How far are you from Mt. Rushmore?

Pine Rest Cabins is roughly 9 miles from Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument and the entrance to Custer State Park at Sylvan Lake.  ( Black Elk Peak Trail #9 trailhead ) 

What shall I wear?

Summer days are generally cooler in the hills with temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s, while nights can get as low as the 30’s, so it is wise to bring sweatshirts and jeans as well as your summer clothes. You will be glad you brought comfortable shoes for hiking and walking. 

Are the cabins air conditioned?

Our cabins all do have air conditioning.  Resting on the shady side of the mountain at approximately 5000 feet above the sea level, heat and humidity are usually held in check and the cabins have good ventilation. 

Do the cabins have heat or fireplaces?

The Aspen, Birch, Cedar , Dakota cabins , open year round are heated with a cozy gas fireplace .  Small Cabins 1 & 2, Medium Cabins #4 & #8 , open spring through fall , have electric heat.  

Do you provide breakfast?

We leave most of the cooking up to you, however you may want to come up to the Perky Pine Cafe in the morning to enjoy a bagel from black hills bagels along with a coffee! We may also have seasonal options.  Local coffee beans and a variety of  teas are available for purchase at the Perky Pine .  The kitchenettes are equipped and you’ll find everything you need in the way of groceries at the local shops and grocery store right in Hill City.  If you’d prefer to dine out, we’d be happy to refer you to some of our favorite eating places. 

Is there hiking nearby?

Feel free to truly hike and explore the natural beauty of the Black Hills National Forest directly adjoining our property. There are also numerous mapped and marked trails in the Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park within an easy drive. The Mickelson trail access is less than one mile. We are happy to share with you those we’ve hiked or provide a source of information on those we haven’t. We find the Black Hills to be very accessible hiking for all ages and abilities.

Where to fish?

There are several public lakes in the Black Hills, mainly stocked with trout.  Our nearest fishing ponds are within a half to one mile from Pine Rest and we are happy to point you in the right direction.  Spring Creek runs through Hill City and Rapid Creek is popular for fly fishing.  Major Lake is a small lake right accross from the grocery store in Hill City.  Sheridan, Pactola and Deerfield are the larger lakes nearest us.   Temporary fishing licenses are available at the local gas station and hardware store. 

Do you have a pool or hot tub?

We do not have a hot tub or pool.  You may want your suits to enjoy a sunny day at one of the area lakes. We are happy to point you in the right direction. Some of the marinas rent pontoon boats and fishing boats, or paddle boats and canoes. 

We are also happy to have the naturally heated indoor and outdoor pools at Hot Springs’ Evans Plunge about an hour from us. Custer, 11 miles, has a public pool and there are several in Rapid City – 27 miles. The Watikii Water Park in Rapid City, less than an hour from us, is also open all year. Our favorite swimming lakes with restroom facilities are Center Lake in Custer State Park, Agostura Lake near Hot Springs, and Sheridan Lake, just 7 miles north of us off of Hwy 385.  Day use Permits or Park stickers are required for these swimming areas. 

Do  you allow pets?

Yes we do allow dogs with approval and non refundable pet fee of $50. All dogs must be kept on leashes and picked up after.  

Are your cabins secluded?

As with most private property situated within the boundaries of the Black Hills National Forest , we are right along the main road. Pine Rest Cabns has three short gravel driveways, just off of highway 16/385 allowing quick and easy access for those who like to be out and about during the day and return in the evening to unwind. In the winter time our road is well maintained and very quiet. Our home for over  26 years, we love it here among the mountains and pines, yet having everything so handy. However, if you prefer to be further from it all, we understand. Let us know, and we’d be glad to link you to other possibilities that may better suit your needs.

What about Campfires?

Being  in the center of the national forest, we are cautious about open fires .  We do have propane grills available.   We are located in the Black Hills National Forest Fire protection district and are subject to the rules and regulations thereof.

What is provided in the cabins ? 

Cabin Kitchens Include:

• Microwave
• Electric coffee maker
• Toaster
• Dishsoap and dishtowels
• Basic cooking utensils
  • Pots and pans
  • Dishes
• Silverware
• Propane Grills are available.         
• Small Cabins  #1,  #2 and Medium Cabins #3,  #4, #8  have a gas range with oven 
• Aspen, Birch, Cedar, Dakota  & Large Cabin #5
  
  • No ovens

Linens & Sundries Provided:

• All bedding, plus extra blankets and pillows on request
  • Sheets are provided for you to make your own bunk beds. 
• Bath towels,  hand towels, dish towels and washcloths
  • No maid service – at the cabins  fresh towels are available daily in office. 
• Hand soap & dish soap
• Toilet paper
• Crock pots
• Shower Amenities
• Blow dryer
• Irons 

What should  I bring?

Bring for your Kitchen:

• Paper plates
• Paper towels
• Napkins
• Aluminum foil
• Food storage bags
• Mixing bowls & large pots or pans
• Coffee and other groceries

We have a full service grocery store, Krulls Market, located in Hill City as well as two convenience stores and a Dollar General. 

Bring  personal linens & sundries 

• Lotion 
• Sunscreen
• Facial tissue
• Beach towels or “outside” towels or picnic blankets
• Bathing suit
• First Aid Kit

• Flashlight

Where can we do laundry?

Laundromats are located at the two gas station/convenience stores – Conoco & Exxon – in Hill City.  Alice’s Black Hills Cottage on the Mick – has it’s own washer and dryer. 

Do the cabins have phones and wi- fi? 

There are no phones in the cabins.  Generally speaking cell phone reception is good here at Pine Rest Cabins and in Hill City.   Be prepared for pockets with “no service” as you travel around the Black Hills. You may want to check with your service provider about your particular phone coverage and plan for extra data usage.   It is good to remember that when a call won’t go through out in the hills , sometimes a text will ,and a paper map in the car is an old reliable method of navigation. 

We have good wi-fi connectivity from  the coffee shop. Unfortunately  most of the cabins have very limited wi-fi.  We remind you that we are rural and with the dramatic increase in usage, especially in the summer months, service may be patchy or slow here and other parts of the Black Hills . Our mountain weather also occasionally has an effect.  It’s a good idea to plan for using your own data if you are counting on  downloading or streaming a lot of information.  We do not provide a printer – printing and wi-fi are available at the public library in Hill City.