Welcome to a premier camping resort and lodge in the heart of the Black Hills. Enjoy a relaxing and fun camping adventure at the Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch, located near national memorials, breathtaking scenery, fun hiking trails, rodeos and museums. Relax and enjoy exciting activities without even leaving the campground with KOA's amenities and activities, or let KOA show you around the area via wagon rides, horseback adventures and UTV rentals.
Let Us Be Your Black Hills Destination!
Explore South Dakota at KOA for a fun and relaxing experience. Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch is in the heart of the Black Hills and right around the corner from exciting attractions the whole family can enjoy. Marvel at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial or the in-progress Crazy Horse Mountain Memorial.
Learn about the history of American Democracy at the National Presidential Wax Museum or drive along the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. Hike trails from KOA to Mount Rushmore and Harney Peak, or walk trails in Custer State Park and the Black Hills National Forest.
Ways to Stay for All Campers
Whether you enjoy traditional tent camping, popular RV travel, or cozy cabin stays, KOA has a place for every type of camper to rest their head. Tent campers can enjoy Tent Sites with or without electricity.
To enjoy RV camping near Mount Rushmore, choose KOA's convenient Back-In and Pull-Thru Sites. You can also enjoy the convenience and extra comfort of lodging options such as Deluxe Cabins and Camping Cabins near Mount Rushmore.
Convenient and Fun Amenities
The Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch offers convenient and fun amenities to help you make the most of your stay. Have a blast at the Fun Zone, dive into one of the swimming pools or glide down the water slide between Memorial Day and Labor Day. If you are craving some relaxation, enjoy a nice dip in the hot tub or unwind in the sauna.
Challenge friends or family to a game of mini-golf, visit the Palmer Gulch Mining Company, traverse the exciting Climbing Wall and enjoy some fishing. Rent a bike or pick up a bike part for your own bike at the campground bike shop.
Take your kids to jump on the Bounce Pillow and let your dog roam around KampK9®, a special dog park for your four-legged camping companions. When you get hungry, enjoy breakfast at the pancake tent (Memorial Day - Labor Day), grab lunch at the snack bar and enjoy dinner or on-site catering from The Peak Grill and Tap Room (Mid May - Mid September).
Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch also provides exciting ways to explore nearby attractions. Rent a car to explore the gorgeous Black Hills or roam the trails on a UTV. Embark on a horseback riding adventure from Palmer Gulch Stables or enjoy a Chuck Wagon Supper Show for a unique South Dakota experience. Dinner shows include a horse-drawn wagon ride or a horseback ride and a delicious cowboy meal with entertainment.
Recreation and Special Events
Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch hosts activities for the whole family. Build, decorate and launch rockets toward the sky on certain dates between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Use fabric and colorful dyes to create custom designs on special tie-dye days. Check the campground schedule for these activities as well as movies, wagon rides and live entertainment. You can also attend the exciting Mount Rushmore Rodeo to see some Wild West action on select dates.
Book a Stay at Mount Rushmore KOA Resort
Explore the best of South Dakota at KOA. Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch offers convenient amenities, fun activities, special events and opportunities to visit local area attractions near Mount Rushmore. Whether you are looking for a relaxing weekend away or a fun adventure with the family, have an incredible time at the best camping vacation spot near Mount Rushmore.
Book a Stay at KOA to begin your South Dakota adventure with your hosts, Recreational Adventures Co. Reserve your site online or call 800-562-8503 today!
We currently offer the following activities:
Starts: 09/13/2024 - Ends: 09/09/2023
Join us in 2024 to practice up your polka moves! The annual Black Hills Polkapalooza at Palmer Gulch will be back for another two-day festival of fun, food and dancing.
Starts: 08/01/2024 - Ends: 08/01/2024
Mount Rushmore Resort at Palmer Gulch is home to Mount Rushmore Lodge and Mount Rushmore KOA. And now it's home to the Mount Rushmore Rodeo. Dylan Cutler, General Manager at Mount Rushmore KOA, says, “This is the perfect event for families, first-timers to a rodeo, and the general public. Get to the Gulch for some Wild West Rodeo Action!” Produced by LKC Rodeo Productions, the rodeo events include bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback, team roping, barrel racing and mutton bustin' fun for the kids. LKC Rodeo Productions, of Huntley, Montana, is a family-owned and operated company. It has produced rodeos in communities across the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain region since 2009.
RV and Tent Cancellation Policy
48 hours cancellation notice is required. Notify KOA by 4 P.M. two (2) days prior to scheduled arrival for full refund minus a $10 fee.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of arrival will result in forfeiture of all deposits.
Deluxe Cabin & Camping Cabin Cancellation Policy
7 day cancellation notice is required. Notify KOA by 4 P.M. seven (7) days prior to scheduled arrival for full refund minus a $10 fee.
Cancellations made within seven (7) days of arrival will result in forfeiture of all deposits.