Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch Blog
Where you can do as much, or as little, as you please!
KOA Resorts offer a carefree vacation in the great outdoors. Enjoy robust recreation and staff-led activities, kick back and relax by the resort-style pool, or grab a bite to eat, all while never leaving the campground. And with plenty of RV Sites with KOA Patios® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths to meet your needs, it’s the ultimate camping getaway.
KOA Resorts offer a carefree vacation in the great outdoors. Enjoy robust recreation and staff-led activities, kick back and relax by the resort-style pool, or grab a bite to eat, all while never leaving the campground. And with plenty of RV Sites with KOA Patios® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths to meet your needs, it’s the ultimate camping getaway.
From I-90 take exit 61 onto Hwy 16 toward Mt. Rushmore. Follow Hwy 16 W 25 miles to Hill City. Continue on Hwy 16/385 3 miles then turn left on Hwy 244. Take 244 toward Mt. Rushmore 3.5 miles to the Mt. Rushmore KOA.
Please do not use GPS directions as they are incorrect.
From Custer, SD take Hwy 16/385 14 miles toward Mt. Rushmore then turn right on Hwy 244. Take 244 toward Mt. Rushmore 3.5 miles to the Mt. Rushmore KOA.
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If you are planning a trip to Mount Rushmore, you can be sure that there is plenty to enjoy in the area. The carved mountainside offers a stunning view, and once you finish there, you can explore local restaurants, museums and other attractions. There are many fun things to do in the Black Hills near Mount Rushmore.
No trip to South Dakota would be complete without a visit to Mount Rushmore. At this national memorial, you can see the faces of four famous presidents carved into the mountainside. An observation deck lets you view the monument and take family pictures.
You can also take a short walk along the sculpture's base to view it up close and visit the sculptor's studio. At night, the park hosts a patriotic light show and a film about the four presidents featured on the mountain.
If you are looking for a restaurant near Mount Rushmore, the park includes the Carvers' Cafe so that you can eat right at the park.
There are also a variety of museums in Hill City, South Dakota, near Mount Rushmore. Visit The Museum @ Black Hills Institute to look at dinosaurs, fossils, minerals and collectibles. Children under five can get into this museum for free.
The Black Hills National Forest surrounds Mount Rushmore, so if you want to get outside and explore, this is a great place to do so. The Centennial Trail stretches through 111 miles of the national forest, with seven different trailheads for easy access. If you are looking for a beautiful trail that reaches most areas of the park, this might be the perfect option. Stop by the nearest trailhead and hike around, then come right back.
If you have young kids but still want to see the sights, consider a scenic drive through the Black Hills. Drives like the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway offer miles of views, including wildlife and natural features like Harney Peak.
A mountain coaster, high ropes course and zipline are a few family attractions near Mount Rushmore that this adventure park offers guests. This park is a great place to take the kids for the day for some amusement park fun. The amusement park site is also home to the Rushmore Cave, a popular exploration destination for almost a century. You and your kids will love to look around the amazing Big Room while you learn about the cave's unique history and geology.
All that adventuring might leave you hungry, so stop by some local restaurants near Mount Rushmore. Jane's Boardwalk Pizza offers a range of food choices, from pizza to salads and even ice cream. You could also stop by Ruby House for a historical dining experience. The restaurant features 1900s-style decor and offers food options like prime rib and ribs. It also has a kid's menu with smaller portions.
The Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch is an excellent option for families and groups who want to explore the Mount Rushmore area. We are one of the largest KOA Campgrounds in the nation, with lodging options to suit every guest. You can reserve a Tent Site, RV Site, Deluxe Cabin or Camping Cabin.
The campground offers so many activities that you do not even need to leave. You can take horse rides, watch movies and rent a UTV all from the campground.
Book your stay online today and enjoy a comfortable campground experience five miles from Mount Rushmore.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
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