Lodge at Palmer Gulch

2.0 star property
Family-friendly hotel with 2 restaurants and 2 outdoor pools

Photo gallery for Lodge at Palmer Gulch

Aerial view
Free daily continental breakfast
2 outdoor pools
Exterior detail
Terrace/patio

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
The current price is AU$628
includes taxes & fees
25 Dec - 26 Dec

Explore the area

View map
12620 HWY 244, Hill City, SD, 57745
  • Place, Needles Highway
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Horse Thief Lake
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Mount Rushmore National Memorial
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Hairdryer
Microwave
Cable channels
Pet friendly
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Double Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(22 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Microwave
Cable channels
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Executive Cabin, 3 Bedrooms, Mountain View

7.2 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Deck/patio
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Dishwasher
Flat-screen TV
  • 3 bedrooms
  • 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

Highlights

Deck/patio
Fireplace
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Dishwasher
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 8
  • 1 Queen Bed, 1 King Bed, 2 Twin Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Executive Cabin, 4 Bedrooms, Hot Tub, Mountain View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Deck/patio
Fireplace
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Dishwasher
  • 4 bedrooms
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 12
  • 2 King Beds, 4 Twin Beds and 2 Twin Bunk Beds

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

Highlights

Deck/patio
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the area

Hill City

A family-friendly stay in Hill City awaits you at Lodge at Palmer Gulch. You'll be 8.2 km (5.1 mi) from Mount Rushmore and 7 km (4.4 mi) from Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Highlights at this hotel include 2 restaurants, 2 outdoor swimming pools and a free water park. .The restaurant, The Peak Grill & Tap Room, is open for lunch and dinner. For a drink, you can stop by the hotel's own lounge bar. Enjoy the gym, Hot tub, sauna and seasonal outdoor swimming pool. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a children's swimming pool and a coffee shop/cafe. Free continental breakfast is available daily between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM. Bring your pet along and take advantage of this property's pet-friendly amenities, such as an off-lead area. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .With a stay at this Hill City hotel, you'll be 16.7 km (10.4 mi) from Custer State Park.

What's nearby

  • Needles Highway - 4 min drive - 6.0 km
  • Horse Thief Lake - 4 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial - 6 min drive - 8.5 km
  • Mount Rushmore - 8 min drive - 9.9 km
  • 1880 Train - 8 min drive - 11.6 km

Getting around

  • Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Alpine Inn - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Bumpin Buffalo Bar and Grill - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Carver's Café - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪1885 Steakhouse and saloon - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Grapes and Grinds - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Lodge at Palmer Gulch

Family-friendly hotel with 2 restaurants and 2 outdoor pools
Lodge at Palmer Gulch offers its guests a complimentary water park, 2 outdoor swimming pools, a waterslide, and Access to hot tub. There are 2 restaurants on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafΘ and a nearby corner/local shop. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. Public spaces have free WiFi.

Business amenities include a business centre and 4 meeting rooms. Event space at this hotel measures 500 square feet (46 square metres) and includes conference space. A children's pool, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a fitness centre 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
  • Corner/local shop
  • Terrace
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • ATM
  • On-site shopping
  • Lift
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
Lodge at Palmer Gulch offers 61 accommodations with a hairdryer and an iron/ironing board. Flat-screen televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include baths or showers.

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

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • 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 cot
  • 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 centre

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.
  • Lift
  • 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 lift
  • 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 cot

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

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), key retrieval

Pets

  • Pets: USD 25.00 per pet, per day
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • An off-lead 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 cots (infant beds)!

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 aged 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

Is parking available at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

Yep, Lodge at Palmer Gulch has a free self car park.

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

As of 19 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lodge at Palmer Gulch on 25 Dec 2025 start from AU$628.44, including 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.

Are there any beaches close to Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

The closest beach to Lodge at Palmer Gulch is Sheridan Lake South (8.7 km).

Does Lodge at Palmer Gulch have a pool?

Yep, and guests recommend it! Lodge at Palmer Gulch has 2 outdoor swimming pools and a kids' pool. The pool is open from May to September.

Does Lodge at Palmer Gulch have a waterslide?

Yep, this property has a waterslide!

What luxury perks are available at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

Lodge at Palmer Gulch features 2 outdoor pools, 1 hot tub and 2 restaurants.

Is Lodge at Palmer Gulch family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a children's pool and children's meals, as well as free infant beds in the guestrooms, it's no surprise that Lodge at Palmer Gulch is a hit with families.

Does Lodge at Palmer Gulch serve breakfast?

Yep, complimentary continental brekkie is on offer daily from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

No, Lodge at Palmer Gulch does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and 2 restaurants. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

Check-in begins at 3 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Lodge at Palmer Gulch?

Dogs are welcome at Lodge at Palmer Gulch, with dog exercise areas on offer.

Lodge at Palmer Gulch Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

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

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

8/10 Good

Liza Marie, Lakemoor

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
some services like the outdoor pool,shops and activities outside is close coming the winter season
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Rand

Liked: Staff & service
They don’t make up the rooms
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Denise

Travelled with family
We could not get wifi at all. The guest site would not work. The tv would not work. It would let you watch about 5 minutes then give you three dots and you would have to wait and then you missed part of the show. It improved the last day. Drive way retained rain water for 3 days making it difficult to park. Wished we had known everything was closed down the second week in September. Cabin rooms were never cleaned and when i called you were supposed to put trash out after 9am. Our excursions were earlier.Wanted a receipt they said they would email and i never got it. Loved the peace and quiet. Nothing was a huge deal just wish we had known up front.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Randall

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
layed back in the hill quiet and clean
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a beautiful place and the location was great. We enjoyed our stay very much and would highly recommend to others.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Allen

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alice

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a relaxing stay!! Close to everything! Hated to leave
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect place for a much-needed night away from home. It was peacefully quiet at our cabin, our kids loved the pool and mini golf, and the parents enjoyed a little downtime.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Russell

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

Nice place

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ron

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing property. Loved it.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristina

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tera

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

timothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Steve

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The staff was very friendly and the room was clean, but had brown water come out of the shower.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Craig, Wausau

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colin

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Autumn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great amenities for kids and family.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was under the impression that I was booking a room in the lodge. Actually it was a separate multi-cabin. (One long cabin with 4 separate rooms) We were quite a ways from the pools and were no longer part of the free breakfast. Overall, the room/cabin was good, just not what I was expecting.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine

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

August at Palmer Gulch

Check-in could have been smoother but overall the stay was great. There is so much to do at this campground that there is really no need to leave. It is kept very clean and other campers were very respectful overall. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Tap water was brown. Other than that we enjoyed it!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place. It’s got something for everyone. Only suggestion I would make is for better options for breakfast. Only had the bare minimum.. no hot options
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michele

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Bed and pillows very comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025