Best Hotels Near Mount Rushmore
With a big variety of accommodation and lodging near Mount Rushmore, finding the right hotel to suit the needs of your group isnt always easy. Not to mention that it takes a lot of time to research The good news is that Ive done the research for you. This Mount Rushmore accommodation guide is intended to help you find exactly what youre looking for.
Whether you are looking for the best price-quality hotel for your trip, budget accommodation or a luxury resort for a family vacation near Mt Rushmore, in this selection, you should be able to find the very best Mount Rushmore accommodation for your trip, travel style, group size, and budget. Find out!
Please note that this selection of the best Mount Rushmore hotels is made based on customer reviews on various websites, location, and facilities of accommodations, as well as the price and the ease of booking. This post is not sponsored and all opinions are solely my own and are meant to save you time and make your vacation planning easier. At no extra cost to you, we make a small commission if you book accommodation using the links in this post.
Godo to know: There is just one drawback when planning to stay near Mt Rushmore. There arent many really nice, luxury lodging options in this part of the Black Hills. There are, however, plenty of really nice, excellent-value 2-3 star hotels near Mount Rushmore. So its a perfect area to stay for everyone whos looking for a nice family vacation at affordable prices.
Things To Do In Keystone
With over 32 restaurant options, adults and kids alike will love the convenience of Keystones dining and shopping options. In addition to its central location near Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial® and other sights, Keystone is home to The Rush Mountain Adventure Park, Rushmore Cave and Rush Mmountain Adventure Park, The National Presidents Wax Museum, Big Thunder Gold Mine and other family friendly attractions.
Where To Stay Near Mount Rushmore: Mid
South of Mount Rushmore, the city of Custer provides a dense collection of hotels near the monument. Custer hotels also provide quick access to many other Black Hills attractions, including the 71,000-acre Custer State Park.
On the northwest edge of the city, the Bavarian Inn, BlackHills is a scenic getaway worthy of its postcard surroundings. This local hotel provides beautifully furnished rooms and a pancake bar to enjoy each morning.
Located closer to Custer’s city center, the Rocket Motel offers retro lodging options that are a blast from the past. Each room at the Rocket Motel comes with modern conveniences and a cleanliness that lends to a comfortable overnight stay.
Northeast of Mount Rushmore, Keystone is the closest town to the memorial. Each overnight option here comes with great views of the surrounding Black Hills. The K Bar S Lodge, in particular, gives an up-close look at the nearby Needles formation and provides modern, spacious rooms with an unequivocal Black Hills feel.
A 30-minute drive from Mount Rushmore, Rapid City provides the most amenities of any city surrounding the memorial, with plenty of accommodation options. One of the best values here can be found at the Cambria Hotel & Suites Rapid City. This stylish hotel features clean and comfortable rooms, as well as a fitness center, spa services, and heated pool to really make for a relaxing stay.
Read Also: Where To Stay In Cinque Terre With Family
Wrinkled Rock Campground & Climbing Area
If your main reason for looking for some Black Hills camping is to spend as much time climbing as possible, Wrinkled Rock Campground & Climbing Area is the spot for you. This campground is located just 1.7 miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial. While climbing on the Mount Rushmore sculpture is prohibited, there are many climbing opportunities within the public lands surrounding the national memorial. Climbers can pick up information on routes at the Lincoln Borglum Museum or the Mount Rushmore Information Center.
As for the camping, this site is pretty bare bones perfect for embracing your inner dirtbag, but not suitable for large vehicles or RVs. There are toilets available, but no other amenities, so plan to bring your own water and pack out everything you pack in. The campground is considered dispersed camping by the Forest Service, which allows for a maximum stay of 14 days in any 60-day period and is fee-free.
This little gem is only a mile away from Mount Rushmore. Its nothing more than a gravel parking lot with a few tent pads and a vault toilet, but it was very quiet and perfect for hammocks. The Dyrt camper Gerri B.
Best Resorts In South Dakota
South Dakota is more than 4 giant heads on the side of a mountain. Sure, we all want to be in an Alfred Hitchcock movie, and lets face it, a visit to Mount Rushmore is an essential element of that experience. But there is more to do, and so much more to see while youre there. A tour of the Mount Rushmore state also needs to take in the Badlands National Park, with its surreal scenery of sculptured pinnacle and gullies hinting at the fantastic age of the landscape.
The Crazy Horse Memorial and the historic town of Deadwood are reminders of the trials and challenges that faced thousands of families as they pushed west against the Frontier. Jewel cave, Wind Cave and the Missouri River are there to speak to the overwhelming power nature has applied to the countryside.
South Dakota is a state that is proud of its place in Americas history, and proud of its rugged features and weathered landscape like any Frontiersman should be. And it is a magnificent place to visit, boasting some of the most wondrously spectacular and familiar scenery you are likely to come across.
