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From128US$ /night
Check-in
07Dec2025Select date
Check-out
08Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About Resort

12620 Hwy 244, Hill City, South Dakota, United States, 57745
-
Close to Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Perfect
8.7
8.8
/10
3.9
4.3
/5

Lodge At Palmer Gulch, a 3-star Hill City hotel rated 8.8/10 on Booking.com, features diverse accommodation options, including lodges and cabins, alongside a wide range of amenities tailored for family-friendly adventures. Facilities include outdoor pools, a spa, and dining options that cater to various tastes.

Rooms & Amenities

Lodge At Palmer Gulch offers 61 rooms featuring various configurations, from queen and king rooms to larger suites and cabins that accommodate up to 12 guests. Many units include kitchenettes, while select cabins come with fireplaces and porches for added comfort.

Dining & Nearby Options

On-site dining includes The Peak Grill & Tap Room, which serves gourmet burgers, steaks, and local craft brews. The Chuck Wagon Dinner Show offers a unique dining experience featuring traditional cowboy meals in a scenic setting.

Activities & Leisure

The resort features a Fun Zone with two pools, a skiing area, and facilities for mini golf and horseback riding. Guests can also enjoy seasonal events such as live music and movie nights, as well as outdoor adventures like hiking and fishing.

Services & Local Area

Lodge At Palmer Gulch provides convenient services like laundry facilities and bike rentals. Notable nearby attractions include the Reptile Gardens and the historic Mount Rushmore, both within a short drive from the resort.

Must-do experiences

  • Visit Mount Rushmore for an iconic view, just a short drive away.
  • Explore the nearby Custer State Park for stunning wildlife sightings.
  • Savor a homemade pie at the Hill City Café to taste local flavors.
  • Check out the 1880 Train for a scenic ride through the Black Hills.
  • Discover the Black Hills Institute for fascinating dinosaur exhibits.
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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Standard Double Room Balcony
4 persons
17 m² 
2 Double beds
Shower
Heating
King Room Balcony
2 persons
17 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Double Room
4 persons
17 m² 
2 Double beds
Shower
Heating
Cabin
4 persons
17 m² 
2 Double beds
Shower
Heating
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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Security
  • Lift
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Coffee shop
  • Vending machines
  • Fireplace
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Cycling
  • Table tennis
  • Mini golf
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

  • Paid shuttle service
  • Housekeeping
  • Car hire
  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Shops/Commercial services

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Picnic area/ Tables

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Water slides
  • Children's play area

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Seasonal outdoor pool
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Aqua park
  • Live entertainment
  • Sun terrace
  • BBQ facilities
  • Sauna
  • Jacuzzi
  • Public Bath

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Patio
  • Garden furniture
  • Dining table

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Sink

Self-catering

  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

At Lodge At Palmer Gulch, dining options celebrate American cuisine in family-friendly settings. Guests can indulge in hearty meals while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Black Hills, with experiences ranging from breakfast cookouts to relaxing dinners, each promising delightful flavors and warm service.
Lodge At Palmer Gulch Hill City Restaurant photo
Lodge At Palmer Gulch Hill City Restaurant photo

The Peak Grill & Taproom

American
Ambiance
Family friendly, Modern
Key Offerings
Featuring a diverse menu with vegetarian and gluten-free options, guests can savor crafted cocktails during a relaxing cocktail hour or enjoy dinner amid a vibrant atmosphere.
Reservation
Not needed
Lunch, Dinner, Cocktail hour

The Prospector Tent

American
Ambiance
Family friendly, Modern
Key Offerings
Breakfast options here include hearty favorites served in a casual setting, perfect for fueling up before a day of adventure.
Reservation
Not needed
Breakfast

Location

12620 Hwy 244, Hill City, South Dakota, United States, 57745
Map view
12620 Hwy 244, Hill City, South Dakota, United States, 57745
Explore Hill City
Nearby Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
5-minute drive
Iconic national monument featuring presidential carvings. Visitor center and hiking trails enhance the experience.
Bear Country USA
10-minute drive
Drive-thru wildlife park showcasing North American animals. Opportunities for close encounters and photography.
South Dakota State Railroad Museum
South Dakota State Railroad Museum
10-minute drive
Interactive museum dedicated to railroading history. Unique exhibits and artifacts for railroad enthusiasts.
Civilian Conservation Corps Museum of South Dakota
Civilian Conservation Corps Museum of South Dakota
10-minute drive
Museum honoring the CCC's contributions to conservation. Engaging displays educate about this vital historical program.
Hiking at Black Elk Peak
22-minute drive
Challenging trails leading to the highest point in South Dakota. Stunning panoramic views for adventure seekers.
Horse Thief Lake
Horse Thief Lake
10-minute drive
Scenic lake offering fishing, swimming, and picnic areas. Perfect for relaxation amid beautiful surroundings.
Alpine Inn
5-minute drive
Charming eatery known for German dishes and a cozy atmosphere. Popular for its homemade desserts and beer selection.
Hill City Cafe
5-minute drive
Casual diner serving American comfort food. Famous for hearty breakfasts and friendly service.
Miner's Saloon
5-minute drive
Live music venue with a vibrant nightlife. Check out their schedule for local bands and seasonal events.
The Hill City Art Gallery
5-minute drive
Family-friendly art gallery featuring local artists. Frequent exhibitions and creative workshops for all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Hill City8 min  ·  4.8 km
Airports
Rapid City Regional (RAP)82 min  ·  54.3 km

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 5 reviews
8.7
8.7/10 based on 144 reviews
Richard
United States, January  2025
9.0/10

My stay at this KOA was absolutely wonderful! The range of activities for families was impressive, and we enjoyed the cozy evening by the fire pits. The only downside was the poor Wi-Fi, but honestly, it helped us unplug and enjoy nature more. Overall, it's a fantastic place to unwind and have fun with the family!

