South Dakota, the midwestern US state, is a breathtaking spectacle of outdoor adventures and historic explorations. The gigantic monuments of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial fascinate history lovers, while the Badlands and Black Hills national parks are ideal for adventure daredevils. Discover the mysteries behind the formations of the iconic Wind Cave and Jewel Cave. You can also explore the attractions around the famous Rapid City and the popular gold-mining town Deadwood. Beyond the great mountains, the state is a wonderland of vast prairies and farms, with herds of bison, goats and cattle living around. So, for the perfect outdoor nature life, find out the top ranches to stay in South Dakota, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. Secluded ranch near Badlands in Scenic (from USD 206)
Close to Badlands National Park and not very far away from the Black Hills, this quiet secluded ranch offers you a two-bedroom farmhouse and an additional camping cabin. From the deck, you can enjoy the magnificent sunrises and sunsets. At night, experience stargazing in the dark clear skies.
As your day goes by, you can observe the cows and cattle exploring the miles of farmlands, go horseback riding and capture glimpses of the exotic birds. It’s even better if you book the ranch during the grouse, antelope and deer hunting seasons. There’s also a corral provided for the horses with extra charges.
2. Hillbilly Relaxation Ranch in Pierre (from USD 350)
Spread over a 3800 ac (1537.81 ha) ranch, this huge family-friendly lodge with four bedrooms features a kitchen and a dining area. From the deck and the screened porch, you can enjoy the mesmerizing views of the Missouri River and the quiet surrounding hills. Additionally, bring your pets so that they can enjoy exploring the garden and the vast public lands around.
You can go bass fishing in Lake Oahe and bring home some walleye and catfish. On your camera, capture the playful fox puppies or the groundhogs running around the ranch. If you’re in for an adventurous nature hike, go for pheasant and dove hunting and enjoy birdwatching.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the river was so clean and clear we went there daily & waded and let our dogs swimHost:
lori was a wonderful host and we can't wait to go backcommunication was great at all times with the owner who was warm welcoming and accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
lori was great - she is close by in case you need anythingif you want remote and relaxing this is the place for you
3. Tree House camp in Scenic (from USD 135)
This cosy camping cabin is surrounded by gorgeous views of Badlands National Park. The home has one bedroom, a bathroom with hot water facilities, and separate microwave and refrigeration options. With prior reservations, you can also enjoy a hearty breakfast while admiring the park’s views. The property also allows pre-approved pets for an additional fee.
Next to your ranch, there’s the owners’ horse pasture. So, during your farm stay, you may encounter horses and feed the other friendly farm animals such as barn cats, calves, chickens and donkeys. Also, look out for the prairie dogs and bighorn sheep roaming around the Badlands.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
would stay again and recommend amazing breakfast and view :)great views & cozy place to stay also check out the breakfast- so goodalthough it looked delicious we did not have the breakfast offered up at the ranchwe also loved having breakfast (homemade by amy ) with the other travelersthere was plenty of space for us and we were very comfortableCleanliness:
clean comfortable and better than advertisedit was also very cleancabin is simple and cleanit was clean and quite functional for our purposescute clean electricity a mini fridge and your own bathroom and showerHost:
the hosts were extremely accommodating and made sure we had clear directions to the cabinamy & phil are great hostsamy & phil are terrific hoststhe owner amy was very helpful and nice we will returnamy and phil are warm and gracious hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
this location couldn’t be bettergreat location for visiting badland’s national parkthe location is perfect for a badlands focused tripperfect cabin in a perfect locationit was far away from touristy places to stay like the mount rushmore area
4. Charming farmhouse in Humboldt (from USD 160)
The eastern region of South Dakota is home to this wonderful farmhouse situated on a tranquil ranch. The house has three deluxe suites, along with a kitchen and a patio. Free Wi-Fi is also available, and there’s a separate workspace for completing tasks.
The cows and cattle here greet you and graze in the ranch every morning, while the barn cats are delightful to spend hours with. You can also observe the working corn fields in the distance and explore the surrounding farms. There are also great dining options nearby.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wi-fi was nice to havehouse was comfortable and had everything we neededjust know the stairs to upstairs bedrooms are pretty steep and there is not a bathroom on that levelCleanliness:
very clean and comfortablefarmhouse is clean and comfortableclean stylish and quietvery clean and spacious for the familygreat place to stay clean and adorableHost:
jana and mike were wonderful hostsjana is a great hostas always great place accommodations and hoststhey are great hosts and always available for anything you might needjana was great and very friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
country location truly a farmhousewhat an amazing place to stop on our trip out westgreat location and awesome hostvery comfortable place it was a perfect place to stay close enough to sioux falls out in the countrya lovely place to spend the night on our way from mt
South Dakota Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
5. Kate's Cottage on Peterson Farm in Beresford (from USD 100)
Located on a county highway outside Beresford, this vintage property is restored into a one-bedroom little cottage with a kitchen area, a barbeque grill and a patio. Wake up to the most delicious breakfast prepared by the owner and make the best of friends with the farm goats, chickens, cats and a lovely dog.
