Lodge at Palmer Gulch

Maureen Flavion

2023-09

This was our first time at this KOA and at the lodge hotel. The resort has some nice amenities including two pools, restaurant, activities for kids, rentals and horseback riding. It's close to trails and other Black Hills attractions. The rooms in the lodge could use some updating but we enjoyed being close to the pool. They had a nice patio with bonfires. There is a continental breakfast too. If you want something else for breakfast there is a pancake option in the resort. The food and service at the restaurant was good. We would come back.Nearby activities: Lots to do nearby.

Jeremy Miller

2023-10

Price considered, this is a great stop! Prime location. Only about 15 minutes from Mt Rushmore, Lake Sylvan, Crazy Horse, etc. And plenty amenities - even though their hours are odd.Love the fact they have weights up to 50lbs on the gym. They also have a basketball and pickleball court. Bedrooms are real cute and cozy. They have a cabin vibe.Cons: The bed isn’t great. Continental breakfast is pretty weak. Also, the pools close at 8pm…wild.

Aubrey Muni

2023-08

Heaven for kids! We went at the end of July 2023.Good: Fun atmosphere. Plenty to do and pretty family-oriented. 2 playgrounds, 2 pools, 2 hot tubs (kinda wish there was an extra one!), an activities area and water slide free for the kids. (Rock wall wasn't up when we went.) Minutes away from Keystone & Mt. Rushmore. Location is very beautiful & scenic.Bad: We stayed at the Lodge and the room was could use some updating. We didn't do any paid activities or eat at the restaurants on site as it was pricey and Keystone is close by anyway. We did try the breakfast tent. The $3.50 for all-you-can eat pancakes might be fine, but I don't recommend anything else there. ($5 for 3 little sausage links or a small serving of egg product). Not a quiet place, if that's what you're looking for, but great for kids.Overall it met my expectations and our kid had a blast! The Black Hills are amazing. I would stay here again and maybe try a cabin.

M B

2023-08

We really loved staying here. My kids couldn’t wait to come back from sightseeing each day. The pool by the lodge is great and you’ll never be bored. Overall the hotel is kept up well, but you’ll see some signs of wear. Chipped paint on balconies, door handle on balcony loose, some furniture dinged. The employees are wonderful and all seemed happy to be there.My only gripes are: seems like they could have a shuttle from the Lodge to the fun zone. With small children, it’s a walk. And although I know that flies are a thing in SD, they could employ some low cost methods of better fly control in food areas. Fans, additional screen layers, etc. Overall we would definitely recommend it and would absolutely stay here again.

Amy W

2023-08

Family reunion reserved the grand executive lodge that sleeps 12 over 14 months ahead. Confirming many times in writing and on the phone that it slept 12. When we arrived, our lodge was rented out to another family. We were given a lodge that slept 8 and roller cots. With no other options avail. Camp was full. Very tight accommodations and only 2 bathrooms instead of 3. The manager Dillon was able to give us another small cabin the next two nights, thankfully when he had a no show, and he discounted us for the trouble. Housekeeping never showed up to pick up towels requested and had to go to the office to get more towels since they are short staffed, but yet teenagers working there are all standing around On their phones not working the area they are in charge of. , All in all. Great views and a hot tub. Was a great place to stay. Loved the chuck wagon ride, and dinner was excellent and cooked over open flame and in Dutch ovens with coals. Very fun entertainment as well on the outing. Would come here again.

Chrystal Read

2023-08

The cabins were so peaceful. And we kept ours warm with a little space heater. The activities that they provided were just as wonderful. The pancake feed is so worth getting durring your stay. The kids were kept occupied and us adults were left to peaceful relaxation around a warm firepit. No fireworks allowed was the best part. The kids were so busy they didn't even miss them at all. Best 4th of July ever!

