So There’s an Airbnb Where People Can Literally Sleep Next to Horses
Just outside Rapid City, South Dakota, there’s a one-room cabin where guests wake up to horses grazing just steps away. It’s part of a working farm in the quiet town of Piedmont, and it’s nothing like your typical Airbnb. Imagine sipping your morning coffee as the sun rises over open fields, with horses and goats wandering nearby.
The cabin has a surprising backstory. It started its life as a military barracks hut built in the 1970s, one of 82 small structures used to house troops. Decades later, it has been renovated into a warm retreat for travelers seeking a touch of the Old West. You still get the metal siding and basic frame, but now it’s outfitted with Wi-Fi, heating, air conditioning, and everything you need to be comfortable.
The Perfect Spot for a Western Getaway
Guests appreciate how easy it is to reach, only 15 minutes from Rapid City and about an hour from Custer State Park. The location makes it simple to enjoy the sights of the Black Hills while coming back to a peaceful, open landscape that feels far from everything. When you come back after a day of sightseeing, you can hang out by the fire pit, grill dinner, or relax on the swing that overlooks the horse pasture.
The cabin accommodates up to four people. It has a full-size bed and a twin-over-full bunk. There’s no kitchen, but you’ll find a microwave, a mini fridge, and a coffee maker to handle the basics. Two shared bathrooms are available nearby, and the hosts make sure everything is spotless. Dogs are welcome as long as they’re leashed, but cats are off-limits due to allergies.
Animal Therapy And Small-Town Charm
Part of what makes this Airbnb so special is the connection with animals. Horses and goats roam the property, and guests are welcome to watch, feed, or just enjoy their company. The farm also serves as a site for equine-assisted therapy, so you might see sessions taking place. The hosts ask guests to be respectful of the therapy area, but you’ll still have plenty of chances to say hello to the animals and even grab some goat feed from a small vending machine near the pasture.
The hosts, Beth and David, live on the property and have a reputation for being incredibly welcoming. Reviews mention that they’re quick to respond to messages and go above and beyond for guests. They’ve even been known to lend out coolers, offer local tips, and help with bike repairs during Sturgis Week. It’s no wonder the listing has a 4.93 rating and sits among the top 1% of homes on Airbnb.
Why It’s Worth the Trip
Image via iStockphoto/moonwolf42
This stay is less about luxury and more about connection. Guests come here for the simplicity of farm life: the sound of animals stirring in the morning, the sight of horses grazing nearby, and the kind of calm that’s hard to find anywhere else. There’s a sense of warmth and familiarity that makes it feel like time slows down. During the Fourth of July, the cabin becomes an especially lively spot, with Piedmont’s fireworks lighting up the sky just across the road.
Guests keep coming back for the same reason: it’s a break from the noise. The cabin lets you slow down, breathe, and remember how simple happiness can be. So, yes, there really is an Airbnb where you can sleep next to horses, and it might just be one of the most unforgettable stays in South Dakota.