Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch

We stayed here twice on our trip out west during August 2023. The first time we ate at their restaurant sitting on a hill. The staff was more concerned with talking to our friends while we waited to see our waitress. It got to the point where I had to go over and ask how to place and order and she totally forgot about us (although we were like 10 feet away). We did the chuck wagon. I took the wagon and the rest of my family rode the horses. It was a good experience. The food was excellent but the entertainment was eh . It really wasn’t long or anything special. But I would say it was worth it for the food and the ride. I got no cell reception here between Xfinity, Verizon, and t mobile. The first time we came we got a pull through and it was really tight for our 42 footer. The second time we got the patio pull through and it is a little better. We were nervous the first time about the space to pull out but we were ok. The second visit we rented the side by side. We did the 3 hour rental. Because everything is so far apart here we could have easily had it for the whole day. The location is about 1/2 hour from 90 but close to Mount Rushmore.

More expensive than we usually pay per night but a TON of amenities. Two pools and live entertainment. Restaurants/bars/coffee/ice cream shops. Downside is it’s a crowded and our site had the dog park behind it.

Arrived on 9/4 (labor day 9/5).  Was packed day we arrived, but most left the next day.  When the crowds left, most of the extras shut down for the season.

Staff was friendly and property was mostly clean.  First night felt a bit overcrowded.  They rent golf carts / gators, and there was alot of people noise the first night.

Second night was better.  Most of the crowd had left and we got to enjoy a quiter night that felt more like camping.  The pools all closed, and most of the on property food options closed for the season on labor day.

Being a KOA Resort, this place felt like it would be a great place to stay if you have kids, and/or a large rv.  There are many ammenities on property (before they close for season).  It is very close to Mount Rushmore (we drove right by it to get here), and a pretty location (especially when the crowds left)