Hotels & Motels

The South Dakota towns of Wall and Interior offer the most convenient hotels, inns and motels near the Badlands. Luckily for guests, offerings include affordable name-brand chains. New local owners of Hansen Inn & Cabins in Wall have remodeled the hotel with modern furnishings and trendy decor. If you prefer city amenities such as local brews and upscale eats, Rapid City is only 60 miles away.

Cabins & Campgrounds

Cattle farms, ranch houses, tipis, cabins, RV parks and campgrounds amp up an Old West wilderness experience. Book one of 33 authentic, custom-built log cabins at Badlands Frontier Cabins, or find a cabin, tent or RV site, or group campsite at Cedar Pass Lodge. The Circle View Guest Ranch and Badlands Heritage Guest Ranch are both Old West bed-and-breakfast/working cattle ranches on the Badlands prairies.

In addition to Badlands exploration, some of these options include fishing, boating and horseback riding. Discover more about the Badlands' official campgrounds, Cedar Pass and Sage Creek Campground.

Stop by Crazy Horse Memorial®

Like coffee pairs with cream, Crazy Horse Memorial® complements Mount Rushmore National Memorial. While Mount Rushmore may be one of the most famous sculptures in the world, Crazy Horse Memorial® holds the title for largest — and is only 13 miles away. The massive project began in 1948 and will be the largest mountain carving in the world when completed. The surrounding campus is a treasure trove of Native culture. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Native tribes at the Indian Museum of North America or The Native American Educational and Cultural Center to learn about the traditions and culture of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota tribes. Check their calendar of events for unique programming that happens on-site.

Visit Custer State Park 

How do 71,000 acres of granite towers, sprawling meadows and clear mountain lakes populated by vibrant wildlife sound to you? If the answer is “incredible,” don’t skip Custer State Park while visiting Mount Rushmore. Custer State Park is one of the last remaining wild places in the country. Discover trail rides, scenic drives, bike rides and mountain lakes just waiting to be explored. Drive through the heart of the park and watch for some of the 1,300-plus bison that wander the park on the Wildlife Loop Scenic Byway. Spend a day sprawled out by the water at Sylvan Lake — one of the many picturesque mountain lakes in the park where visitors swim, kayak, paddleboard and fly-fish. Hike through (or rock-climb on) the Needles, one of the park’s most marvelous rock formations that stuns millions yearly. If you enjoy an outdoor activity, it will be even better at Custer State Park.

Drive the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway

Consider driving the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway if you want to upgrade your Mount Rushmore visit into a stunning, all-day road trip. The byway takes you through some of South Dakota's most breathtaking landscapes, including Custer State Park, the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, the Black Elk National Wilderness Area, and past the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. As you wind your way through the scenic byway, you and your fellow travelers will be treated to stunning views. Keep your eyes peeled for shaggy white mountain goats, grazing deer and playful chipmunks. Don’t miss the view of Mount Rushmore framed through the tunnels along Iron Mountain Road. With so much natural beauty to take in, you'll be glad you chose to experience it all from the comfort of your car.

Spelunk Through Jewel Cave & Wind Cave

About an hour’s drive from Mount Rushmore National Memorial lies Wind Cave National Park, a must-visit destination in South Dakota's western region. Wind Cave offers an enchanting journey through its intricate network of caverns decorated with boxwork formations and shimmering crystals. Above ground, the park sprawls with undulating hills carpeted in lush, wild grass, providing a home for abundant wildlife, such as bison, elk and prairie dogs. Visitors can embark on guided cave tours to uncover the hidden treasures below or explore the park's diverse landscapes through its network of hiking trails. PLEASE NOTE that cave tours are suspended to late fall/early winter for elevator replacement.

For another unforgettable caving experience, Jewel Cave National Monument awaits. Renowned for its jewel formations and being the third-longest cave in the world, Jewel Cave offers a unique adventure. Both Wind Cave and Jewel Cave offer various guided tour options, from accessible explorations of the main caverns to more challenging excursions delving into narrow passages illuminated only by the soft glow of headlamps.

More Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore National Memorial

The rolling forests and towering granite formations of the Black Hills make an incredible playground for unexpected outdoor recreation. Rent an all-terrain vehicle, hike in the Black Hills National Forest or chase waterfalls along the Spearfish Canyon State & National Scenic Byway.

Looking for more? Book an open-back Jeep tour to get up close to wildlife, take a peaceful horseback ride or feel the adrenaline rush at an adventure park. Embrace your inner historian by visiting a courthouse museum or an Old West-style town. Start an 1880 Train ride in either Keystone or Hill City. Explore the uncanny valley by posing for a photo with a wax president or a Rushmore-sized recreation of Lincoln’s eyeball.

Bring the spirit of discovery along with you to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Whether at the memorial or exploring the surrounding area’s Great 8 spots, every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered, an experience waiting to unfold and a moment waiting to inspire.

Campgrounds & RV Parks

We get it. Sometimes, you just want to embrace your inner wild side and venture into the great outdoors. The camping in Western South Dakota offers that perfect escape. Those who love an isolated camping experience can enjoy dispersed camping throughout the Black Hills National Forest. There are also 30 campgrounds with more than 682 individual campsites. Alternatively, pick one of the many developed campsites available to visitors – Beaver Lake Campground, Fort Welikit Family Campground or Big Pine Campground are all fine choices.

If you’re driving your campsite — or hauling it by a hitch — reserve an RV site at Rushmore View RV Campground (where the name says it all) or the Bridle Ridge Horse and RV Camp. For a classic camping experience with excellent tent sites and cabins, Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch is a great choice.

Cabins & Vacation Rentals

Having an entire place to yourself — a home away from home — has its unique charm. Cook yourself a meal, let the kids play in the backyard and bring the pets along for the journey. When it comes to vacation rentals, western South Dakota has no shortage. Book a grand cabin at Newton Fork Ranch or a quaint evening at the Restmore Inn. Embrace your luxurious side with floor-to-ceiling windows in the elegant Glass Lodge or at one of Under Canvas’ renowned glamping tents with full amenities. For a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, consider Yak Ridge.

Still looking for more? Explore more options in the directory below.

Walk in the footsteps of Wild West legends or wake up to Missouri River views at scenic hotels and resorts. Dine at award-winning restaurants in vibrant cities and quaint small towns. Spot an array of wildlife in South Dakota’s state and national parks, from baby bison to bighorn sheep. Visit classic roadside attractions like Wall Drug Store and The World’s Only Corn Palace, then venture off the beaten path for postcard-worthy views along our scenic byways. 

Whatever your adventure style, we’ve got tips, tricks and itineraries to help you plan the perfect South Dakota vacation.