TEEPEES TO TREETOPS | BUFFALO RIDGE CAMP RESORT

by Andrea Van Essen

Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort is a new lodging experience in the Black Hills, brought to life by Custer Hospitality, a company that manages several area hotels.

When the land that once housed the iconic Flintstone Village went up for sale, Custer Hospitality says it was the perfect spot to launch a fresh concept.

“Our company saw the opportunity to develop a luxury brand that would provide campers with different opportunities for glamping, cabins, and as of this year, treehouses,” said Jessica Noteboom, Custer Hospitality’s marketing director.

Noteboom says that consumer preferences are evolving as millennials begin to have their own families and are looking for ways to unplug and reconnect with each other in the outdoors.

“We’re really seeing growth in the camping scene, with authentic camping on the rise and more luxury options for those people that don’t want to compromise on the amenities,” she said.

There’s no compromising at Buffalo Ridge, where almost any camping accommodation you could dream up is available with amenities to spare.

Since opening in 2018, the 86-acre resort has added new lodging each year, boasting camping cabins, modern wedge cabins, traditional tent camping sites, standard and glamping teepees, and RV hookups. 2020 brought the addition of luxury canvas tents, and in 2021, they’re introducing treehouses.

“We have a perfect level and price point for every family and traveler,” said Noteboom.

- Jessica Noteboom

Camping Cabins Luxury Canvas Tents Modern Wedge Cabins RV Hookups Standard Tent Campsites

Teepees (Standard or Glamping)

Treehouses

Take a look inside the cabins, tents, and treehouses

On the simpler, budget-friendly side, travelers can book one of over 100 RV hookups or tent sites. Camping cabins—which Noteboom describes as rustic—feature double bunk beds (bring your own bedding), heat, electricity, a covered porch and picnic table, and easy access to the shower houses.

Standard teepees are similar to the camping cabins, with beds and mattresses (again, bring your own bedding), a concrete pad with a picnic table, and a personal fire pit. Taking it up a notch are the glamping teepees which feature high thread-count bedding and beautiful custom furniture built by Buffalo Ridge’s own staff carpenter.

Next come the luxury canvas tents—a modern take on camping with two queen beds, plush linens, a potbelly stove, and local artwork and decor. Some of the tents feature private bathrooms, one of which is ADA accessible with a shower.

“The luxury canvas tents have been all the rage,” said Noteboom. “We even had a local celebrity, Chad Greenway from the Minnesota Vikings, stay with us, so it was by far one of the most exciting and highly booked lodging options.”

could ride your bike down to Mount Rushmore Brewing [Company] or the other bars and restaurants and shops.”

The modern wedge cabins are built on stilts and feature a kitchenette, full bathroom, personal patio, and a firepit. The cabins are decorated with designer blankets and throw pillows, and include amenities such as air conditioning, linens, and coffee.

Finally, the newest additions to the property are the four treehouses, each with their own theme—a wellness retreat, a pirate ship, birdwatching, and a modern castle. Accessible by stairs, they feature a private deck, a secluded location with forest views, and a bathroom.

“It’s definitely a whimsical take on glamping, taking it to a whole new level,” said Noteboom. “They’re designed to intrigue everybody with nostalgia and a childlike spirit.”

Beyond the lodging, all Buffalo Ridge guests have access to a host of amenities including two solar-heated pools (one for adults and one for the kids), free Wi-Fi, 24-hour laundry, a playground, and easy access to hiking trails and other area attractions. A newly built general store offers everything from s’mores kits to movies and games, gifts, clothing, and basic camping amenities like food, firewood, and propane. The Stonewall—an outdoor bar and concession stand—is also a new addition to the resort.

Outdoor adventurers can rent mountain bikes, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards from the general store, and Buffalo Ridge staff are always ready to give local recommendations for dining and activities.

“Our front desk representatives are our best advocates. They know all the best local spots and are dedicated to making each guest’s experience localized and personal,” said Noteboom. “They get to know the guests and their preferences, and they take the time to help them find an itinerary that best suits them.”