Family-Friendly, Very Private, Trout Pond, Hot Tub, 40 Acres In National Forest
Beautiful lower level of custom-built log home located on 40 acres between Nemo & Sturgis in the heart of Vanocker Canyon. Private entrance/exit to the lower lever. We are a couple in our sixties and we live on the main level. One bedroom with two sets of queen-over-queen bunk beds. Full gourmet kitchen with granite countertop, 60" HD TV, DVD, cable, WiFi, log pool table, huge luxury bath with jetted tub, separate shower & private commode, propane barbecue grill & outdoor dining, hot tub just steps away, trout pond (catch & release is free - a small fee applies for keeping fish), parking right outside your door. ATV rentals nearby (free trail maps available); direct access to Forest Service trails. Brand new washer & dryer added November 2022! A double Caribbean hammock hung between two trees is the ideal spot to take a nap while communing with nature! Wildlife abounds in this area! You will see deer, wild turkey, bald eagles, elk and much more. The coyotes will serenade you from a distance every evening. We have several bird feeders and bird houses on the property. Mountain blue birds are everywhere and will amaze you with their beautiful song and their brilliant blue color! In August of 1874 General George Armstrong Custer camped in this valley. You will be experiencing history! The book describing Custer's expedition is provided for your enjoyment. History buffs will love it! With National Forest on three sides, this is also a great place for hiking and ATV-ing. Direct access to Kelly Spur Road which connects with over 3500 miles of ATV trails. Towels and sheets are provided. We provide coffee, tea, flour, sugar and basic spices. The kitchen is equipped with plenty of dishes, silverware, glassware, pots, pans, utensils, crockpot, dish soap, napkins & paper towels. The all-new stainless steel appliances include refrigerator with ice-maker, five burner stove, oven, microwave & dishwasher. Granite countertop in kitchen and beautiful cast concrete in the bath. Plenty of thick, fluffy towels are provided, as well as soaps, and a hairdryer. Beach towels are provided for the hot tub. Our world class trout pond is filled with huge rainbow trout. Make sure to check out the photos! We provide fishing poles, or you are welcome to bring your own, but spinners are not allowed. There is a fire pit down by the pond, as well as a charcoal grill and dining tables. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of sight-seeing in the beautiful Black Hills! If your dates aren't available, or this property doesn't meet your needs, please check out our other property, Misty Haven Cabin, at www.vrbo.com/1358567, which sits on 16 acres adjacent to this property.
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Smoking allowed OUTSIDE ONLY. Please dispose of all butts in an appropriate trash receptacle. NO BUTTS ON GROUND PLEASE!
Reservations may be subject to cancellation only due to extreme amounts of snowfall.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses solar energy
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Nemo
Located in Nemo, this cabin is in a rural area and in the mountains. Adams House Museum and Adams Museum are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Pactola Pines Marina and Deer Mountain Ski Area. Travelling with kids? Consider Homestake Gold Mine and Cleghorn Springs Hatchery & Visitors Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame - 25 min drive - 27.7 km
Sturgis City Hall - 26 min drive - 28.0 km
Sturgis City Park - 26 min drive - 28.4 km
Black Hills Caverns - 35 min drive - 41.5 km
Getting around
Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) - 59 min drive
Restaurants
Brandin Iron - 9 min drive
Big Mamas - 9 min drive
Custer Camp 1874 - Home of The Pasta Corral - 5 min walk
Claim Jumpers Restaurant - 43 min drive
Cafeteria - 44 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Family-Friendly, Very Private, Trout Pond, Hot Tub, 40 Acres In National Forest pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Family-Friendly, Very Private, Trout Pond, Hot Tub, 40 Acres In National Forest?
As of 7 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Family-Friendly, Very Private, Trout Pond, Hot Tub, 40 Acres In National Forest on 29 Apr 2026 start from AU$315, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Family-Friendly, Very Private, Trout Pond, Hot Tub, 40 Acres In National Forest?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Family-Friendly, Very Private, Trout Pond, Hot Tub, 40 Acres In National Forest?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Family-Friendly, Very Private, Trout Pond, Hot Tub, 40 Acres In National Forest?
