Outdoor pool with red umbrellas, fenced area, grassy field, and mountain in the background.

Swimming Pool and Hot Tub

Enjoy our swimming complex which features a 62’ x 32’ heated pool and hot tub. Swimming complex projected to open the Friday before Memorial Day. Pool and Hot Tub will be closed in September at to be determined date.

Our large heated pool and hot tub are open from 8 am to 9 pm. There is no lifeguard on duty.  Young children, under age 12, are not allowed in the hot tub. No diving or running is allowed. No food, alcohol, glass containers or pets are allowed in the pool and hot tub area. Swimming pool and hot tub opens estimated weather dependent Memorial Day weekend. Swimming pool and hot tub will be closed in September at a to be determined date. 

Occupancy is limited to a maximum of 8 people per campsite. A maximum of 2 vehicles is allowed per site.

See Rates Page for Parking Permit Policies and applicable charges.

All motorized vehicles, including atv’s and side by sides, must be driven by a licensed driver above the age of 18.

Washing of vehicles is not allowed anywhere on the resort.

Hill City has car wash facilities only 3 miles north.
All vehicles must stay on roads and gravel pads of sites.

Do not drive on the grass.
Generators are not allowed.

Please see our Rates Page. 

Speed Limits for safety and consideration of other guests, The Ranch speed limit is 10 M.P.H. with the following exceptions: On the road to Ranch Camp it is 15 M.P.H. In camping and activity areas, which include the office, swimming pool and horse coral, the speed limit is 5 M.P.H.

Anyone who damages campground property will be liable for the cost of repairs or replacement. All cabins are non smoking – there is a $100 penalty for smoking inside cabins. Customers will be held responsible for any theft of campground property.

Please help us protect the environmental quality of the Ranch by keeping tents, vehicles, and RV’s off the grass (see fee’s associated with parking on grass under Vehicles section) and by placing garbage in the dumpsters located in each of the camping areas. Please do not burn or leave trash inside the fire gate.

So that fellow campers can experience a quiet and restful evening, quiet hours are in effect from 10:00 PM through 8:00 AM. Parents, please see that your children observe the rules. Kids under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult after 10pm.

Unauthorized drone flying is not prohibited on or over our property.

Our large heated pool and hot tub are open from 8 am to 9 pm. There is no lifeguard on duty.  Young children, under age 12, are not allowed in the hot tub. No diving or running is allowed. No food, alcohol, glass containers or pets are allowed in the pool and hot tub area. Swimming pool and hot tub opens estimated weather dependent Memorial Day weekend. Swimming pool and hot tub will be closed in September at a to be determined date. 

Occupancy is limited to a maximum of 8 people per campsite. A maximum of 2 vehicles is allowed per site.

See Rates Page for Parking Permit Policies and applicable charges.

All motorized vehicles, including atv’s and side by sides, must be driven by a licensed driver above the age of 18.

Washing of vehicles is not allowed anywhere on the resort.

Hill City has car wash facilities only 3 miles north.
All vehicles must stay on roads and gravel pads of sites.

Do not drive on the grass.
Generators are not allowed.

Please see our Rates Page. 

Speed Limits for safety and consideration of other guests, The Ranch speed limit is 10 M.P.H. with the following exceptions: On the road to Ranch Camp it is 15 M.P.H. In camping and activity areas, which include the office, swimming pool and horse coral, the speed limit is 5 M.P.H.

Anyone who damages campground property will be liable for the cost of repairs or replacement. All cabins are non smoking – there is a $100 penalty for smoking inside cabins. Customers will be held responsible for any theft of campground property.

Please help us protect the environmental quality of the Ranch by keeping tents, vehicles, and RV’s off the grass (see fee’s associated with parking on grass under Vehicles section) and by placing garbage in the dumpsters located in each of the camping areas. Please do not burn or leave trash inside the fire gate.

So that fellow campers can experience a quiet and restful evening, quiet hours are in effect from 10:00 PM through 8:00 AM. Parents, please see that your children observe the rules. Kids under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult after 10pm.

Unauthorized drone flying is not prohibited on or over our property.

Child with a green helmet on a bike, standing on a bridge in a forest area.

Mountain and Trail Biking

There is plentiful beautiful mountain and trail biking options for the whole family in the Black Hills of South Dakota all around the Rafter J Bar Ranch! We are located adjacent to the George Mickelson Hiking & Biking Trail!

Person in blue hoodie poses in front of a scenic forested mountain landscape.

Hiking Trails

The Rafter J Bar Ranch is surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest with miles of hiking trails to guide you into the rugged back country. You are welcome to hike anywhere in the National Forest. We ask that our guests avoid housing, maintenance and barn areas while hiking The Ranch. (Photo: Rafter in the backdrop!)

All Activities are included in our rates!
No hidden resort fees!!

Two people fish by a rocky lake with rugged cliffs and trees under a blue sky.

Fishing

Looking for things to do in Black Hills of South Dakota? Try the relaxing sport of fishing! Spring Creek runs right through the Rafter! Both Spring Creek & near by Sunday Creeks are periodically stocked by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department. Fishing tackle is available in The Ranch store.
The Sunday Gulch Fishing Pond is located within walking of Rafter J and is well stocked with Rainbow Trout.
Fishing licenses are required by SD state law for any body of water@
https://gfp.sd.gov/fish/ (Photo of nearby Sylvan Lake)

A colorful playground with slides and climbing structures on a grassy field near trees.

Earthscapes Structures Playground

Your children will have fun all day on this large playground set! The Earthscapes Structures Playground specializes in playground sets made of 99% post-consumer recycled plastic.

Children play volleyball on a sandy court in a park with trees in the background.

Basketball & Volleyball

We have basketball and volleyball courts available year round!