Looking for a romantic escape without breaking the bank? The Black Hills offers dreamy getaway spots—from cozy tiny homes to secluded campgrounds—all under $200 a night. Explore epic views, local charm, and perfect companions for your next couples’ retreat.
Why the Black Hills Make the Perfect Romantic Getaway
If you're looking to travel with your significant other to a place that is overflowing with breathtaking views, canyons, rock formations, fun historic towns and unforgettable experiences, then the Black Hills is the perfect place for your romantic getaway.
Planning a romantic trip to the Black Hills offers so many amenities and activities: hiking, off-roading, birdwatching, hunting, tucking yourself away amongst the trees with a good book, biking, site-seeing, snowmobiling, shopping, wine drinking, boating, horseback riding--so many options!
Along with so many options for activities, there are also so many options for accommodations from camping in a tent to renting out a mansion on the top of a hill overlooking a valley. Plan your Black Hills romantic vacation with these unique stay options today that are all less than $200 per night, per person.
Planning a Couples Trip to the Black Hills: What to Know
The Black Hills of South Dakota is the perfect place for your next couple's trip, and there's some inside information that will make sure you have the best trip possible.
Best Time to Visit the Black Hills
When should you take your romantic getaway to the Black Hills? If you're looking to avoid crowds, but still enjoy warmer temperatures, visit the Black Hills in the fall, or at least after the beginning of August. The summer tourist traffic is much thinner, and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which takes place the first week of August, will have passed. The fall foliage in the hills and canyons is absolutely breathtaking this time of year as well.
How to Get to the Black Hills & How to Get Around
One thing that makes the Black Hills the perfect place for your romantic getaway is just how easy it is to drive to from other Midwest states and cities. If you're hoping to fly to the Black Hills, you can fly into Rapid City Regional Airport via a variety of airlines. You can easily rent a car at the airport, but a vehicle is necessary as many of the attractions are spread out across the western border of South Dakota.
What to Pack for a Romantic Getaway to the Black Hills
Depending on what time of year that you plan your romantic getaway to the Black Hills will determine what you should pack for your trip. The summer in the Black Hills is typically sunny, and has temperatures of high 80s and sometimes the 90s. I recommend packing summer clothes that make you comfortable, walking shoes and depending on your plans, hiking shoes. Also, don't forget the sunscreen, and a heavier layer like a sweater or sweatshirt for the evenings.
If you're visiting the Black Hills in the spring or summer, I recommend packing more layers. Mornings and evenings are fairly cold, and the afternoons warm up significantly. Make sure you pack warmer clothes for those mornings and evenings, and clothes that are more heat-friendly for the afternoons.
Traveling in the winter? Make sure check out this post about the best things to do in the Black Hills in the Winter, and to pack a winter coat, and potentially winter boots as snow is prevalent and temperatures are significantly cooler.
Where are the Best Places to Stay in the Black Hills for Your Next Couples Trip
There are so many great places to stay in the Black Hills for a romantic getaway. Depending on what type of trip you are looking to have--romantic luxury, wild seclusion, or adventure-seeking, there is a place for everyone!
Tiny Bison Resort for Couples
Nothing says getting close to your love like staying in a tiny home, and the Tiny Bison Resort has the best tiny home accommodations with the best views in the Black Hills. Located between Custer, SD, and Custer State Park on Highway 16A, The Tiny Bison Resort has multiple tiny homes--and picturesque views of the southern Black Hills.
Each time home is built differently--from a fire lookout tower, to an A-frame to a shipping container--none of the homes are alike. Thomas, the owner, has artfully curated such beautiful cabins, and his hospitality is incredible.
With a location just outside of Custer and Custer State Park, The Tiny Bison Resort is the perfect place for couples to relax and play in the Black Hills.
Romantic Hinterwood Inn & Cabins
The beautiful and modern cabins at Hinterwood Inn & Cabins offer beautiful spaces in a beautiful location that are perfect for your Black Hills weekend trip for two. Purchased by the owners Kate and Garrett in 2017, the couple turned an old non-functioning bed and breakfast to an absolute gem. There are six different cabins or suites to rent and can accommodate a varying number of occupants--from three per cabin to seven.
Each space has amenities like a fridge and stove, and the whole property has wifi. The prices per cabin average about $200 a night, but can be a little more or less depending on the time of the year.
The cabins sit on 20 acres of land and offer plenty of room to explore amongst the hills and trees. There is so much space to explore and hike just on the property, but it’s also pretty centrally located in the Black Hills. You’ll find this cabin between Hill City and Keystone which puts you super close to Mount Rushmore.
If you’re looking for modern decor and amenities close to a variety of sites and tucked in a gorgeous area, the Hinterwood Inn & Cabins are for you!
Affordable Couples Trip to Steel Wheel & Hidden Valley Campground
The Steel Wheel & Hidden Valley Campgrounds are a great option for couples looking for a romantic Black Hills getaway and hoping to explore just steps from their front door. The campgrounds are owned by the same family, and are situated right next to each other on Highway 385 about six miles outside of Deadwood.
These two campgrounds offer all types of lodging accommodations. If you want to camp in a tent, this location is for you. If you’re looking to camp in a teepee, this location is for you. If you have an RV or camper, and are looking for a place with electricity hookups, this place is also for you.
Along with various camping accommodations, there are also cabins available to rent as well. You can rent mini camping cabins that sleep two people, all the way up to a lodge that can sleep ten. The campground has a shared bathhouse with plenty of shower and sink space and lots of mirrors so three is a ton of room to get ready in the morning.
The cost of accommodations varies dependent on what type of lodging is reserved. One can rent a tent space for $30 a night, all the way up to the entire lodge that sleeps ten for $400 a night.
The best part of Steel Wheel and Hidden Valley is it’s location. It’s right off the highway, but it’s tucked into a quiet, tree-filled valley. In the summer, the whole valley is lush and green and surrounded by pine trees--it’s extremely peaceful. This is the perfect back-to-nature romantic getaway in the Black Hills.
Old Fashioned Charm at the Town Hall Inn
Located in Lead, and close to Deadwood and Terry Peak Ski Resort, this quaint and romantic hotel has not spent its entire life as a hotel. From 1912 to 1938, the historic building was actually the town hall for Lead--hence the name, Town Hall Inn.
This boutique hotel offers its guests 12 unique rooms--no two are alike, and each boasts a different town hall-esque theme like the Defense Room, the Mayor’s Office and the Vault. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic places, so your romantic Black Hills stay will be memorable when you choose the Town Hall Inn.
If you’re looking for a place to grab a nightcap after a day of exploring the Black Hills with your partner, you don’t have to leave the building, just head to the Jailhouse Taps (fittingly named because its located in the old jailhouse) on site for a Belgian brew or glass of wine!
Interested in more budget-friendly Black Hills travel? Check out this post on how to spend four days in the Black Hills for less than $500!
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