Hotels & Motels

Custer and Hill City host brand-name hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, themed inns, roadside motels and cozy cabins — all within a 10-mile radius from Crazy Horse Memorial.

For example, Rock Crest Lodge & Cabins in Custer sits on a woodsy 10 acres that border the Black Hills National Forest, and offers newly remodeled lodge rooms and cabins (some with fireplaces, hot tubs and full kitchens), an outdoor pool, picnic area and playground. And just outside Custer sits the welcoming and beloved Bavarian Inn, a perfect match of quaint and comfortable. Just a short half-mile from Hill City’s Main Street, Newton Fork Ranch showcases eight fully furnished log cabins with morning views of whitetail deer grazing in a meadow. Custer State Park’s Sylvan Lake Lodge flaunts double-peaked wooden ceilings, hardwood floors and a stone fireplace beside a hillside forest of pine and spruce trees, with easy access to Sylvan Lake. Hunters, equestrians and naturalists enjoy Dakota Dream Bed & Breakfast & Horse Hotel in Custer for its horse barn, dedicated freezers for winter hunting season, cozy beds and location close to Custer and the George S. Mickelson Trail.

Campsites & RV Parks

Living the van life, car camping or traveling by RV? Lucky you. The Black Hills region is filled with campgrounds and RV parks, whether your travel plans warrant luxury accommodations, like glamping tents, traditional parks with hook-ups and electricity, or off-the-grid backcountry camping.

Custer’s Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort pairs luxury with 85 acres of unspoiled wilderness with deluxe cabins, glamping tents, luxury tipis, unique treehouses, RV hookups, tent sites and camping cabins. In Hill City, Rafter J Bar Ranch hosts six camping areas and a resort activity center separated by large meadows and shaded by ponderosa pines. Travelers seeking a horseback view of Crazy Horse find refuge at Bridle Ridge Horse and RV Camp. Outside of Hill City, Firehouse Campground & Cabins provides cabins, RV spaces and tent camping sites for campers who like their accommodations with a side of beer tasting (Firehouse Smokejumper Station winery and brewery is located on-site).

Check Out the Big Badlands Overlook

Upon entering Badlands National Park from the east, the Big Badlands Overlook is the first major view, making it the first stop for many park visitors. It offers a captivating panorama of the park's iconic features. You'll never experience a sunrise or sunset like this, when the play of shadows and colorful skies amplifies the beauty of the Badlands’ distinctive formations.

Stop at the Pinnacles Overlook

The Pinnacles Overlook is the highest-elevation overlook (3,342 feet) accessible by the scenic byway, offering a panoramic view of the Badlands. This vantage point unveils the vastness of the landscape, with the Black Hills peeking over the horizon on clear days. Nature lovers can spot bison in the valley below or on the upper northwest prairie. The overlook also becomes a lambing hot spot for bighorn sheep from late April to early May, providing a chance to witness adorable lambs navigating the rocky slopes.

Drive the Badlands Loop Road

The Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway is perhaps the best way to experience Badlands National Park in under an hour. That is, if you drive the 39-mile loop without stopping — but almost nobody does that. Breathtaking rock formations and native grassland filled with numerous species of plants and animals virtually guarantee you’ll want to stop somewhere along the route to enjoy the view. There are 16 designated scenic overlooks. Each are convenient and safe spots to pull off on the roadside to take in the sights and snap outstanding photos.

Best Hikes in Badlands National Park

Some things go together — like hiking and Badlands National Park. Explore the unique terrain of the park by foot on one of these beautiful trails:

Notch Trail

This intermediate hike spans about 1.5 miles, leading you up, down and all around the Badlands’ rocky terrain. The trail is highlighted by a 50-foot ladder — a steep ascent that adds an extra thrill to your excursion.

