HISTORY
In the late 1800s, the Rafter J Bar Ranch was known as “12 Mile Station,” a stagecoach stop, on the way to Deadwood, SD, from Cheyenne, Wyoming. The original Barn and Bunkhouse are still standing where the horses could be watered and rested. There was plenty of hospitality for the passengers riding the stagecoach too! We think the Ranch is still a pretty good watering hole for today’s traveler. The Rafter J Bar Ranch Resort is your destination spot for an amazing Black Hills vacation!
Check-out:
Check-In:
PARK RULES AND GUIDELINES
Campsites: 11:00 am
Cabins: 11:00 am
Campsites: 12:00 pm
Cabins: 2:00 pm
Additional Fee of $60/hour for late check-outs.
Registered Guest Policy: To reserve a campsite or cabin you must be 21 years of age or older. Visitors who are not registered guests are not allowed on the premises from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am. Visitors to the campsite must check in with the front desk to obtain a visitor car permit with locations to park.
Campfires: Campfires are the responsibility of the guest. Federal law and Ranch Policy require that campfires must be contained in the designated fire ring. Fires must be attended at all times and extinguished when leaving them unattended. Fires must be thoroughly doused with water by 11:00 pm. Do not move fire ring. Cutting of any standing trees on the premises is prohibited. This includes the small saplings which are the trees of the next generation. Please be aware that due to extreme drought conditions that local, state, or Federal government agencies may place campfire and grilling restrictions throughout the Black Hills including campgrounds.
Pets: Pets are welcome when kept quiet, attended, cleaned up after and are leashed at all times. Additional pet fees and pet damages can apply (see website for additional details). The following breeds of dogs shall not be permitted on any Rafter J property for insurance reasons: Rottweilers, Wolf breeds, Pit Bulls, and Chows.
Rafter J reserves complete discretion to require guests to immediately remove from the premises any pet that is deemed to be dangerous or an excessive nuisance/causation of damages.
Fireworks: Fireworks are illegal in the Black Hills and will not be permitted at the Rafter J Bar Ranch Campground.
Gray Water: Cannot be emptied on the ground. It must be disposed of in the campsite sewer receptacle or dump station.
Group Reservations: Group sites/cabins (7 campsites and or cabins total) must be paid in full by March 15th. No refunds issued after March 15th. **We highly encourage travel insurance for cancellation possibilities**
Extended Stays (More than 15 nights): Must be paid in full by March 15th. No refunds issued after March 15th. **We highly encourage travel insurance for cancelation possibilities**
Waitlist: Rafter does not currently accept waitlist requests. However, we recommend calling back after March 15th for potential cancelations as desrcribed above in other policy.
Swimming Pool and Hot Tub: Our large heated pool and hot tub are open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. See website for swimming complex seasonal information.
Occupancy Restrictions: Occupancy is limited to a maximum of 8 people per campsite. A maximum of 2 vehicles is allowed per site.
Vehicles: 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.
Speed Limit: Speed Limits for safety and consideration of other guests, The Ranch speed limit is 10 mph. with the following exceptions: On the road to Ranch Camp it is 15 mph. In camping and activity areas, which include the office, swimming pool and horse coral, the speed limit is 5 mph.
Damages: 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. We reserve the right to place fee in accordance to any damages incurred to our property by guests or visitors of guests. Fine will include labor and costs for repairs.
Trash Disposal: Please help us protect the environmental quality of the Ranch by keeping tents, vehicles, and RVs 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.
Quiet Hours: 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 10:00 pm
Drone Flying: PROHIBITED. Unauthorized drone flying is not prohibited on or over our property.
ALL MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ ATV/UTV Rules and Regulations: ALL ATV/ UTV/ Additional Vehicles are restricted to only sites with the length and size to accommodate them on the gravel designated pad.
ATV’s/Additional Vehicles are not allowed on all campsites and must be reserved in advance.
Please contact our front desk to reserve an ATV campsite. ALL additional vehicles must obtain a purchased parking permit via our front desk. See our rates page for additional details. ATVs must stay on designated roads, sites, and abide by speed limits posted. Parking ATVs or other vehicles on the grass or in a non designated space will incur $50/day charge. Please ask our front desk for guest parking locations. If these rules are not abided and fees immediately paid, we reserve the right to end your stay at the Rafter effective immediately with no refunds issued and vehicles towed.
Fire Pit: Fire pits shall not be moved. Moving fire pits damages our property and poses fire hazard. Minimum $100 damages fee will incur if your party moves the designated fire pit space.
the Black
Things to do in Black Hills South Dakota include mountain biking! We are located adjacent to the George Mickelson Hiking & Biking Trail! Trail information:
http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/mickelson-trail/