Rooms
9.0
The accommodations were clean, with plenty of space for our family of four. We felt comfortable and had everything we needed.
Service
9.0
Check-in was super quick, and the staff was always ready to help if we had questions.
Location
10.0
The KOA is perfectly situated for visiting attractions like Mount Rushmore, making it an excellent base for our adventures.
Dining
8.0
We loved the pancake breakfast at the Papa's Pancake tent; it was delicious and a great deal! We also enjoyed the on-site dining options, though they could be busy at times.
Facilities
9.0
The amenities available, from the clean pools to the horse stables and outdoor fire pits, really enhanced our stay.
Billy
United States, December  2024
8.0/10

We had an enjoyable family getaway at this campground, which offers a range of activities for kids. The location was perfect for accessing nearby attractions, and the camping amenities were quite nice. However, we encountered some issues with mud on the roads and our campsite being in a high-traffic area.

Rooms
6.0
The campsite was okay, but it was a bit crowded with constant foot traffic. A better layout could improve the overall experience.
Service
8.0
The staff were accommodating and always willing to help, which added a personal touch to our stay.
Location
9.0
The campground is ideally located between popular destinations like Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park, making it easy to explore.
Dining
8.0
The breakfast options were a steal with all-you-can-eat pancakes for just $3.50, and the cafe had some tasty treats.
Facilities
9.0
The various amenities like the fun zone and organized activities kept our children entertained for hours.
Peter
United States, November  2024
9.0/10

This KOA offers a fantastic family experience with a wealth of activities for all ages, making it a great spot for a fun-filled vacation. The cleanliness and maintenance of the campground are commendable, and the proximity to major attractions like Mount Rushmore is a major plus. However, limited cell service and Wi-Fi could be frustrating for those looking to stay connected.

Rooms
9.0
The tent site was level and well-maintained, providing great views of the campground.
Service
9.0
The staff was incredibly helpful and friendly, ensuring our needs were met during our stay.
Location
10.0
The KOA is centrally located, just a short drive from Mount Rushmore and other attractions in the Black Hills.
Dining
7.0
Dining options were decent, with a couple of restaurants and fast food available on-site, although we wished for more variety.
Facilities
10.0
The campground boasts excellent facilities including pools, a splash park, and rental options for ATVs and UTVs.
Kathryn
United States, October  2024
8.6/10

I had an amazing time at this resort, especially with all the activities available for families. The accommodations were quite comfortable and clean, although the Wi-Fi could use improvement. The location is perfectly situated, making it easy to visit nearby attractions like Mount Rushmore. While the dining options were satisfactory, I felt that breakfast could have offered a bit more variety. Overall, a great place for a family getaway!

Rooms
8.0
The accommodations were clean and comfortable, catering to different lodging needs.
Service
9.0
The staff was very friendly and accommodating, always ready to help with questions.
Location
10.0
The location is fantastic, close to major attractions like Mount Rushmore and the natural beauty of the Black Hills.
Dining
7.0
The dining options were satisfactory, but breakfast could have included more variety to enhance the experience.
Facilities
9.0
The resort with its waterpark, rental options, and various amenities kept the family entertained throughout our stay.
Variety of activities
Limited breakfast options
Dan
United States, October  2024
7.2/10

My family had an adventure-filled stay at the lodge, thanks to the wide range of activities available for the kids and the excellent location near major attractions. However, we were a bit let down by the dining options, particularly the limited breakfast selection, and the size of the campsites felt cramped. Overall, it was enjoyable, but with some room for improvement in specific areas.

Rooms
7.0
Our room was clean and comfortable, providing us with a good night's sleep after busy days. However, the size was a bit constricting, especially during peak hours.
Service
8.0
The service team was proactive, addressing issues promptly, especially after a major storm hit and they worked hard to restore amenities.
Location
9.0
The location was perfect for visiting nearby attractions like Mount Rushmore and offered easy access to many scenic spots in the Black Hills.
Dining
5.0
Dining experiences were rather disappointing; the breakfast options could have been more varied and accommodating, which was surprising given the lodge's reputation.
Facilities
7.0
The variety of facilities, including pools and activities for kids, were a highlight, though I felt the size of the campsites could be improved for better comfort.
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
is available in for free.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
67
Former name
The Lodge at Palmer Gulch
FAQs
About Lodge At Palmer Gulch
What are the check-in and check-out times at Lodge At Palmer Gulch?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
How far is Lodge At Palmer Gulch from Mount Rushmore?
The hotel is located 10 km from Mount Rushmore.
Is parking available at Lodge At Palmer Gulch?
Private parking is available on-site for free.
Does Lodge At Palmer Gulch have on-site dining options?
The hotel features two restaurants: Peak Grill Taproom and Prospector Tent.
What recreational activities can guests enjoy at Lodge At Palmer Gulch?
Guests can enjoy hiking, cycling, table tennis, mini-golf, and evening entertainment.
What amenities are available in the guest rooms at Lodge At Palmer Gulch?
Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a fridge, and free toiletries.
Is there a hot tub at Lodge At Palmer Gulch?
Yes, there is a hot tub available for guests.
What distance is Lodge At Palmer Gulch from Rapid City Regional Airport?
The hotel is 53 km from Rapid City Regional Airport.
What family-friendly amenities does Lodge At Palmer Gulch offer?
The hotel has a children's playground and organizes family-oriented activities.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

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Lodge At Palmer Gulch Hill City Exterior photo

Lodge At Palmer Gulch

8.7
Great144 reviews
4.8 km from center
115 US$
128 US$
per night
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