Checkout is at 10:30 AM.
Where is Family-Friendly, Very Private, Trout Pond, Hot Tub, 40 Acres In National Forest located?
This family-friendly Nemo cabin is located in the mountains, 4.2 mi (6.7 km) from Wonderland Caves, and within 16 mi (25 km) of Black Hills National Forest and Sturgis City Park. Centennial Park and Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame are also within 16 miles (25 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Absolutely hidden gem in America if you want to stay where Custer and his officers camped on their 1874 patrol of the Black hills, this is the spectacular place for you. Catch a fish. Walk the property. Enjoy the sunrise and sit by the fire. Five star accommodations and hosts.
We really enjoyed our stay! Our kids loved the bunk beds and the fishing that we were blessed to do! We enjoyed playing a couple board games that is provided. The host welcomed us with kindness and answered any questions we may have had! The location was perfect for our little family vacation.
We had an amazing stay at Custer Camp! We had car trouble just after passing through Rapid and our hosts treated us like family giving us a ride to the auto shop and offering help with anything we needed! Our kids kept asking if they were our family which should give you a good idea of their wonderful hospitality! We will definitely be back! Thank you!!
We loved our stay at Custer Camp ! Thank you so much for the wine and brownies. They were both delicious! The kids enjoyed fishing in the pond and loved the hot tub!
Our family stayed here for 4 nights and explored the Black Hills. The owners are very friendly and helpful. I would recommend this rental to anyone looking in the area! The trout pond was great for the kids! As stated in the listing, this is only the lower half of the house, as the owners live here full time. We had zero issues with the owners on site while we were there, it was actually nice getting insight from them!
If there were a hall of fame for VRBO hosts, Margaret and Derito would be first ballot unanimously elected members. Margaret made us a delicious dessert while Derito cleaned, brined, and smoked us a delicious rainbow trout from their beautiful pond. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and the beauty of our surroundings, but the hosts made this the best experience ever. If you’re planning a stay anywhere near Vanocker canyon this is a great place to spend your vacation.
My kids and I had a wonderful stay here. The hosts are incredibly hospitable and responsive. If anything was missing they brought it to the unit faster than I would have expected. The location is secluded which is great if you want to get off the grid. My boys really enjoyed the fishing pond - I did not see them much while we were there. Plenty of parking and space in the unit. The kitchen has all the utensils and cooking gear you need. Cell phone reception is very poor in the Black Hills so be ready for that.
Stunning property, beautiful views, everything that we were looking for on our getaway. Highly recommend as it has everything you need to make your stay enjoyable.
Michelle N.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2023
Thank you, Michelle! We hope that you will visit us again!
This location is so beautiful and serene...we didn't want to leave!
The home is very clean and cozy as well, and Margaret and Derito are very hospitable, gracious and kind. We truly enjoyed our stay!
Laurel K.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2023
Thank you so much! We look forward to having you visit again!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
M. V.
1 Oct 2016
An amazing time and amazing hosts!!
Beautiful home, beautiful property and terrific hosts!! We look forward to our return.
M. V.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2023
We so enjoyed meeting your family! You were awesome guests and are welcome back any time! Thank you for visiting Custer Camp!
Warm regards,
Derito & Margaret
This property is amazing. The home itself is very cozy and has everything you need for your stay. The surrounding area is very peaceful and beautiful. We had a great time fishing in the pond and spending time with the residents (both animals and people). We felt like family while we were there. Hopefully we can return soon!
Our stay was perfect. The hosts are wonderful people and gave us a few tips on places to go with our little girls. We absolutely loved the place. Extremely clean accommodations, beautiful property, great hot tub, and an absolutely amazing pond to fish and relax by. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and our 4 girls (0-10) loved it.
