It's that time of year when we all get a little antsy for a vacation getaway. Sure, somewhere warm is great, but maybe your budget and/or vacation days aren't really matching up with a 10 day cruise in the Bahamas or a trip to Hawaii. I hear ya. So why not head to the Black Hills?

My family really enjoys the Deadwood & Rapid City area. In fact, we just visited a haunted hotel back in September. While it's a great place to visit in the summertime, it can get pretty crowded during peak tourist season. That's why winter can be an excellent time to visit. No crowds, better room rates and still a lot of things to do. Plus, Deadwood is a fairly short 4.5 hour drive, making it an easy trip from Billings.

I don't know about you, but I can spend HOURS goofing around on VRBO.com or AirBnB.com, searching vacation rentals. Hotels are great, but when you travel with a crew my size, we always need at least two hotel rooms. Booking an entire house, condo or cabin rental is usually cheaper than booking two hotel rooms. The bonus of having a full kitchen is great for saving a few bucks, with the option to make some meals at "home" instead of having to eat out every time.

Poking around VRBO today I found some sweet looking vacation rentals in the Deadwood area, all priced at or below $200 per night. I narrowed my search to properties that are 20 miles or less from the town of Deadwood and searched dates for late February. Check these out:

Credit: VRBO
Credit: VRBO
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This 5 bedroom home sleeps up to 20 guests, is located about 15 minutes from Deadwood and is currently listed at $175 per night. Owners description says:

This is a great place to get away and relax with the family. In the summer; there are fishing poles for the kids to fish in the pond, a playhouse, and a couple of kids and adult mountain bikes to ride. There is a deck and a fire pit for sitting around and laughing and telling stories, oh, and also for tasty smores. In the fall; we are close to hunting and have places to shoot for sighting in rifles. In the winter; there is good cross county skiing, sledding, if the weather has cooperated sometimes ice skating, a gorgeous wood fireplace for ambiance and lots of windows to watch the snow fall.

Credit: VRBO
Credit: VRBO
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Look at this beauty! Less than 3 miles from Deadwood, it sleeps up to ten, has a sweet deck with views and some other nice amenities and is listed for $175 per night for late February. Owners description states:

Welcome to Summit Lodge! This updated 3+ bedroom/2 bath home is located in the historic mining town of Lead, overlooking the Kirk Canyon area. Elegantly furnished with contemporary mountain décor, the house features over 2,200 of square feet, on three levels, three+ bedrooms include: 1 king size bed, 2 queen beds, and 2 twin beds. In addition, there is a comfortable sectional couch in the living room and a cushy leather sofa in the family room. Air mattresses are available upon request. The house can sleep 8-10 people.

Credit: VRBO
Credit: VRBO
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Imagine watching the snow fly and deer play from the deck of Custer Camp, located on National Forest land about 13 miles from Deadwood. This one tops our budget, right at $200 per night. Owners description:

Beautiful custom-built log home located on 40 acres between Nemo & Sturgis in the heart of Vanocker Canyon. Lower level vacation rental with private entrance sleeps eight in handcrafted Amish queen-over-queen bunk beds. Two sets of double French doors open to the gorgeous views! Full gourmet kitchen with granite countertop, 60" HD TV, DVD, cable, WiFi, log pool table, huge luxury bath with jetted tub, separate shower & private commode, propane barbecue grill & outdoor dining, hot tub just steps away, trout pond (catch & release is free - a small fee applies for keeping fish), parking right outside your door. ATV's rentals nearby (free trail maps available); direct access to Forest Service trails.

Bring your snowmobiles.

Credit: VRBO
Credit: VRBO
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This cozy 3 bedroom, 1 bath cabin sleeps up to six, and is just a couple miles from Deadwood in Central City. One of the better bargains I found, this charming little place rents for just $130 per night. Details:

This cabin is within the heart of the Black Hills with a location for all occasions. This cabin is perfect for family vacations, gatherings, and a couples weekend away. It is minutes from Historic Deadwood which boasts shopping, casinos and many restaurants to choose from. Enjoy the slopes of Terry Peak just 4 miles from the cabin. The area also has snowmobiling trails, walking trails, golf courses, hunting, scenic highways, ATV trails and much more. Some of the attractions to see are Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, and the Sturgis Bike Rally.

Credit: VRBO
Credit: VRBO
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If skiing is your cup of tea, check out this 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo located on Terry Mountain, about 6 miles from Deadwood. Amenities include: an indoor pool, indoor hot tub, sauna and more. Renting for just $160 per night.

I found a bunch of other sweet vacation rentals on VRBO.com located around Deadwood for under $200 per night. Check out my full search HERE.

 

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