Secluded Glamping Retreat with Forest Trails Near Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills, South Dakota

Description

Escape to Cloud Nine Glamping in the Black Hills

Welcome to a secluded glamping retreat nestled within Cloud Nine Camping's 33-acre sanctuary. As you pass the Cloud Nine sign and wind your way up the quiet road, you’ll leave the everyday behind and enter a world where pine and oak trees tower above, ancient rock formations rise from the earth, and the peaceful rhythm of nature takes center stage.

Tucked a half mile beyond the entrance, it offers a tranquil setting set apart from the main road, allowing for an immersive outdoor experience without sacrificing comfort. Your tent is surrounded by the quiet hum of wilderness, and if you’re lucky, you may spot a deer grazing nearby, hear the distant call of a wild turkey, or even catch a glimpse of a fox weaving through the trees.

Inside the tent, you'll find a comfortable queen-size bed, a mini fridge and kitchenette space, a coffee maker, and AC, creating a cozy and welcoming space to unwind after a day of adventure. Whether you're traveling as a couple, with friends, or solo, this is a place to settle in, slow down, and truly reconnect.

It gives you direct access to miles of historic logging trails that wind through untouched terrain. The land is quiet and uncrowded - perfect for those looking to escape the busier tourist routes while still being close to the area’s most iconic destinations. You’re just minutes from Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Lakota Lake, and Center Lake. You’ll also find Hill City, Custer, and Rapid City all within a short drive, making it easy to blend adventure and relaxation during your stay.

For those looking to make their experience even more special, we offer a few add-ons you can reserve ahead of time. Surprise a loved one with a fresh flower bouquet and custom note, or opt for our Lovers’ Package - complete with a locally grown floral arrangement, rose petals, and sparkling cider for a romantic evening under the stars.

Please note:
The water at this property comes from a natural well source, while safe and filtered, it may have some natural discolouration due to local minerals.
As this is a nature-immersed experience, occasional encounters with bugs are possible despite routine pest management.

Whether you're waking to birdsong, hiking straight from camp into the forest, or sharing stories around the fire at night, we invite you to slow down, breathe deep, and experience the stillness and magic of the Black Hills in a way that only Cloud Nine Camping can offer.

I’m Matt, and my wife, Hannah, and I are the couple behind this beautiful home. I grew up on the eastern plains of South Dakota, while Hannah was raised in the Black Hills, right inside Custer State Park, where her dad managed buffalo. After meeting out east, I was quickly drawn to the wild beauty of her hometown - and the dream of a quieter, more meaningful life. We got married and moved west.

While I worked in IT and Hannah taught school, we both carried dreams of something different. Mine: to one day own a campground, like the one I visited with friends growing up. Hers: to someday restore a vintage VW bus. That dream came true one Christmas with the gift of Fern - a little green VW camper we renovated together. Renting Fern out for a weekend sparked an idea: what if we created a space where others could reconnect with nature in a deeper way?

We started small, renting out campers across the Black Hills. But I couldn’t stop thinking about an old, overgrown campground near our cabin- one where Hannah’s family used to run cattle. With support from Moritz, a buffalo rancher and early business partner, and a leap of faith from Hannah (despite expecting our daughter, Dixie, that spring), we took the plunge.

By June 2023, Cloud Nine Camping welcomed its first guests. Today, we offer camper rentals, RV sites, shepherd’s huts, and premium yurts, all tucked into 33 forested acres. Whether it’s Hannah’s love for beauty and hospitality, my lifelong dream, or Dixie running barefoot through the pines - this place is truly a family effort.

Why "Cloud Nine"? It’s a nod to both our last name (McLeod) and the joy we hope you feel during your stay. We’re here to help you relax, explore, and create lasting memories in the heart of the Black Hills.
This location offers the perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility. Surrounded by National Forest on all four sides, you’ll find yourself immersed in nature with scenic rock formations, towering pines, and local wildlife right outside your door.

Despite its private setting, the property is just one mile off Playhouse Road and set back another half mile on a private road, making it peaceful, yet surprisingly central to nearby attractions.

Guests can explore old logging trails that begin at the edge of the property, ideal for quiet morning walks or spontaneous hikes. The hillside setting of the glamping units offers sweeping views and a peaceful retreat.

This property offers the best of both worlds - a central location near all the attractions, while still tucked away in a peaceful, scenic setting that gives you a true camping experience. It’s the perfect home base for adventure, paired with five-star hospitality. Our friendly camp hosts are on-site and happy to help - just give them a call or stop by the Dutch Star motorhome next to the main cabin if you need anything.

Very Central to all Southern Hills Attractions
7 miles from Mount Rushmore/Keystone
3 miles from Custer State Park
3 miles from Lakota Lake
5 miles from Center Lake
22 miles from Sylvan Lake
19 miles from Hill City, SD
16 miles from Custer, SD
23 miles from Rapid City
36 miles (1 hour) from Wind Cave National Park
97 miles (1.75 hours) from Badlands National Park

Nearby Hikes
Explore the beauty of the Black Hills with nearby trails like Iron Mountain Creek, Lover’s Leap, Michelson Trail, and Horse Thief Lake Trail. For iconic views, don’t miss Sylvan Lake’s Sunday Gulch, Black Elk Peak, and Little Devil’s Tower.

Local Lakes
Cool off or relax by some of the region’s best lakes: Lakota, Center, Sylvan, Stockade, Legion, Pactola, and Angostura.

Top Attractions
You’ll be just a short drive from:

Mount Rushmore
Custer State Park
Wind Cave National Park
Rushmore Cave
Keystone, Custer & Hill City
Dinosaur Park & Museum
Bear Country USA
Reptile Gardens
Chapel in the Hills
The Wax Museum & Sprockets Arcade in Keystone
Evans Plunge in Hot Springs
City of Presidents walking tour in Rapid City

Local Dining
From rustic grills to fine dining, try favorites like:

Ruby House, Powder House, and Skogen Kitchen
Black Hills Burger & Bun Co., Lintz Bros., Jane’s Pizza, Pizza Mill
Alpine Inn, Lazy R Grill, Chute Rooster, Tally's, The Firehouse
Ma Cuali (Mexican) and Que Pasa (Latin fusion)

Coffee Shops We Love

Grapes & Grinds
Essence of Coffee
Cabin 13 Coffee
Carvers’ Café
The Park
Miners Coffee

Grocery & Essentials
Stock up at:

Krull’s Market (Hill City)
Pop’s Grocery (Hermosa)
Lynn’s DakotaMart (Custer)
Walmart (Rapid City)
Plus, convenience items at the Keystone gas station

Secluded Glamping Retreat with Forest Trails Near Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills, South Dakota