Frequently asked Questions

Q. How do I make a reservation?

A. To book online, choose the cabin that you would prefer to visit, on that page scroll down to the bottom and use the calendar to determine availability. If your preferred dates are available click on the arrival date that you desire, then click on the departure date that you desire. Follow the instructions given to make the reservation. If this cabin is not available, please choose another cabin and follow the same procedure.

Q. How do I pay?

A. You will pay with a credit card at the time of your booking according to the instructions given. Early bookings charge ½ of your total payment at booking and the other ½ 2 weeks prior to your arrival. Later bookings the total payment is due at the time of booking. The booking calendar will do this automatically. See damage deposit in the next question..

Q. Is there a damage deposit?

A. Yes, a damage deposit of $350.00 is payed by a separate check or money order mailed to: Black Hills Ponderosa Place, 24993 465th Ave., Colton, SD  57018, 3 weeks prior to your arrival date. 

In the event of a very short notice booking, you will need to call us at 605-446-3863 and make arrangements for overnight delivery of the deposit. When we receive your deposit, a code for your lock box will be e-mailed or telephoned to you, along with directions to find your cabin.

If you are booking at a time that is difficult for us to receive the deposit in time to provide you with your necessary information, please contact us and get a reply from us prior to making you reservation to prevent any problems for you if arrangements for the deposit do not work out.

Your deposit check will be cashed and a separated check will be issued to you in approximately 1 week following your departure.

Q. What is the Check In and Check Out time?

A. You may check in after 4:00 pm Mountain Time and please check out prior to 10:30 am Mountain Time.

Q. What do I need to bring?

A. Basic supplies, such as linens, towels, blankets, pillows, cooking and dining appliances and utensils are provided. Personal use Soaps and hair dryers are not provided.

Each cabin has a small refrigerator, stove top, microwave oven, toaster, and coffee maker supplied in the kitchenette. There is a grocery store available less that 3 blocks from your cabin.

Q. Are there cable or satellite television connections?

A. No, but each cabin has a television and DVD player. We have provided a few DVD’s in each cabin and there are DVD rentals available within 6 blocks of your cabin at several locations in downtown Custer.

Q. Is there a swimming pool?

A. No, we do not have a swimming pool at our site, however, there are many swimming options in the area, Evans Plunge, in Hot Springs, a Large water slide in Rapid City, and Sylvan Lake has a swimming area on it’s shore.

Q, Are there outdoor cooking facilities at your cabins?

A. Yes, there is a back yard behind the house that is for our guests to use. There is a weber grill and a screened in fire place, along with a picnic table, log swing, and chairs for a shaded afternoon or evening of relaxation. If fire danger is high there are restrictions on the use of outdoor fires, be sure to check on fire danger levels and check at the ranger station north of Custer for the latest fire restrictions.

Q. Are pets allowed at Black Hills Ponderosa Place?

A. No, if you are planning to travel with your pet, there are pet boarding facilities near Custer and other Black Hills towns.

Q. Is smoking Allowed at Black Hills Ponderosa Place?

A. Smoking is not allowed in our Cabins. Your may smoke out past the hitching posts in front of the cabins or in the back yard of the house. Please use the cigarette butt receptacles provided.

Q. May we use fireworks at Black Hills Ponderosa Place?

A. No. Fireworks are legal in South Dakota but most cities have restrictions on their use. They also are dangerous in areas where there are many people and buildings nearby, therefore, we do not allow fireworks to be used on the Black Hills Ponderosa Place property. We are located in a residential area and we need to respect our neighbors with limited noise.

Q. Is Black Hills Ponderosa Place in a safe location?

A. Yes, This is a very low crime area, there are locks on your doors for your security and privacy. There is a danger in that mountain lions have been spotted in our area, none have harmed anyone but it is not a good idea to wander in our surrounding hills alone after dark.

If you do wish to hike in the forest just be sure to make noise and the lions will avoid you. Deer are frequent visitors to our property but do not present any danger to our guests.

Q. Are medical facilities available?

A. Yes, there is a hospital in Custer, from our lawn if you look north in the direction of the water tower, the hospital is located just below in that part of town.

Q. Are there things I need to know or emergency information available?

A. Yes, each cabin has a 3 ring binder with emergency numbers and information about the use of your cabin. Feel free to contact us at our home # if there are any concerns about your stay.

We will return your call as soon as we are aware of it if you leave a message.