Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch Blog
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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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Ready to camp out in South Dakota’s stunning Black Hills? Whether you’re kicking back at the resort or setting out to explore iconic American landmarks, Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch is your ideal basecamp. Here’s how to fill one day fully on-property and another discovering all the adventure this region has to offer.
Roll into your site — whether you’re RVing, tent camping, or checking into a cozy cabin or mountain lodge room — and get ready to explore. With so many family-friendly amenities, you might not even want to leave the resort.
Morning
Start the day with breakfast at the Prospector's Pancake Tent, then head out for a walk around the resort or hit the basketball courts, playground, or KampK9® dog park with your four-legged camper.
Afternoon
Saddle up for a scenic trail ride through the breathtaking Black Hills — perfect for both beginner and experienced riders. Then cool off with a dip in one of two swimming pools, rent a bike, try your luck at gem mining, or tackle the mini golf course, wagon rides, and climbing wall.
Evening
Gather the crew for a chuck wagon dinner experience you won’t forget — complete with hearty food, western charm, and plenty of cowboy spirit. Afterward, head back to camp for s’mores and stories around the fire. Bonus: keep an eye out for evening entertainment like live music or family movie nights.
Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch has everything you need for an unforgettable Black Hills experience:
Morning — Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Fuel up with breakfast, then hop on the shuttle or take a short drive to the awe-inspiring Mount Rushmore. Walk the Presidential Trail, visit the Sculptor’s Studio, and soak up the history and views.
Afternoon
Choose your own adventure:
Evening
Wrap up with dinner in the nearby town of Hill City — try the Alpine Inn for hearty fare and local flavor. Then return to camp to catch the stars coming out over the pines.
There’s no shortage of natural beauty and must-see stops in the Black Hills:
Whether you’re seeking monumental history, mountain views, or just a day of laid-back family fun, Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch is your gateway to an unforgettable Black Hills camping experience.
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.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
