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Lodge at Palmer Gulch

2.0 star property
Family-friendly hotel with 2 restaurants and 2 outdoor pools

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Lodge at Palmer Gulch

Aerial view
Terrace/patio
2 outdoor pools
Front of property
2 restaurants, lunch served

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Gym
  • Breakfast included

Explore the area

View in a map
12620 HWY 244, Hill City, SD, 57745
  • Place, Needles Highway
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Horse Thief Lake
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Mount Rushmore National Memorial
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Airport, Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)
    ‪53 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed | 3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free cribs/infant beds, free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room | 3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free cribs/infant beds, free WiFi

Standard Double Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(22 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Executive Cabin, 3 Bedrooms, Mountain View

Terrace/patio

Executive Cabin, 3 Bedrooms, Mountain View

7.2 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 8
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed, 2 Twin Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Executive Cabin, 3 Bedrooms, Hot Tub, Mountain View

Terrace/patio

Executive Cabin, 3 Bedrooms, Hot Tub, Mountain View

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 8
  • 1 Queen Bed, 1 King Bed, 2 Twin Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Executive Cabin, 4 Bedrooms, Hot Tub, Mountain View

Executive Cabin, 4 Bedrooms, Hot Tub, Mountain View | Terrace/patio

Executive Cabin, 4 Bedrooms, Hot Tub, Mountain View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 4 bedrooms
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 12
  • 2 King Beds, 4 Twin Beds and 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Comfort Double Room, 2 Queen Beds, Fireplace, Annex Building

Comfort Double Room, 2 Queen Beds, Fireplace, Annex Building | Terrace/patio

Comfort Double Room, 2 Queen Beds, Fireplace, Annex Building

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Hill City

Lodge at Palmer Gulch places you within a 10-minute drive of popular sights such as Mount Rushmore and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. This 61-room hotel has 2 outdoor pools along with a free water park and 2 restaurants.

What's nearby

  • Needles Highway - 5 min drive - 3.8 miles
  • Horse Thief Lake - 6 min drive - 4.0 miles
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial - 8 min drive - 5.3 miles
  • Mount Rushmore - 10 min drive - 6.2 miles
  • 1880 Train - 10 min drive - 7.2 miles

Getting around

  • Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Alpine Inn - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Bumpin Buffalo Bar and Grill - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Carver's Café - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Lost Cabin Brewery and Beer Garden - ‬9 min drive

About this property

Lodge at Palmer Gulch

Family-friendly hotel with 2 restaurants and 2 outdoor pools
Guests of Lodge at Palmer Gulch have access to 2 outdoor pools, a free water park, and a children's pool. You can put free parking to good use if you drive. Front-desk staff can help with concierge services, and provide local restaurant recommendations. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers an off-leash area. Other amenities at this family-friendly hotel include a gym, a sauna, and free WiFi in public areas.
Flat-screen TVs come with cable channels, and free WiFi keeps guests connected. Other amenities include free local calls, hair dryers, and ironing boards.
2 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a children's pool. In addition to a seasonal outdoor pool, other recreational amenities include a complimentary water park, a hot tub, a sauna, and a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM
  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe

Restaurants on site

  • The Peak Grill & Tap Room
  • Turtle Town

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Basketball
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Children's pool
  • Fishing
  • Free water park
  • Gym
  • Horseback riding/rentals
  • Hot tub
  • Mini golf
  • Playground
  • Sauna
  • Shopping
  • Volleyball
  • Waterslide

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Children's pool
  • Free water park access
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • In-room crib
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini golf
  • Playground
  • Pool gate
  • Waterslide

Conveniences

  • ATM
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • 4 meeting rooms
  • 500 square feet of conference space
  • Business center

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • In a national park
  • In the mountains
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Pool hoist on site
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • 1 building
  • 3 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Fireplace in lobby

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Free crib

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), key retrieval

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 25.00 per pet, per day
  • Dogs only
  • An off-leash area is available
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 3 kids 1 year old and younger stay free when using existing bedding
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10.00 per day
  • Free cribs/infant beds are available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Pet fee: USD 25.00 per pet, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 10.00 per day

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
  • Check-in: 3 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The seasonal pool is open from May to September.