Luke Jimerson

2023-05

We booked the lodge as we needed a place that allowed pets. We couldn't of been more happy that we did! Location was perfect when it came to traveling to Rushmore, Custer, Crazy Horse, etc. The room was alright, but very convenient for the fact of having our dog with us. We were ground level and could walk out the patio door to let him out. There was a very nice kid fun zone (playground) right there, which was great for our 2 little kids. The pool was just outside our room too, but I was told it was closed when I booked. Come to find out it wasn't...not a problem though as we weren't really planning to use it, but we could have if we had packed for it. Staff at front desk were very friendly and helpful. Overall we were seriously impressed and very happy we stayed here. Would definitely recommend giving this place a shot.Some notes: It is a huge campground/RV spot that has a lodge (where we stayed) and several other attractions on site. If you go during the summer months, probably expect it to be pretty busy or crowded. We went in September so missed all that, but missed the attractions that are offered on site. Continental breakfast at the lodge was poor and on a shortage some mornings. Rooms could use just a bit TLC and renovation.

Elizabeth St Clair

2023-05

I was so excited for our stay and was so disappointed. We stayed at the lodge and it was dirty. The continental breakfast was okay. One morning the coffee machine wasn't even working. We went to the the little coffee shop by the horse stables and it was terrible.Also, there was no housekeeping. Since we stayed for a whole week, it would've been nice to get fresh towels and maybe run a vacuum through. They said it was because of COVID.We didn't use most of the amenities because we were busy exploring the black hills. Unfortunately, we won't be coming back.

Valeriu Moscalu

2023-05

Was riding my motorcycle from Washington State and was on my way to Chicago, decided to visit mount Rushmore on the way but the rain started when I was close so I decided to stop at this Hotel! The woman at reception was very friendly and explained me everything I need to know and gave me advices about what places to visit around this mountain! The room was clean and very comfortable! Also they have a gym that you can use to pump the blood around!

Kristi Gibbs

2023-05

Stayed in a deluxe cabin for 3 nights. So dirty! Cobwebs on the walls and ceiling. Dust on all the window sills. Both box fans and ceiling fans were covered in grime. I don’t think the cabin had been properly cleaned in months. Mattresses are terribly old and uncomfortable. Do not stay in the cabins! For $430/night they don’t provide daily maid service since Covid which is ridiculous. It’s just an excuse to not clean the units which clearly need it. The only positives: The fun zone is great and the site is centrally located in the Black Hills.

Rebecca Van Den Eng

2023-05

Booked rooms a year in advance as we had 3 families traveling together. Was told by a worker Chris that we would be all together on ground level with a patio rooms by pool rooms 109,110, and 111 since 2 families are smokers. We got there for our 3 day 4 night stay and we were put on the 3rd level on opposite ends of the lodge with a very very very slow elevator. There was never anywhere to park due to koa trucks parked there and people would rent golf carts and take two stops. Talked to the manager and all we got was sorry nothing we can do we are booked up. I said yes but we booked a year ago. Still nothing. Also we were charged $12 per person per night for a resort fee for the amenities. We got to use the pool 1 night for about 3 hours. It was closed due to cleaning after it was closed the night before for lightning in the distance. EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED!! We have been camping there for over 20+ years and USE TO send everyone their way. NOT ANYMORE!!!! We don't ever want to go back there after this experience. Very sad it wrecked a lot of great memories we had and we hyped it up to our kids that got to go for the first time and they were very disappointed as well. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND anymore!!! My hot fudge ice cream sundae was chunky and again few English speaking workers. A lady asked for a turtle sundae which was written out in the menu what was in it and she was asked if she wanted carmel. It was spelt out in black and white on the board in very large writing what was in it. And they looked at her like she was stupid. Rooms were not great either for the price. No one knew how to operate the shower and there was no directions. Again just extremely disappointed that my kid and my nephews didn't get the experience we had as children. Wasn't worth a penny if it. And all the activities were booked solid also.

Dan Lang

2023-05

Ok so this place is honestly the best KOA I've ever stayed at. The views are amazing and it's close to pretty much anything you'll need in the area. However, it loses a point because the tent sites are in a weird place for the bathroom. Like you have to walk over to where the RV people are. It's not a far walk but seriously, those people already have a bathroom in their RV so put it closer to the tent sites! Also, there's a lot you have to pay extra for that shouldn't. Like the movie and popcorn, come on really? You don't need to charge for something like that. The pancake feed makes sense at least. There's some other stuff too which I think could be included. The wifi is great though!

