By Michael Thompson, Contributing writer

Hotel and motel chains are dominant even in rustic South Dakota, but there are plenty of family-owned places to stay there, too.

Thunder Cove Inn , in Deadwood, is located in the Black Hills area, with 33 rooms that all are smoke-free. There's a two-bedroom suite, but the others are smaller, traditional motel rooms. Customers have provided praise not only for the clean, smoke-free accommodations, but also for directions they are given to nearby tourist attractions. The goodie bags are generous, according to customers, and so are the coupons for reduced and free meals in town.

Dakota Pines Inn , in Rapid City, is a highly affordable option. Recently renovated, it is situated only a few minutes away from Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and an array of other tourist attractions. Rooms feature free wireless Internet, 25-inch television sets, cable with HBO, and other basic amenities. There's an indoor pool with two hot tubs, free continental breakfast and guest laundry facilities, all for prices that rival the very cheapest of the chains.

Sylvan Lake Lodge in Custer State Park, has a great view and, for water activity, Sylvan Lake Lodge will take your breath away while barely touching your wallet. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright suggested the location -- along the shore of Sylvan Lake -- back in 1935. The forest of pine and spruce trees is so thick that the route to Sylvan Lake Lodge is along Needles Highway. Harney Peak stands over the lake's clear water. There's a lakeside general store where you can rent watercraft, and Sylvan Lake Auditorium is available for family reunions or group gatherings. There are hiking trails all around. You'll stay in a lodge room or a rustic, secluded cabin.

Badlands Budget Host , in Interior, welcomes you with a dirt path. The emphasis is to make you feel "laid back and comfortable." This is a place where you sort of feel like you're camping out, except with the comfort of a nice, clean motel room. You can go horseback riding as a family, or send the kids to the arcade, the playground or the swimming pool, while you relax. There is a restaurant and a small grocery store on site, along with a laundry room.

Roosevelt Inn , in Keystone, bills itself as, "The Little Hotel at Mount Rushmore." Maybe the hotel is little, but the website offers more than 300 pages of information regarding the Black Hills, Custer State Park, the Badlands and other tourist attractions. As for the rooms, they are neat and clean with basic amenities. You will have a difficult time finding a place in South Dakota's tourist territory that is less expensive.