Property is also known as

Lodge Palmer Gulch Hill City
Lodge Palmer Gulch
Palmer Gulch Hill City
Palmer Gulch
The Lodge At Palmer Gulch Hotel Hill City
Hotel At Palmer Gulch
At Palmer Gulch Hotel
Lodge at Palmer Gulch Hotel
Lodge at Palmer Gulch Hill City
Lodge at Palmer Gulch Hotel Hill City

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do within easy reach of Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

This hotel is located in Hill City, close to Mount Rushmore and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. You'll also find Black Hills National Forest and Needles Highway within a short drive.

How much does it cost to stay at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

As of Nov 18, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lodge at Palmer Gulch on Dec 18, 2025 start from $393.3, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available on site at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Does Lodge at Palmer Gulch feature a casino at the property?

No, Lodge at Palmer Gulch doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are 2 outdoor pools and a hot tub. The seasonal pool is normally open from May until September.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

There are many amenities for couples at this hotel, including 2 outdoor pools and a bar plus some guestrooms feature fireplaces.

Does Lodge at Palmer Gulch have a hot tub?

Yes, guests can enjoy a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Lodge at Palmer Gulch feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Lodge at Palmer Gulch has 2 restaurants, and serves free continental breakfast each morning.

Does Lodge at Palmer Gulch allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at Lodge at Palmer Gulch for a fee of USD 25.00 per pet, per day. The property also provides an off-leash area.

Are there connecting rooms at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

How close is the airport from Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

The closest major airport to Lodge at Palmer Gulch is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), which is about 25.7 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

Yes, some guestrooms at Lodge at Palmer Gulch offer a deck and may feature mountain views.

Lodge at Palmer Gulch Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 519 out of 910 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 247 out of 910 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 96 out of 910 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 29 out of 910 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 19 out of 910 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Autumn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great amenities for kids and family.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was under the impression that I was booking a room in the lodge. Actually it was a separate multi-cabin. (One long cabin with 4 separate rooms) We were quite a ways from the pools and were no longer part of the free breakfast. Overall, the room/cabin was good, just not what I was expecting.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

August at Palmer Gulch

Check-in could have been smoother but overall the stay was great. There is so much to do at this campground that there is really no need to leave. It is kept very clean and other campers were very respectful overall. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Tap water was brown. Other than that we enjoyed it!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place. It’s got something for everyone. Only suggestion I would make is for better options for breakfast. Only had the bare minimum.. no hot options
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michele

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Bed and pillows very comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

JOY, MARKLE

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Kristen

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Went on a cross country road trip and stayed in many hotels. This one had amazing things for our kids to do, but the hotel is lacking in a few areas. We were originally put into a cabin that looked like it was falling apart and stank horribly, bath tub had holes all over the bottom, window screen was broken, it was just gross. We got moved to the hotel and that was much nicer. The amenities were great! Kids fell in love with the play areas, pool, etc. Lots to do! Breakfast is average continental. All in all it was a good trip
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jamie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect for traveling with kids!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great for kids
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Billi

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved this place. The area is pretty and the kids could have been entertained for days without leaving. I would love to go back. We ended up being in the very far corner so bikes would have been handy. I didn’t look into renting anything there, this was a short stay for us. Next time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tyrone

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Louise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very helpful and pleasant. The room was nice sized even with rollaway cot. Lots of activities for kids, teens, adults, and groups to enjoy with daily activity sheet available to help plan the stay. Camped here in one of the little cabins 30+ years ago and had so much fun with my kids. This year in Lodge with grandchild was even better.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christina, West Point

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and has everything you need to keep the family fed and busy.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Barbara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Lovely location. Staff were wonderful, excellent customer service! Lodge is older but clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Waylon

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and kids activates
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Candace

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
What I didn’t like about the property is our hot tub did not work the first night and that’s why I got a cabin with the hot tub so we can sit in it for the full two nights. I rented it and they didn’t refund anything second thing that I didn’t like is you can’t even Get in 10 minutes early. You have to be right on the dot with these people.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to vacation
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shonna

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great for family visit to Mt. Rushmore!

Stay in the Executive Lodge was nice. We had 5 people and needed 3 bedrooms. There aren't many options like this in the Keystone area... most accommodations suiting that many have a pull-out couch for 2 people. Executive lodges are nice and warm/heated. Living area is roomy with a dining table, fireplace, and sitting area. Master bedroom is nice & big. Other 2 bedrooms are smaller. Worked great for us BUT, for the price, I might have opted to stay another night in the Lodge which, also had really nice rooms.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

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