Matthew

2022-05

They have every amenity you could want on site. Only two complaints; one was the design of the pull through site in the area I stayed #20 was way to small/sharp turn pulling out larger campers would have an issue. Second would be the lay out of paths. Using common courtesy not cutting through sites it was a LONG walk to the bathroom from our site. I feel a walkway or path could be put in making it a little more palatable.

Keely McGrew

2021-05

We loved camping here. So many activities for the kids. They had so much fun playing mini golf, lawn games, swimming, going down the water slide, renting bikes. We enjoyed a beautiful evening under the stars that I will never forget. My only complaint is that there was only one restroom for the whole camping loop and it was a long walk to get to it from the back of the loop, especially at night. Would be great if there was another bathroom back there.

L Mertens

2020-05

Stayed here the night before running the Crazy Horse Run. Very nice hotel tucked in the Black Hills. Friendly staff, 24 hour snack table, free continental breakfast, hot tub, sauna, and relaxing deck area. Enjoyed the rocking chair balcony. Only downfall was our bathroom was not clean. Toilet had definitely not been cleaned for a while.

ReNita Wilke

2021-05

Would have been great, but information online is misleading. There is only one pool that you have to stand in line to get tickets for so you can swim for 45 minutes and then get kicked out. This was not made apparent to me before booking. We have young children who love water, so the pool was the main attraction for us. The grounds are beautiful but very large. Had we known all golf carts and UTVs would be rented and unavailable we may have rethought our decision to come. We have to drive our vehicle everywhere which is very inconvenient. Also the lack of food options on the resort is disappointing. I knew the restaurant was closed but if you don’t have a campsite to grill things, as we didn’t because we were staying in the lodge, we had very limited options and had to go into to Hill City for our meals.Our room in the lodge was nice, however, our room was carpeted which was very inconvenient when having two young children who make messes.The mountains are beautiful and maybe without COVID it would have been a nicer stay. It was overall just stressful and disappointing.

Jami Hayes

2022-05

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King Smokey

2022-05

We stayed here in our camper for three nights with three kids. All of the staff were extremely nice and helpful. There is a main pool, a very small kids pool (think hot tub size), a splash area, a hot tub, a water slide. They claimed pool is heated but it is ice cold water. They are building a second pool behind the lodge. Reserve horseback riding when you book your stay because they had no openings the entire time we were there and our kids were disappointed in that. We took a six seat UTV out for 7 hours and the cost was $400. (Reserve at least a day in advance because even at that price they still book up fast). We took the bus to Mount Rushmore one night and it was definitely worth the $7 per person fee plus tip. We stayed for three hours which was plenty of time to see everything there. Reserve it early in the morning to get a seat. We had breakfast here under the tent one morning. It was good and they do accept debit cards. We didn't eat at their restaurant. We did get ice cream there. The kids tie dyed shirts that you pay for at the store next to the mini golf course. They also have a jump pillow, basketball hoops, they have plenty of balls to use, there horseshoes, along with hoosier golf, and corn hole. Next time I go I will stay in a cabin. If I ever go back to the area again, we will definitely stay here.

Kate Boarder

2018-05

We stayed in a tent site this weekend and it was terrible. The site was way too small, and this property is not well kept. The bathrooms all looked like this or worse the whole time we were there. I went to the showers at 9am and they were closed for cleaning. Half of the laundry machines were out of order and the pool needed to be cleaned. With all the staff I saw around, it seems like they could do a better job. Super long line for the pancake breakfast too. We left early.