This was a great place to stay with a family of all ages. The place was as nice as it looked online, the pond was super fun for my young kids, and the hosts’ hospitality was truly great! They cooked up the fish my son caught and made treats for my kids which was above and beyond. Highly recommended place for a family with kids.
Jamie K.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2023
Thank you, Jamie! We truly enjoyed having you as our guests and would love to have you back any time. Your children are so well-mannered and polite! 🤗 We are so glad Caleb caught the big trout! We hope to see you again!
Excellent stay beautiful properly and caring owners
We had the best time on our vacation here! We were greeted with smiles and conversation. Everything was cared for with great attention to detail and also was very clean! We were comfortable and happy our entire stay!
Heidi G.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Aug 2025
Thank you, Heidi! We hope that you will visit us again!
The host was a pleasure to be around, and the place is beautiful. It was a great location to use as a home base and see all of the attractions in the Black Hills.
We will try to get back to this location soon.
PAUL G.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2023
Thank you, Paul! We look forward to seeing you again!
Our entire family thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this property - the amenities (pool table, pond/fishing, and firepit), location and cleanliness. It was always a sanctuary to retreat to after busy days of seeing the sights around the Black Hills. We will definitely stay again on future visits.
Heidi G.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2023
Thank you, Heidi! Your family is a delight and we enjoyed having you as our guests. We look forward to seeing you again!
We were very impressed with the private, serene setting where we felt like we were in the wilderness with all the comforts of home. Hosts were very friendly, hospitable and accommodating! Hot tub while watching deer walk through the woods and meadow was a big treat. Definitely recommend this location and will definitely stay here again if we vacation in the black hills again!
Our stay at Custer Camp was wonderful. The grounds were beautiful and the home is equally nice.The fishing pond was a huge hit and provided many hours of entertainment for our teenage son.
KAREN F.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Oct 2023
Thank you, Karen! We’re so glad that you enjoyed your stay. We hope you’ll visit us again!
Owners were very friendly. Derito greeted us upon check-in and made us feel welcome and right at home. Cabin was very clean and modern. Stay was excellent. Place was fantastic. Can't wait to come back!!!
Brandon S.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2023
Thank you, Brandon! We look forward to having you back!
About the host
Hosted by Margaret Bonicelli
We are outdoor enthusiasts, foodies and outgoing people. We LOVE the beautiful Black Hills, and love sharing our home and our gorgeous area with friends - new & old! We love to travel and have found many wonderful vacation properties through VRBO, and have made many new friends through VRBO as well.
Why they chose this property
The Black Hills area is nick-named "God's Country" for a reason…there is nowhere as beautiful and pristine! There is so much to do winter, spring, summer and fall! Located on 40 acres, Custer Camp 1874 is perfectly designed to be quiet and relaxing, while providing the ideal base location for exploring and enjoying the Black Hills. Just 25 miles west of Rapid City and only 12.5 miles south of Interstate 90, it is easily accessible by air or by car/vehicle. Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park are not-to-be-missed stops. Deadwood and Lead with their rich history, skiing, snowmobiling and gambling are just minutes away. Fishing in our spring-fed trout pond and stargazing from the hot tub are always highlights for our visitors!
What makes this property unique
Our spring-fed pond is filled with gorgeous rainbow trout. Because it is spring-fed, it rarely (if ever!) freezes over and is enjoyable year 'round. Our property is just 1.6 miles from Wonderland Cave and just 4 miles from Dalton Lake. There is so much to do nearby! We are located just 12.5 miles south of Sturgis, making this an ideal location to experience the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. We are located just off Vanocker Canyon Road and have direct access to the 3500 miles of Forest Service trails. Area ATV rentals (seasonal) and access to NFS trails. The hot tub is the perfect place to relax and stargaze. It has a blue tooth for you to connect your own iPod/cell phone and listen to music while soaking. Local wildlife is plentiful - deer, turkey, elk, bald eagles, golden eagles and much more frequent our property.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests