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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

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

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, Mount Rushmore National Memorial
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Mount Rushmore
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Airport, Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)
    ‪54 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

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
  • Prairie Berry Winery - 12 min drive - 6.1 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

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

Similar properties

Terrace/patio
EverSpring Inn & Suites
  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,000 reviews
$96 nightly
The price is $107
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Total with 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 Oct 23, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lodge at Palmer Gulch on Oct 24, 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.

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.

Reviews

Lodge at Palmer Gulch Reviews

8.8

Excellent

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness
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

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Shonna

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

Perfect family spot for Mt. Rushmore visit!

The rooms in the lodge are really nice! Was expecting something more worn/rustic and was pleasantly surprised. Continental breakfast was really pared down... we chose to pay for the pancake breakfast in the tent. Pool near the lodge and hot tub are heated, great on cold nights. Only a 10 minute drive to the Mount Rushmore entrance and Keystone came in handy b/c the weather wasn't great during our stay and we had to stop multiple times at Mount Rushmore before the fog/mist cleared.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marcia

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property was very nice and inviting. Staff was excellent and made great dinner spot in Hill City. Enjoyed the quiet cabin and fireplace. Recommend highly
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

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