With prior approval, you may bring your furry friends and see them running around the garden and sniffing the surroundings with their playmates on the farm. Moreover, enjoy the views from the patio while you sip a coffee and plan for a night barbeque.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there isn't wifi or a tv but for an unplugged cozy stay you can't ask for anything bettermemory foam mattress that is medium firm a/c worked on a pretty hot sd weekendthe cottage is so cozy and quaint and the setting is absolutely beautifulkate’s cottage is fantastic the cottage is amazingly cute cozy and a joy to experiencefantastic comfortable historic cottage decorated with detailCleanliness:
the breakfasts were fantastic the cabin was clean and the perfect spot to relaxeverything was very clean and the host was so friendlya great gluten free breakfast clean cozy and comfortableHost:
gale was the sweetest and most caring hostgreat place with a great hostgale was a super host and very welcomingyou can really tell that she is a great host and even better persongale truly is a super hostRead more reviewsLocation:
a gorgeous place delicious breakfast a perfect place to staydefinitely a great getaway location gale was awesome and very communicative it's an adorable placeit was welcoming and cozy inside and a beautiful place to walk with lots of peace outside
6. Luxury private property in Whitewood (from USD 350)
This grand and private farm stay overlooks the beautiful Black Hills in a quiet mountainous setting. The property is close to the cities of Deadwood, Sturgis and Spearfish, and the accommodation on this secluded ranch features three bedrooms with extensive kitchen facilities and a barbeque grill. The surrounding paved roads are ideal for motorcycling trails, and the rental provides separate spaces for motorcycle trailers.
There are ten private covered horse pens within the premises, and you’re allowed to bring in your horses and go riding on the vast acres of ranches. You may also get glimpses of deer and turkeys or the majestic bald eagle around the property.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
large outdoor grill was great as well as fully-equipped kitcheneverything was very nice the place was perfect comfortable beds kitchen was fully equipped kids loved the horsesCleanliness:
excellent communication the place was very clean and the house was very well stockedthis is a great find very clean placeHost:
the host was extremely kind and hospitableRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is awesomeprivate quiet peaceful locationgreat location comfortable for our family of 5owners have condo well equipped and location is great for exploring surrounding areasthere's a sweet sweet spirit in this place
7. Tranquil ranch stay with a pool in Deadwood (from USD 459)
This elegant cabin is located amidst pristine nature in a private tranquil ranch close to Deadwood and Sturgis. It features five bedrooms and two bathrooms, along with a kitchen. Laundry facilities are also available. Further, you can enjoy a refreshing swim at the on-site pool or set up the barbeque grill on the back deck and take in the soothing views of nature surrounding you.
The property is situated at the end of a few miles of gravel road, perfect for nature walks. You can also take the farm horses and go for a ride along the farmlands.
8. A classic barn stay at Enoch Farm in Elkton (from USD 124)
This is a cosy, comfortable stay at Enoch Farm, offering four bedrooms, a kitchen, a bar and a separate sitting area. The interior has classy decor, along with an indoor fireplace. For entertainment options, guests can access board games, books and a vintage piano. There’s also free Wi-Fi and a work area.
Enjoy a full family breakfast with burritos, muffins and pastries while your pets run around the private back garden. You can also observe the farm and garden views from the patio or go hunting outside.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
they made a fantastic breakfast for all 15 of uswe loved having all the room and the kitchenette since we have children with food allergiesit might not be the most beautiful construction on airbnb but it is a very comfortable spacewe had a luxurious and comfortable space to do some strategic planning for the upcoming school yearCleanliness:
very clean and uniquely decoratedawesome experience spotless housewas just as expected came into a clean environment and used the place for 2 daysHost:
karen was a great hostkaren was such an amazing hostkaren was a wonderful host not only to us but to our little girl and puppykaren accommodated us even though we arrive later than expected and she was very kind:) karen was a great host and we felt very comfortable during our stayRead more reviewsLocation:
what a great unique place to staywonderful place with so many things to look at in the buildingi wish it was closer to home for regular weekend trips with the familywhat a wonderful place to relax and enjoygreat place to stay very unique really enjoyed staying in the barn
9. Swisher Farmhouse in Spearfish (from USD 115)
This beautiful cottage is located on a 3-ac (1.21-ha) farming property within the city of Spearfish. The rooms are remodelled, and important amenities include air conditioning, central heating and Wi-Fi services. The large kitchen also comes with a dining table, and free parking facilities are accessible.
The back garden is a wonderful play area for your pets. They may even befriend the dozens of farm chickens and have fun together. Moreover, enjoy the views and dine al fresco in the outdoor area with your family. The property also offers a shared sauna where you can sit back and relax.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a most comfortable bed with heated mattress pad made for an amazing night’s sleep that was wonderfully relaxingi was so happy to see them comfortable and engaged as though we were in our living roomso charming and so comfortablei enjoyed the hot shower and my first adventure with a compost toiletCleanliness:
the house was clean and thoughtfully decorated plenty of room for two and a dogthe house was easy to find beautiful clean and so cozythe bed and everything were so clean and comfortablecappie's properties are gorgeous and extremely cleanthe place was clean had all the basics needed for our quick stayHost:
the hosts were super responsive when we had questionsthe host is very responsive and helpfulthis is a truly special place with kind communicative dream hosts a short drive from spearfish canyonthe hosts were very communicative and the gated yard made traveling with my medium-sized dog easy and enjoyablefriendly helpful and an all around amazing soulRead more reviewsLocation:
great location close to downtowngreat place and loved the locationbeautiful location we had so much funcloser to town the city park is lovely as wellnice park nearby with walking trails
10. Arrow5 Ranch Farmhouse in Owanka (from USD 300)
This lovely farmhouse guarantees you a splendid stay within a huge working farm. The interior comprises two bedrooms and a living room, along with a kitchen and a common office space. There’s also free Wi-Fi service and a car garage in the house.
An outdoor furnished area and a garden allow you to enjoy the scenic views outdoors. The ranch is primarily for the cattle and horses who may often greet you at the door. Moreover, you can feed and play with the chickens and dogs on the farm.
Experience the joys of a ranch stay
Explore the streams of outdoor activities and create an everlasting bond with nature and animals while staying in the beautiful farmhouses in South Dakota. So, before you begin planning the trip, take note of the top ranches to stay in South Dakota, USA.
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