A Legendary Camping Resort in the Black Hills

Set up camp just minutes from Mount Rushmore at Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch, the only place where you can wake up to presidential views and fall asleep under a sky full of stars. More than just a campground, this full-scale camping resort blends adventure, relaxation and resort-style amenities for a vacation that's as epic as the landscapes around you. Our RV sites accommodate rigs up to 90 feet, and our pools are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. With your hosts, Recreational Adventures Co., you'll be at the center of all the Black Hills has to offer.

Ways to Stay
Stay in the shadow of greatness with a site that fits your style. Pull-thru and back-in RV sites come with full hookups, plenty of space and easy access to resort amenities. For a cozy stay with rustic charm, Camping Cabins offer the perfect balance of comfort and simplicity. If you prefer extra space, Deluxe Cabins include full bathrooms, kitchens and patios. Tent campers can enjoy traditional sites surrounded by the natural beauty of the Black Hills.

Amenities
This isn't your “forefather's” KOA—this is a camping resort, packed with everything you need for an unforgettable stay. Enjoy clean bathrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities, a KOA store stocked with essentials and on-site dining so you don't have to leave for a great meal. RV guests can take advantage of 50 max-amp hookups, site escorts and garbage pickup. The resort is also pet-friendly, with a KampK9® off-leash area. Cool off in the heated pools and hot tubs, stock up on firewood and propane or gather in the pavilion for a family cookout.

Recreation
At Mount Rushmore KOA Resort, the fun never stops. Take a swim in one of our two pools, race down the water slide or unwind in the hot tub. Saddle up for a horseback ride through the Black Hills, rent a UTV for a rugged off-road adventure or explore scenic bike trails. Families can enjoy mini-golf, a climbing wall, a jumping pillow and nightly outdoor movies. When hunger strikes, dig into a hearty meal at the on-site chuckwagon dinner show, where cowboy charm meets legendary Black Hills views.

Local Attractions
With Mount Rushmore just down the road, you'll be in the heart of history. Stand in awe of the monumental faces of four U.S. presidents, then visit the equally impressive Crazy Horse Memorial. Custer State Park offers scenic drives, wildlife encounters and hiking trails through dramatic landscapes. Follow the curves of Needles Highway, try your luck in the historic town of Deadwood or venture underground into Jewel Cave or Wind Cave National Park.

Reserve your site online or call 800-562-8503 today to begin your South Dakota adventure!

Campground Amenities

  • 50 Max Amp
  • 90' Max Length
  • Wi-Fi
  • Pool (5/24 - 9/4)
  • Hot Tub/Sauna
  • Snack Bar ($)
  • Propane ($)
  • Kamping Kitchen
  • Fishing
  • Mini Golf
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Ways to Stay

KOA Resorts

KOA Resort Campgrounds

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 Feature:

  • RV Sites with a KOA Patio®
  • Deluxe Cabins with full baths and linens
  • Premium Tent Sites
  • Resort-style pools
  • Indoor and outdoor group facilities

Local Area

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore is located just five miles east of the campground. Guests visit in the daytime for picture taking and to visit the sculptor's studio, new interpretive center and the concession. There is also the new Presidential Trail that allows visitors to walk along the base of the sculpture for striking views never before available. Visitors this year will also be the first to experience the new interpretive center with state of the art displays recreating the carving of the mountain and the history of the four presidents depicted. In the evening, there is a very patriotic and inspiring Lighting Ceremony in which the ranger gives a presentation, followed by a film about the four presidents, and then the monument is lighted.

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National Presidential Wax Museum

Located in the shadow of Mount Rushmore in the historic town of Keystone, the National Presidential Wax Museum is an impressive highlight on any traveler's itinerary. Featuring the works of world-famous wax artist Katherine Stubergh, the National Presidential Wax Museum features over 100 lifesize wax sculptures of some of the most iconic figures in American history. We invite you to witness the history of American Democracy from its inception.

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Crazy Horse Mountain Memorial

The Crazy Horse Mountain Memorial is located 10 miles south of the KOA. Crazy Horse is a mountain carving in progress that dwarfs Mount Rushmore. This carving is in the round with the 90' high face dedicated in June 1998, which marked the mountain's 50th anniversary since the first carving began. In addition, there is an Indian Museum and a collection of the sculptor's other works.

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Custer State Park

One of the nation's largest state parks is just eight miles away. The parks 73,000 acres abound in scenic drives, buffalo, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and sparkling lakes. Also nestled in Custer State Park is the Black Hills Playhouse famous for its Broadway caliber plays with a quaint "woods" setting.

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