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Lodge at Palmer Gulch

2.0 star property
Family-friendly stay with 2 outdoor pools in Hill City

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Lodge at Palmer Gulch

Surrounded by dense forest, this campground offers a secluded retreat with RV and tent sites, a central hub, and paved roads.
Enjoy a warm atmosphere in our restaurant with high ceilings, wooden tables, and large windows offering views of the surrounding area.
Relax by the pool or play in the adjacent playground with a slide and swings.
Experience the perfect blend of rustic and modern charm at this lodge, featuring a stone chimney and a green roof.
Relax on the spacious deck amidst a serene natural setting surrounded by trees.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Gym
  • Breakfast included

Explore the area

Map
12620 HWY 244, Hill City, SD, 57745
  • Needles Highway
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Mount Rushmore
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)
    ‪54 min drive‬

Room options

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)
  • 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

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
(19 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)
  • 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

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

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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Hill City

In Hill City .Within 6 miles (10 km) of this hotel, you'll find Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Mount Rushmore. Black Elk Peak and Needles Highway are also within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • Needles Highway - 5 min drive - 3.8 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
  • Sylvan Lake - 16 min drive - 10.3 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 stay with 2 outdoor pools in Hill City
Lodge at Palmer Gulch offers its guests a complimentary water park, 2 outdoor swimming pools, a waterslide, and a hot tub. There are 2 restaurants on site, as well as a coffee shop/café and a grocery/convenience store. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. Public spaces have free WiFi.

Business amenities include a business center and 4 meeting rooms. Event space at this hotel measures 500 square feet (46 square meters) and includes conference space. A children's pool, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a fitness center are also featured at the family-friendly Lodge at Palmer Gulch. Free self parking is available.

  • 1 building
  • 61 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • 2 dining venues
  • 500 sq ft of conference space
  • 46 sq m of conference space
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Business facilities
  • Conference space
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Convenience store
  • Terrace
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • ATM
  • Onsite shopping
  • Elevator
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
Lodge at Palmer Gulch offers 61 accommodations with hair dryers and irons/ironing boards. Flat-screen televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include phones along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is provided daily.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Relax in the serene outdoor space with a seating area, fire pit, and pergola.

EverSpring Inn & Suites

  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,017 reviews
$142 nightly
The price is $157
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Total includes taxes and fees
EverSpring Inn & Suites

Property amenities

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

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

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Free crib

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

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

  • Pets: USD 25.00 per pet, per day
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • An off-leash area is available
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 3 children 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)!

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

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

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted. 

We should mention

  • The seasonal pool will open in May and close in September.
  • Up to 3 children 1 year old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Pets are welcome in certain rooms only; other restrictions apply (please see the Fees section for related charges). To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation.

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

How close is Lodge at Palmer Gulch to the airport?

Lodge at Palmer Gulch is 33.5 mi (45-min drive) away from the Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Jul 12, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lodge at Palmer Gulch on Jul 21, 2025 start from $223.0, 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.

Does Lodge at Palmer Gulch have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Lodge at Palmer Gulch.

How close is Lodge at Palmer Gulch to the beach?

This hotel is 6.7 mi (14-min drive) from Sheridan Lake South and 8.4 mi (17-min drive) from Sheridan Lake North. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Lodge at Palmer Gulch offer free breakfast?

Lodge at Palmer Gulch offers free continental breakfast every day from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

Is there free parking at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Lodge at Palmer Gulch have a pool?

Lodge at Palmer Gulch features 2 outdoor pools and a children's pool.

Does Lodge at Palmer Gulch have a restaurant?

Yes, there are 2 restaurants on site.

Does Lodge at Palmer Gulch have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Lodge at Palmer Gulch to downtown Hill City?

Lodge at Palmer Gulch is 2.9 mi away from Hill City.

Lodge at Palmer Gulch Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 487 out of 865 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 239 out of 865 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 91 out of 865 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 29 out of 865 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 19 out of 865 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