It’s not every day that you get to stay in a Native American-inspired teepee — especially a spacious dwelling with lux amenities that the whole family can enjoy. But that’s exactly what you’ll find in the Black Hills of South Dakota at Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort, located about a 40-minute drive from Mount Rushmore. With 85 acres of land to explore and scenic views all around, the resort boasts a blend of modern amenities with rustic charm, the best of both worlds for your glamping getaway.
Each 22-square-foot teepee comes with at least one cozy bed, a table, chairs, lamps, a heater, a fan, a picnic table, and a personal fire pit for enjoying s’mores under the stars. For approximately $140 to $160 a night, depending on when you book, a teepee is the perfect place for some R&R after you’re done exploring nearby landmarks like the Crazy Horse Memorial, Wind Cave National Park, and Jewel Cave National Monument. And, since pets are allowed for a slight upcharge, you can even bring Fido along for the adventure. Hey, why should humans have all the fun?
More glamping options
Beyond the resort’s impressive collection of teepees are several other accommodation options. There are the treehouses which include all the staples of a relaxing vacation rental, with handcrafted furnishings, a fire pit, an outdoor grill, and a private deck with a couple of chairs to enjoy a morning cup of Joe. Each beautiful treehouse has a different theme, from Zen to Western. There’s even one called “The Coop” that looks remarkably like a birdhouse. Your stay in a treehouse starts at around $219 per night but can go as high as $400 per night, depending on the season and which treehouse you select.
If a glamping tent is more your style, the resort has those, too. Each canvas tent features a modern open layout, custom furniture and artwork, plush linens, complimentary toiletries, a propane stove, and a private patio with sweeping views of the forest. The Moonlight Ridge even comes with a tub next to a potbelly stove, a combination so comfortable you might just forget you’re in a tent. If that’s not glamping, we don’t know what is. These sweet escapes range from about $250 to $293 per night.
In addition, you can book modern deluxe cabins, log cabins, RV sites, and tent sites for camping. The treehouses and deluxe cabins are available to rent all-year round, but the teepees and campground are best experienced in the summer from May to October.
Amenities and on-site activities
Your booking at Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort includes access to a hot tub and two heated pools with day beds. One of these pools is for families, while the other is just for adults. You won’t have to go far for a cocktail, as the Stonewall Bar & Concession is right there to offer up resort-style service.
Families with young children will love the playground with three slides, climbing nets, and a treehouse hideaway as the centerpiece. If you poke around the grounds, you’ll find relics from the Flintstones theme park that was onsite from 1966 to 2015; these include a purple dinosaur hidden in the forest and the facade of an old Western town.
To round out your stay, all guests are allowed to use the shower house, restrooms, and laundry facility, no matter the type of accommodation you book. Anything else you need can be found at the on-site general store, which offers personal items and souvenirs for sale, not to mention free coffee and popcorn, everyone’s longtime favorite snack. While there is complimentary WiFi on site, why not borrow a few board games or books during your stay for something a little different? Go ahead — get that unplugged vacation you deserve.