Lets have a look at the best resorts in South Dakota:
You May Like: Best Places To Stay In San Gimignano
Visiting The Iconic Sculpture
Mount Rushmore is one of the most famous landmarks in the world and simply cant be missed on a visit to South Dakota.
Based on two personal visits, we think 3 hours is easily enough time to arrive, explore, hike the presidential trail and learn about its construction.
However, if you visit in Summer, be sure to check out the light show at night from the newly renovated amphitheater.
- The purpose of this guide is to help you plan your visit to Mount Rushmore, therefore we will only show you the top rated hotels by previous guests in each popular area.
- You will find a rating after each hotel name as per Booking.com, which we use to book all hotels when traveling.
Our Mt Rushmore resources to help with planning:
Family Accommodations And Cabins Near Mt Rushmore
Big families or groups of friends will have no difficulties finding affordable quality lodging near Mount Rushmore. The choice is really big, with accommodations ranging from simple cabins and 3-star hotels to luxury lodges.
You can easily find rooms and cabins for a family of 6 or 8, and there are quite a few accommodations that offer apartments and cabins for up to 10-12 or even 14 people.
Keep in mind that some Mt Rushmore cabins have a minimum stay requirement, which can vary from 3 to 5 nights or even longer, depending on the season.
Below, you can find a selection of the best-rated and excellent price/quality accommodations with big family rooms and cabins near Mount Rushmore.
Don’t Miss: How To Stay In Los Angeles For Cheap
Iron Creek Horse Camp
Theres a saying that, no heaven can heaven be, if my horse isnt there to welcome me. Black Hills camping is pretty close to heaven, but maybe youre one of those people who is going to need to bring your horse along for the full experience. Never fear, Black Hills National Forest has you covered on that, too. If youre planning to camp with your horse, Iron Creek Horse Camp is the perfect option.
A smaller campground, Iron Creek Horse Camp has nine sites available for $24 per night. The sites are in a remote area and there are horse paddocks onsite. Two trails leave from the campground, so you and your majestic friend can easily gallop through Black Hills beauty. There are toilets for you, and a manure disposal area for your friend. There is no potable water at this campground, but there is water for stock.
Be the first on The Dyrt to review this Black Hills camping site and share your experience to earn your Pioneer Badge!
About Mt Rushmore And The Black Hills Hotels
New chain hotels with modern amenities are plentiful in the Black Hills, but when booking accommodations consider a stay at one of the area’s historic properties. From grand brick downtown hotels to intimate Queen Anne homes converted to bed-and-breakfasts, historic lodgings are easy to locate. Many have been carefully restored to their late-19th-century grandeur, down to antique Victorian furnishings and authentic Western art. Other distinctive lodging choices include the region’s mountain lodges and forest retreats. Usually built along creeks or near major trails, these isolated accommodations often attract outdoor enthusiasts.
Also Check: Best Neighborhood To Stay In In Nashville
Comfort That Fits Any Travelers Budget
Save time, money and make planning your getaway easier with Black Hills Vacations. We can help you find and book hotels, attractions and vacation packagesthat fit your family bucket list and budget.
The Black Hills offer a variety of hotel and motel lodging options with hotels near Mount Rushmore, high end hotels in Deadwood, Custer, Rapid CityHot Springsand more. The Black Hills and Badlands region is one of the most popular destinations in South Dakota, and hotels fill up fast, with July through mid-August typically being the busiest time of the year. Properties include boutique hotels, budget options, luxury hotels and family-friendly lodgingwith indoor waterparks and more.
Allow us to help take the hassle out of your Mount Rushmore vacation planning by searching and booking the best deal for you and your family. We service a variety of properties across the Black Hills and can help you find lodging near the sites you want to visit. Plus, if you bundle lodging and activity, we can save you time and money.
Mount Rushmore & Area Attractions
What Black Hills vacation would be complete without seeing some of the areas most famous sites? Not only do we offer the closest cabins to Mount Rushmore, which is only 4 miles away, but were also a 30 minute drive from Crazy Horse Memorial, and 45 minutes from Custer State Park. Roll the dice and try your luck in Deadwood or cruise through the desolate beauty of the Badlands, both are within an hour and fifteen minutes from the Powder House Lodge. You are sure to find an adventure around every corner during your stay in the Mount Rushmore State.
Why stop there? Visit our exclusive Black Hills Itinerary Builder and plan the perfect outing for you and your family during your vacation in the Black Hills.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Part Of Belize To Stay In
Black Hills Hotels Lodging & Accommodations
Rest assured youll find comfortable and affordable lodging and cabins when you trust the travel experts at Black Hills Vacations.
We can help you reserve a luxury vacation home or rustic cabin tucked in the towering pines of the Black Hills National Forest. We can save you money on hotels, cabin rentals and B& Bs close to the wildlife of Custer State Park or the mountain carvings of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.
We can also help you find and book family-friendly accommodations with swimming pools and waterparks or campgrounds and RV resorts that are perfect for making lasting family vacation memories.
Check out our Black Hills Maps to help you plan your visit!