Kassandra M

2021-05

I booked a standard room with balcony a month in advance. Attempted to confirm by calling property for two days before arrival but nobody ever answered the phone. Arrived and was told my room did have balcony. Went to room and it did not have a balcony. Went back to front desk and was told that they didn’t have a double room with balcony. Only option is to upgrade to a suite that is $100 more per night. I asked for discount they said 10% is best they could do. The fireplace in room would not shut off all the way so it was warm in their (stayed in July). Continental Breakfast was an apple, granola bar and water in a bag. Would not stay again. Impossible to reach to confirm booking details to avoid getting the wrong room. They told me they had no idea why I couldn’t reach by phone. I saw their phone flashing but no noise coming out (as if they had it on silent) they were unapologetic for room mix up (I reserved here only because of balcony availability and drove 14 hours to get there) They begrudgingly gave me 10% off after I had to request it. They were super busy there. Had to wake up at 8 am to drive over to outpost store to get pool tickets in order to use the pool for one hour. Then after an hour you get booted out. Tickets were sold out for pool by the time we went for our time at 2pm. Pool, jump pillow, splash pad end at 8pm. If you like mediocre customer service, mediocre rooms, limited access to pool, overpriced food and extremely crowded everything- then this is the place for you.

pisica vesela

2022-05

We enjoyed our stay there. I think they were severely under staffed due to the present situation, but did a great job of taking care of things. Room was clean, great view. They are adding a pool and other things. Plenty of things to do on premises, horseback riding, camp fire with s'mores, entertainment and activities for kids. Great location, too.

Kavitha Makayee

2022-05

Staff was great but they had very poor wifi due to a line being cut while building the new pool. None of the staff mentioned it upon check in but we were told after we had connectivity issues. This is a huge campground so it would have been nice to have staff take us to our spot as we had in the Mitchell KOA. Lots of activities for kids. Didn't like the short hours for the tap room..they were closed by 8pm! We rented a car which was pretty easy. The kids loved the tye dye, bracelet making and mini golf. The chuckwagon dinner and horseback riding were great! Make sure you book ahead for both.

Aaron Altman

2019-05

All around very good establishment. Where we were at could of used a few more shade trees. The vents in the bathroom were really dusty looking. But great staff kept things clean and had multiple things going on throughout the day the the campers could participate in. Awesome for kids!

Michael Ellis

2023-05

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Henry Cohen

2022-05

Not your typical KOA. Packed in like sardines. Site was almost too small for our 27 ft Class C. Picnic table had rotted wood. Exhaust fans in bath house not working. No hot water. WiFi system was overloaded therefore no connections were available. Management did not care. On the plus side, the pancake breakfast was good. Would not stay here ever again.

Richard Zingraf

2019-05

Great place to stay. Close proximity to Mt. Rushmore, Thunder Mountain, and other activities. Not that you need it there is all kinds of stuff to do there. Staff was great and very accommodating. Parking was easy, the wifi didn't work until the last day due to a storm, other than that it was a great stay.

Tabitha Fitch

2019-05

Cell phone service is spotty. The grounds were clean and the staff was kind. The location is easy to find and they provide golf carts to get around the grounds. The executive cabins were well decorated and clean; the bedrooms could use a bit more lighting.

Chrissy Ristow

2019-05

Stayed in a cabin here, it was fine. Bathrooms and showers were pretty gross. The guy who checked us in was somewhat rude, kind of on auto pilot. The resort fee is kind of a joke, considering what you get. Other KOA sites are cheaper, smaller, cleaner and much more welcoming. Probably wouldn't stay here again.

Delisha Robinson

2018-05

We stayed at a cabin. Very clean bedrooms and quiet. Fully stocked kitchen with the exception of a large pot(used two smaller pots; not the end of the world) and broom(purchased our own). Do not expect wifi. We just downloaded movies and games to our devices prior to leaving for our trip, so it wasn't a big deal. It's about a 30 minute drive to Rapid City, where you can get some shopping done, visit the Reptile Garden, Dinosaur Museum, etc. Only a 10 minute drive to Mount Rushmore. Overall, it was a lovely experience that we will treasure for a long time to come.

Corky Cobon

2022-05

Absolutely gorgeous place. Very quiet, awesome sunrises and sunsets. Great location and easy access to Hill City, Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Needles Highway. Can not recommend this place enough. Very pet friendly.