FAQs
Hot Springs and Highland Meadows
Let's get right to it. You've got questions and we've got answers ... where to eat in Hot Springs, where to shop, what to do — and what's the policy on pets, lost and finds, and cancellations.

Frequently asked questions
No. It’s not. And trust us — you don’t want it to be.
Let’s start with the obvious: a tipi is a canvas tent. The bathroom is a real, site-built structure. If you can figure out how to elegantly and safely merge plumbing, ventilation, and moisture-resistant construction with a cone of fabric held up by wooden poles, you might just be the next architectural prodigy. Until then, no, it’s not attached.
Also — just to paint a picture — do you really want a toilet five feet from where you're sleeping? Maybe with only a thin sheet of canvas between you and whoever’s using it next? Yeah, we didn’t think so.
Instead, the bathroom is a short walk away, clean, private, and equipped with real walls, real plumbing, and actual separation from your sleeping space. You get the best of both worlds: nature and comfort. Just not ... weirdly mashed together.
Our tipis do NOT have:
Private chefs
TVs
Indoor fire pits
Wifi
Attached bathrooms
Heaters
Air conditioners
Sound-proof walls
Plumbing of any kind
Windows
Long-term rental options
The ability to provide perfect weather
Basements
Stairs
ADA-compliant doorways
Blackout curtains
They do have:
Excellent views
Comfy king bed
Queen futon
All necessary linens
Private bathroom (that you walk to)
Basic electricity
Mini-fridge
Keurig w/ k-cups
Microwave
Lamp
Box fan
Small table w/ two chairs
A couple of games
Rugs
Rainfly to keep you dry (do not open or remove this)
Outdoor picnic table
Outdoor Adirondacks
Hammock
A zipper front entry door (DO NOT pull velcro open)
A zipper front screen door (again, DO NOT use velcro to open)
Cabins
Each cabin is equipped with a Keurig, French press, and a coffee grinder. Each also has a variety of k-cups, coffee beans, and coffee grounds.
Tipis
Each tipi is equipped with a Keurig and k-cups.
Lodge
The Lodge is equipped with a Keurig w/ cappuccino/latte frother, French press, coffee grinder, k-cups, coffee grounds, and coffee beans.
There are NO pets allowed at Highland Meadows Resort. Please don't ask for exceptions as they will be denied. Our units are tailored for human use and comfort only.
If there is evidence that a guest has brought a pet into one of the units, they will be charged $200 for deep cleaning and the cost of any damage done by the pet.
Our tipis do not have heaters or air conditioners but they are equipped with fans. Be aware that tipis do reflect the outside temperature so if it's hot outside it will be hot inside. Even in summer months, tipis do cool off at night once the outside temperature drops.
Many of our guests still enjoy sleeping in the tipis even during warmer months. They tend to participate in outside activities during the day and return in the evening.
Due to our business category registered with the state (campground and short-term rentals), we're able to provide the initial supplies you will need for your stay. We are not able to provide cleaning or restock supplied during your stay. If you have an emergency situation or have a need, please contact us via phone and we'll help you how we can.
If you book directly through our website, we offer a full refund if a reservation is cancelled at least SIX days prior to check in. If you are within five days, we cannot offer a refund. We have already paid processing fees and scheduled our cleaners.
If you book through third party (i.e., Vrbo, Airbnb, Booking.com you MUST visit their site and follow the cancellation process through their website (cancellation policies vary). We CANNOT cancel your reservation through third parties directly.
Your reason for cancellation does not affect our policy. A weather event in your area is not reason for a full refund within seven days of check in. An illness, your grand-nephew's school play, or a friend's sudden invite to a party ... no refunds within seven days.
Highland Meadows Resort is the premier resort Hot Springs, SD. When you reserve a room, other guests are unable to book it. When you cancel a booking, the guests who would have reserved it have moved on and have missed out on the opportunity you're now giving away. We have to reschedule our cleaning crew, we lose time, and we lose revenue. This isn't a sustainable business practice — so we appreciate you being thoughtful about planning ahead and allowing us to conduct business in a way that allows us to continue providing a superior experience.
If you're concerned about weather, please check your extended forecast and plan ahead. If you're concerned about illness, take some extra Vitamin C.
The Lodge is set up for adult guests with higher-end furniture and decorations. There's no space for children to simply play. There are easily accessible knobs on the stove, easily accessible heater knobs near the floor, and cleaners and other items in easy reach.
The Lodge is set up as a luxury space for adults to gather and enjoy — and we'd like to keep the quality and experience as such.
