Housing and Logistics: Your Month-Long EMT Course Basecamp in Custer, SD
So you’re interested in our January 2025 Wilderness EMT course but you’re concerned about the logistics. Where do I stay for almost one month in Custer in January!?
We know that coordinating housing seems like a huge hurdle to overcome, but we've secured two fantastic and affordable local options right in the heart of the Black Hills to make your stay in Custer, SD as comfortable and convenient as possible. This intensive, nearly month long EMT course requires a great basecamp, and these partners deliver.
Please Note: The rates provided below are fixed for the full month and cannot be prorated for the three-week duration of the course.
Review these options carefully and book quickly—availability is limited, especially for single units. This guide includes pricing, amenities, and a simple process for finding roommates!
Option 1: SoDak Base Camp
Located right in downtown Custer, SoDak Base Camp offers furnished, comfortable, apartments ideal for students attending the Wilderness EMT course who want to coordinate and share a unit to significantly reduce their cost of living for the month.
1 Bedroom/1 Bath (Single Occupancy) $600. 1 unit available.
2 Bedroom / 1 Bath (Double Occupancy Available) $800. $400 (per person if shared by 2). 4 units available.
3 Bedroom / 2 Bath (Triple Occupancy Available) $1000. $333 (per person if shared by 3). 1 unit available.
Booking and Financial Details:
Fixed Rate: The cost is a fixed monthly rate and cannot be prorated for the three-week course period.
Deposit: A separate $200 deposit (in addition to the monthly rent) is required upon booking, covering potential damage or extra cleaning.
Non-Refundable Date: Once a unit is reserved, the rent is non-refundable after December 10, 2025.
How to Find Roommates:
If you are interested in sharing a 2- or 3-bedroom unit but need help connecting with classmates, please use the following process:
Email us: Send an email to info@dontpanicsd.com stating, "I am looking for WEMT roommates."
Coordinate: We will connect all interested students, sharing email and phone contact info, via a group email so you can coordinate who will book the unit.
Reserve: Once your group is formed, the lead person must contact SoDak Base Camp to reserve the apartment.
To Reserve a SoDak Base Camp Unit:
Students will need to contact SoDak Base Camp directly to finalize the booking, split charges, and submit the deposit.
Contact: travelcuster@gmail.com or call 605-872-9099
Option 2: Gold Valley Camp Cabins
For students preferring a more private, secluded experience just outside of Custer, Gold Valley Camp offers comfortable, single-bedroom cabins—a great option for your intensive, month-long EMT training.
Unit Type: 1 Bedroom Cabin
Total Monthly Cost: $750
Fixed Rate: The cost is a fixed monthly rate and cannot be prorated for the three-week course period.
To Reserve a Gold Valley Camp Cabin:
Contact: 605-673-1400 and tell them you’d like to book a cabin for the month of January while you take your Wilderness EMT course with Sam Smolnisky at Don’t Panic.
Final Note on Booking
We are incredibly grateful to SoDak Basecamp Apartments and Gold Valley Camp for partnering with us to offer these affordable rates for students pursuing their Wilderness EMT certification. We strongly encourage you to secure your preferred option immediately due to limited units.