Castle Trail

The Castle Trail is a flatter but lengthier trail that leads you through rippling grasslands and colossal buttes. The trail spans 10.3 miles as an out-and-back journey, but many hikers choose to enjoy shorter sections of the trail, as there are great views along the entire route. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot bighorn sheep, deer, prairie dogs or even buffalo along the way.

Fossil Exhibit Trail

This self-guided and fully accessible boardwalk offers a fascinating journey into the prehistoric past. Delight in tactile exhibits and lifelike replicas of extinct animals that once roamed the area, providing an entertaining and educational experience for all ages.

Door and Window Trails

Located 2 miles north of the visitor center, each trail is wheelchair-accessible and leads to gorgeous Badlands views. It won’t take long to see why the Door Trail (0.9 miles out and back) and the Window Trail (0.3 miles out and back) are two popular stops for many Badlands adventures.

Spend an Afternoon Spotting Bison and Other Wildlife

In a conservation effort during the 1960s, a pair of trucks transported 50 bison 223 miles from Theodore Roosevelt National Park to Badlands National Park to bolster the dwindling population. Today, the herd has grown to more than 1,000. Visitors most often spot bison off Sage Creek Rim Road and near the Pinnacles entrance station.

But they aren’t the only wild residents you’ll find in the park. Since their reintroduction in 1964, bighorn sheep have enjoyed the park’s rocky formations, like those at Pinnacles Overlook, Castle Trail and Big Badlands Overlook. You might also spy some deer and coyotes during your visit. And if cute is what you seek, don’t skip a stop at prairie-dog towns easily viewed at Burns Basin Overlook, Sage Creek Campground and Roberts Prairie Dog Town.

Exercise caution and keep a safe distance from all wildlife. Wild animals can be aggressive to humans if they get too close. Always practice safe and sustainable travel. For more on responsible travel (and a free sticker), check out the Forever 605 pledge.

Learn More and Become a Junior Ranger at the Visitor Center

Located near the Cedar Pass Campground and Cedar Pass Lodge, the Ben Reifel Visitor Center is the place to learn about the park’s history through displays, an indoor theater and a bookstore. It’s also where younger visitors can earn their Junior Ranger badge. All they have to do is fill out the fun-packed activity book to become official!

See How Clear a Night Sky Can Be

Badlands National Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it offers some of the darkest skies in the country. Imagine gazing up at a celestial canopy glittering with countless stars, planets and galaxies, a sight that fills you with wonder and reminds you of the vastness of the universe. Check out a ranger-led Night Sky Program on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day for a truly amazing experience.

Accessibility in the Park

Accessibility continues to be a priority in South Dakota. In Badlands National Park, amphitheater programs are wheelchair-accessible and involve accessible telescopes for sky viewings. Ramped entrances, accessible restrooms and reserved parking are available to wheelchair users at both the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and White River Visitor Center. The former includes a chance to hold fossils and rocks, and the park film is open-captioned with listening devices available.

There are two wheelchair-accessible campsites at Cedar Pass Campground. Most overlooks are accessible to wheelchair users. The Fossil Exhibit Trail, Window Trail and first sections of the Door and Cliff Shelf trails are accessible. The surrounding terrain at Conata Picnic Area has an accessible vault toilet, although surrounding terrain is rough, and the Bigfoot Pass Picnic Area also has an accessible vault toilet in addition to ramps and reserved parking. The Cedar Pass Lodge’s gift shop and dining room are fully accessible with ramps, wide doors and aisles, restrooms and reserved parking.

More Things to Do Near Badlands National Park

Looking for more? Make the most of your Badlands adventure by immersing yourself in rich Indigenous culture at a historic Lakota village, feeling the Cold War power of the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site or marveling at the wonders of the Black Hills. Around the park, get up close with some furry friends at Roberts Prairie Dog Town or book a horseback excursion through Hurley Butte Horseback. Need to stock up or find a souvenir? Visit the Native West Trading Company or the iconic Wall Drug Store.

Explore more in the directory below.

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.