The 11 Best Black Hills Camping Spots
Visiting the Black Hills National Forest is free. However, some campgrounds and day-use sites may charge fees for use. The Black Hills also have strict fire regulations in place, so if youre planning for a night of smores, make sure youre in a permitted area to do so. Campfires within the national forest in South Dakota are only allowed in established campfire grates at designated picnic areas and campgrounds.
If youre traveling through the region, youll love these 11 spots for some of the best Black Hills camping.
You May Like: Best Neighborhood To Stay In Florence
Best Hotels Near Mount Rushmore: 5 Excellent Black Hills Regions
Mount Rushmore is a must-visit bucket list attraction in South Dakota, but where are the best places to stay nearby? Weve rounded up the top rated hotels in South Dakotas stunning Black Hills to help you plan your visit to the Mount Rushmore area.
South Dakotas beautiful Black Hills National Forest is a hugely underrated US road trip destination. It also happens to be one of our favorites and weve now visited on two separate occasions, in April and October.
Throughout both our visits we have gained a deeper understanding about best locations and benefits to staying in each of Keystone, Custer, Hill City, Rapid City and the northern areas in the Black Hills.
Were going to show you the top rated lodging and accommodation options in each, plus explain why its a good idea to stay there.
So, lets get right into finding you the best hotels near Mount Rushmore National Memorial!
*Please note this post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one of them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! We recommend only products we use and as always, all ideas or opinions expressed in this post are entirely ours. Thank you for the support and happy travels!*
Keystone Best Hotels Near Mount Rushmore
When you look at a map of the Black Hills and find Mt Rushmore, you immediately think Keystone must be the best place to stay.
We did too, but we were both right and wrong.
Keystone is the traditional place to stay for visiting Mt Rushmore, providing easy access to the memorial and a small selection of eateries.
But the season is surprisingly short, and once the tourism window closes, theres not much going on in town.
Pros:
- There are plenty of hotel options and prices are fair.
- It is certainly the most central location among the best things to do in the region and has excellent access to Mount Rushmore.
- If you plan to visit Badlands, Custer, Sylvan Lake etc, Keystone is perfectly located for day tripping out each day and back.
- Keystone is just 2.5 miles from Mount Rushmore. If you plan to visit the memorial for sunrise , it is just a 6 minute drive.
Cons:
- Amenities are surprisingly limited in Keystone.
- Dining options are sparse and very similar.
- Plan ahead if visiting outside of Summer when most of the small towns restaurants and stores shut up shop for the off-season. Check to see if things are open in Keystone before booking.
Top Rated Hotels and Lodging In Keystone:
Also Check: Places To Stay In Bordeaux Wine Region
Best Location For Black Hills
We are traveling to SD July-Aug 2007. We want to stay in one place the entire trip. Where would be the best place to stay that is central to all the attractions…Mt. Rushmore, Custer St Park, Needles Hwy, Gold Mining…etc…
We have 2 adults and 2 children.
We want lodging and not camping.
It has been years since we stayed in the Black Hills, but when we did stay, we chose Custer because of its central location. The motel we stayed at is probably long gone or changed hands, so can’t get more specific than that.
Most people pick Hill City, Keystone or Custer. Each town is a little different. Keystone is the most tourist trap-like but your children may like it best. You might also consider a lodge in Custer State Park.
As Accomodator said, Custer, Keystone, and Hill City are the most popular. Keystone is great for visiting Mt Rushmore and has the Big Thunder Gold Mine in town. It is touristy…lots of souvenir shops, but you will be so busy touring you probably won’t spend much time in town.
We stayed at the Roosevelt Inn in Keystone in a family suite. It was very nice, but the hotel only has 2 of these rooms, and I”m sure they book fast. It’s worth giving them a call. They will give you a discount on multiple nights of lodging, but make sure you mention this discount when you call. If you don’t, they wont’ volunteer it.
I posted a review of the Roosevelt on this website so you can see my opinion.
Have a great trip! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
Keystone Sd Hotels Closest To Mount Rushmore
As already mentioned, the closest town to stay near Mount Rushmore is Keystone, South Dakota. Its located just 3 miles and less than 10 minutes drive from Mt Rushmore. Therefore, it doesnt really matter that much where exactly you are staying in town.
Whether you are only visiting Mt Rushmore National Memorial, or are staying in the Black Hills for a few days, Keystone is a very good home-base, right in the center of the Black Hills region.
Its a small town but has a lot more to offer than youd think at first sight. With a big choice of restaurants, interesting shops, and a big variety of family-friendly activities, Keystone is one of those little American towns that make your vacation more memorable.
Below, you can find a selection of thebest-rated hotels in Keystone that customers rave about. Take a look!
If you are looking for hotels closest to Mount Rushmore, you dont have look any further. Keystone is the best place to stay!
TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Keystone, SD. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and youll see the best deals for your stay. Check it out!
You May Like: Nice Places To Stay In Pigeon Forge Tn