3 Trending South Dakota Rentals That People Book on Repeat (And We See Why)

For as long as I can remember, my family and I have been going to South Dakota for our annual vacation. Year after year, visions of bison roaming, vast prairie landscapes, and an incredible feeling of the Old West enter my daydreams. When planning a trip to the Mount Rushmore State, consider these trending vacation rentals in South Dakota to serve as your home base. Whether deep in the Black Hills or on the seemingly endless prairie, these vacation rentals will set you up for an incredible staycation or getaway to this one-of-a-kind destination.

1. Mirror Cabin - Lead

The Black Hills are my favorite place in the world. One of the coolest ways to experience them is with a stay at the Mirror Cabin in Lead, South Dakota. This one-bedroom home is an adventurous romantic escape that’s ideal for couples. At just 200 square feet, the cabin is intimate and cozy.

What’s particularly neat about this cabin is that during the day, the sun reflects off the mirrors so you cannot see inside. At night, blackout curtains are available for your privacy. What I love about the space is the outdoor seating area. Here, guests can enjoy a hot tub, a fire pit, a lounger, and a small table perfect for sipping coffee while taking in the views. The Mirror Cabin blends into its surroundings and lets you feel part of the magnificent nature around you.

2. Firetower - Hot Springs

One of the coolest experiences in South Dakota is a stay at the three-story Firetower in Hot Springs, South Dakota. The surrounding Black Hills have a deep history with wildfires and firefighting, making this stay particularly unique. The living space for this one-bedroom home is on the second floor of the tower. Inside, guests will find a king-size bed, a kitchen, a full bathroom, and a living space. There’s also a queen-sized futon if you’re traveling with little ones. Climb the stairs up to the third floor, and you’ll be treated to a 360-degree wrap-around porch with jaw-dropping views of the surrounding ponderosa-filled forest. 

3. The Bin - Lake Andes

On the opposite side of the state is The Bin in Lake Andes, South Dakota. In the southeastern corner of South Dakota, The Bin is a two-bedroom home situated on a working farm. Just 8 miles from the Missouri River and less than five miles from Lake Andes, you’ll have to adventure down gravel roads to get to the property. That’s part of the adventure! Once here, visitors will enjoy access to a kitchenette, a full bathroom, and a charming outdoor area. The backyard is fenced for your privacy and includes a grill and fire pit. The Bin is a great spot to sit outside and look up at the stars and enjoy the sounds of the farm’s chickens saying hello. As an isolated spot on the prairie, it won’t be hard to let go of your life's worries and enjoy the peace and quiet. 

As the years continue to fly by, I genuinely hope that my annual trips to the area remain consistent. With so much to see and so many trending vacation rentals in South Dakota to explore, you can truly spend your life adventuring across the state and still never see everything. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own South Dakota trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.