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
Lobby
Executive Cabin, 4 Bedrooms, Hot Tub, Mountain View | Terrace/patio
Terrace/patio
2 outdoor pools

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Gym
  • Breakfast included

Explore the area

Map
12620 HWY 244, Hill City, SD, 57745
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Mount Rushmore
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • 1880 Train
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)
    ‪45 min drive‬

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Room options

Executive Cabin, 4 Bedrooms, Hot Tub, Mountain View

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 12
  • 2 King Beds, 4 Twin Beds and 2 Twin Bunk Beds

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Double Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Executive Cabin, 3 Bedrooms, Mountain View

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

Executive Cabin, 3 Bedrooms, Hot Tub, Mountain View

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Hill City

Lodge at Palmer Gulch places you within a 10-minute drive of popular sights such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Mount Rushmore. 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 - 3.4 miles
  • Horse Thief Lake - 5 min drive - 3.5 miles
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial - 7 min drive - 4.4 miles
  • Mount Rushmore - 8 min drive - 5.1 miles
  • 1880 Train - 9 min drive - 6.4 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Cruizzers - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Pizzeria Mangiamo - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Alpine Inn - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Boss' Pizza & Chicken - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Big Thunder Bar and Grill - ‬18 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 tours or tickets, and provide local restaurant recommendations. 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.

Languages

English

Similar properties

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 10.00 per pet, per day
  • Dogs only
  • 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 10.0 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 10.00 per pet, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 10.0 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

Are free cancellation options available at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

Lodge at Palmer Gulch provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For more details, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

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

As of Apr 26, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lodge at Palmer Gulch on May 1, 2025 start from $102.35, 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.

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.

Will I be able to park 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 do couples enjoy most about 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 10.00 per pet, per day.

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. 472 out of 848 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 238 out of 848 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 91 out of 848 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 28 out of 848 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 19 out of 848 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

10/10 Excellent

Cristian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dustin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything was absolutely great, i didnt realize the resort was seasonal so that was a lil bit of a bummer but will absolutely go back.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

H

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We stay right after the primary season closes. It is very quiet and pleasant. But even in the Executive Cabins, some items work fine, and others do not. For example, the gas fireplace did not work properly. I asked maintenance to check on it and they did so promptly. But the next day it failed to light again. I said the heck with it. There is not much hot water for showers or baths. The water heater could not accommodate more than two short showers. You needed to wait another 30 minutes for the water to heat up. Every TV remote had "worn-out" batteries. I bought replacement batteries. The TV's have two remote controls but our grandkids weren't there to show us how to operate the darn TVs. That was our problem. Nevertheless, we continue to return each after September. We enjoy the surroundings and the quiet. Finally, I believe that the off season should have a lower price point. The cost is high. Given the number of VRBOs in the area, we may consider one of those next year. Or maybe not.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Merle

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place will come here again and recommend it to all others that are going to the area.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Robert

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
The place is decent, but they did not make it obvious that all the amenities are seasonal. Definitely not worth the price in the off season, its a mediocre hotel that is miles to the nearest anything. I would have thought at least the bar/restaurant would be open but no.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lacey

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marcia

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The setting was beautiful. It 7was lovely having a deck to sit on to enjoy the view
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Lisa

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service

Could have been better

Stayed for three nights and no one ever came to restock or clean our room. Breakfast that was included was really only bagels and cereal and very limited for someone with food allergies or diet limitations. I expected more for the price as it was expensive to stay at the lodge.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pureza

Traveled with family
Great place for vacation
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pat

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

JENNIFER B.

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
I loved the location of the Palmer Gulch Lodge. Closed to all the sights we came to see. Beautiful location and the property offered everything we needed - plus! Outdoor pool, pickleball court, dining, specialty stores- ice cream, pizza, fudge, wine/ coffee shop and a singer in the evenings. Plus horseback riding and lessons for the kids. We brought our 14 year old grand nephew and he had so much fun. The staff at the from desk was extremely helpful in reference to what up see and do. Thank you! Plus there was a free continental breakfast every morning. The property is pet friendly and did not charge extra for a pet. We had our cat with us and the staff was very nice to greet her. The lodge is showing its age in reference to our room. The room temperature was difficult to control and the heating /air unit was very loud. The bathroom light was connected to a very loud fan- not a separate switch so it woke everyone up if you need to use the bathroom - or makes it difficult to hear the TV if someone is in the bathroom. The sink is outside of the bathroom - so not privacy getting ready in the morning or night. The shower head was a misty spray and went everywhere and the bathroom sink was clogged. The rooms are old as well as the linens , blankets and bedspreads. The mattresses were okay but the pillows were very lumpy. Would I stay again? Yes- because of the location, staff, and amenities. We used the pool everyday and if was well kept and there were plenty of chairs.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The food was limited and restaurant on property wasn’t the best . The ice cream shop was good
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Tara, Brandon

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The beds and the pillows were hard as rocks. The best bed we had in the room was our cot. Our toilet ran and barely flushed. Not worth the price of the rooms here
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
So much to do to keep kids busy. Rodeo was fun. Only 1 bad experience. Pancake breakfast for $ 3.50 ( don't waste your money) pancakes are terrible.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonderful stay. Enjoyed the patio in the evenings and the wooded quiet location. Great location to use as a base to visit all nearby parks and monuments. Lodge is away from campground and very quiet. Excellent pool. Staff was friendly and helpful with information
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

jake

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was an amazing stay! Would highly recommend and plan on going again
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Bill

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Very comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rita

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Its a great place for a family reunion.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

JOANN

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place, but difficult to find as it has poor signage. It is actually a KOA.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Martin

Traveled with family
Location was central to what we wanted to see. Info for booking didn't match. Black mold on ceiling in bathroom needs an updated. Service people were very helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
More dinner spot
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Donald

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024