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.
Get Google DirectionsYou don't need to leave the Mt. Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch to have a GREAT outdoor adventure. We have all the recreation activities; 2 pools, a climbing wall, 100 horses, super cool rental bikes, UTVs, and great food. Enjoy your stay!
Some of the activities have an extra cost. Most activities are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
This open-air show takes place in a remote mountain meadow. You'll ride to the show on a horse-drawn covered wagon or via horseback where you'll enjoy a Real Cowboy music show performed by local waddies and ranchers! Watch a real dough-boxer grill Dakota grown beef steaks over an aspen-wood camp fire and taste dutch-oven side dishes prepared right out of the chuck-box. This is Real Western family-fun under a big South Dakota sky! Reserve you spot soon!
Explore the trails of South Dakota's Black Hills with a UTV Rental. Miles of great forest service trails are right out our back door for your entire family to enjoy. Pack a cooler, some snacks and embark on a Black Hills Adventure. Check out our rentals at www.palmergulchrentals.com
Experience breathtaking spills as daring cowboys risk their lives. Can the cowboy hold on for 8 seconds? Watch as cowboys spur on the bucking broncs determined to reject all riders. The pride in competition is only surpassed by the quality of the rough stock. Anticipate the heart pounding race between rider and steer in the Roping events. Adrenaline pumping action as riders race their horses to beat the clock in the Barrel Racing event. This is much more than a spectator show. Rodeo fans cheer on their competitors as they compete for bragging rights and cash. How about the young buckaroos... They can test their grit in "Mutton Bustin". Meet the animals and get a behind the scenes look at the rodeo's inner workings.
Admission is Free for Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch guests or $10 for adults and $5 for Kids 6-12
Enjoy the Black Hills on horseback! Several different trail rides are available for riders of all skill levels. Scenic rides are available through the Black Elk Wilderness Area and the Norbeck Wildlife Refuge. Reserve your ride starting the Friday before Memorial Day by calling (605) 574-3412 or at www.ridesouthdakota.com
The Mount Rushmore KOA has two pools, hot tubs, and a water slide, so water fun begins right here. Memorial Day to Labor Day
The Black Hills is loaded with great cycling opportunities for all bikers. The Mickelson Trail is a world class 100-mile long rails-to-trails route just three miles from the campground. A thousand miles of single track and great roads make the Hills a biking paradise. The Outpost Bike Shop is located at the Fun Zone and rents Fun Cycles, Striders and Fat Bikes. Our Bike shop is open from Memorial day to Labor Day.
Enjoy 4 shopping experiences at Palmer Gulch. The KOA Main Store, at the park entrance, is set up with convenience, souvenir, RV/camping supplies and more. Grapes and Grinds has South Dakota roasted coffee and wines, fudge, roasted nuts and more. The Outpost Store, in the center of the park, has a great section of toys, swim stuff, treats, camp gear and is also the activities hub and home to the Outpost Bike Shop.
The Palmer Gulch Mining Co. located near the waterslide right here at the Mount Rushmore KOA! Mine for everything from gold spheres to real GOLD! Supply's can be purchased in the Outpost Store. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The Kowboy Kountry Klub mini golf in the Fun Zone at the KOA is a great mini golf course for the whole family and it is absolutely free.
In addition to the fishing pond at the KOA, there are several lakes and trout streams within a few miles. Remember that you need a South Dakota license.
Our golf carts are available for rent here at the KOA. Take in the scenery and the many amenities we offer from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. You can print and fill out the rental agreement to bring with you or fill it out in registration.
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.
