Thunder Gold Mine - 8 min drive - 7.1 km
  • Rushmore Cave - 9 min drive - 8.6 km
  • Rushmore Tramway Adventures - 11 min drive - 8.7 km
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial - 11 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Mount Rushmore - 18 min drive - 13.5 km

Getting around

  • Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cruizzers - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Boss' Pizza & Chicken - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Big Thunder Bar and Grill - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Ruby House Restaurant - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Carvers Cafe - ‬17 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Quiet, Comfy Black Hills Cabin; Within 10 Mi of Mt. Rushmore & Custer State Park

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.  

Property manager

Richard McDonald

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • RV, bus, and truck parking on site
  • Onsite parking

Kitchenette

  • Refrigerator
  • Microwave
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Paper towels
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided
  • Toilet paper
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Porch or lanai
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No elevators
  • 5 stairs to reach property
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 448 sq ft (42 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Carol Jean Cabin Mcdonald Mountain Ranch Keystone
Carol Jean Cabin Mcdonald Mountain Ranch
Carol Jean Mcdonald Mountain Ranch Keystone
Carol Jean Mcdonald Mountain Ranch
Cabin The Carol Jean Cabin at Mcdonald Mountain Ranch Keystone
Keystone The Carol Jean Cabin at Mcdonald Mountain Ranch Cabin
Cabin The Carol Jean Cabin at Mcdonald Mountain Ranch
The Carol Jean Cabin at Mcdonald Mountain Ranch Keystone
Carol Jean Mcdonald Mountain
The Carol Jean Cabin at Mcdonald Mountain Ranch Cabin
The Carol Jean Cabin at Mcdonald Mountain Ranch Keystone
The Carol Jean Cabin at Mcdonald Mountain Ranch Cabin Keystone

Quiet, Comfy Black Hills Cabin; Within 10 Mi of Mt. Rushmore & Custer State Park Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 98 out of 101 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 101 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 101 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 101 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 101 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jesse B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chad H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute and clean rustic cottage
We really enjoyed our stay in this cute and clean rustic cabin. Great location. Unfortunately we didn't get to visit with the owner in person but everything was as described and better. Very clean bathroom and well stocked cabin. We did do the private trail walk to the lake behind property which is a must. Loved our stay. 5 stars
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rob M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Trip
Perfect stay for my wife and I to celebrate our 30-year anniversary.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Carol Jean was Great!
Everything was perfect for our Family of 4.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Selena S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michele K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Jan F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Steve J.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Cute cabin but wasn't ready on arrival
Arrived about 430 pm. Check in was supposed to be after 4pm. We walked into the cabin to find the bed not made, full garbage bag on the floor. Didn't appear to have been cleaned at all. Went over to the residence and rang the doorbell. Owner came to the door so I told him the cabin wasn't ready. Appeared to be a communication problem as they thought it was ready. We then drove down the road a bit to give them time to get the cabin ready. Came back like 35-40 minutes later and it was ready. Giving them the benefit of the doubt but disappointed it wasn't ready. Surprised also that they didn't do anything for me after the rough start. After that things were fine. So hopefully they have put a process in place to ensure this doesn't happen again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tara K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family getaway
We came with our two young sons and stayed for a week and the cabin was just perfect!!! Very clean! Property was well taken care of. The host was great, and even let us know we left our van door open =) We got to watch deer from the porch and windows every day. Our two sons LOVED getting to be in the loft and play cops and robbers. It was so peaceful and so very close to all things Keystone / Custer and Black Hills parks. AND Very close to the playhouse! highly recommend and will come back if we have the opportunity!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy spot in the black hills
It was a tidy cabin, nicely appointed, maximizing the space. Access to Rushmore and Custer state park was easy.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Frank F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic place to stay in the Black Hills
Fun little cabin to stay in near Keystone. Tucked away so you have peace and quiet. Our kids enjoyed seeing the deer come right up onto the property. Quiet little cabin with a loft the kids could stay in. Wood cabin so you get the outdoors fell, but also all the amenities we needed. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy K., Minnesota

Liked: Cleanliness
What a cozy place!
We loved this cabin! It was just as described and in a great location to see all the sights. Very clean, cozy & comfortable. Highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

William J., Naperville, Il

Liked: Cleanliness
Keystone "Base Camp"
Although small, the Carol Jean Cabin served as the perfect "Base Camp" for our day trips to Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, and Mt. Rushmore. Located in a beautiful area outside of Keystone, the cabin offered beautiful morning views, wonderful star-gazing evenings, and restful nights. Far nicer than staying at an in-town motel.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sherri M.

Liked: Cleanliness
South Dakota cozy cabin
Amazing property in the Keystone area close to Mount Rushmore and other attractions was perfect for our week long vacation to SD.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay in Keystone!
Cabin was super comfortable, location was great and bed was comfortable. Nicely stocked for needs. We brought breakfast and lunch supplies with us, slightly larger fridge would have been nice for us, but recognize that not everyone will travel like us.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Florence G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location, close to Mt. Rushmore
Great location for all sites near Mt Rushmore. Cabin is comfortable. Loved waking up every morning to see the dear in the front yard.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful, quiet and lovely accommodations!
Had dinner on the porch each night. Deer kept us company. Watched light traffic, many bikers. As the evening waned it became quieter and quieter.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hannah

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Vacation
We throughly enjoyed our stay. The Cabin was roomy, quiet, it had a porch swing which we used quite often, a small fridge, pots and pans if you wanted to cook, television, access to a barbecue grill if you so choose to use it. The Cabin is close to Keystone and all the major attractions.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christine M., Poplar Grove, IL

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy Cabin
Our family was so happy we found this rental. It is in the perfect location. Close to Custer State Park, and Mt. Rushmore. It's a small little cabin that fit the 4 of us perfectly. Also enjoyed the deer visiting daily. What a treat. The cabin is very clean, has all the amenities. The owners are very nice. I highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

connie g.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome Cabin
We have stayed in many VRBO properties and this is one of our favorites. It was clean and well stocked for guests. I loved sitting on the swing and listening to nature. A great location to enjoy the Black Hills and surrounding area. Beautiful decor and well maintained.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Black Hills weekend
We had the best time exploring the Black Hills. This cabin was quiet and secluded, clean and comfortable for two. They were able to accommodate our trailer that we hauled a side by side in on. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rene T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Location
Everything about this listing was as advertised. The setting is beautiful and very peaceful.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic cabin in beautiful setting
We rented this property based on the reviews which were all glowing and we couldn’t have been happier! The cabin is very small as shown in pictures, but so incredibly relaxing, beautifully decorated, clean and has everything you need!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful and quiet Cabin
The cabin was exactly as described.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022