Where to Stay Near Mount Rushmore: Cabins, Hotels & the Best Towns Nearby
If you’re heading to Mount Rushmore, the monument itself may be the main event, but where you stay can make or break the trip. Whether you’re looking for a quiet cabin in the woods, a hotel with a pool for summer days, or a room with a view of the faces, you’ve got options. This guide breaks down where to stay in Keystone, Custer, Hill City, and nearby areas—plus tips on what to expect from each.
Mt Rushmore Lodging Cabins: Best for a Quiet, Wooded Stay
Cabins around Mount Rushmore offer a peaceful retreat without putting you too far from the action. Some are tucked into the pines, others sit on the edge of town, but all give you a bit more space and privacy than a hotel.
Recommended cabins:
Holy Smoke Resort (Keystone) – Well-maintained log cabins in a forested setting just minutes from Mount Rushmore. Private porches, kitchens, and plenty of room to unwind.
Palmer Gulch Resort (Hill City) – A larger property with everything from simple camping cabins to full-on vacation homes. Onsite restaurant, general store, and activities make it good for families.
Custer State Park Lodges (Custer) – If you’re open to staying a little farther out, cabins inside the park give you a more immersive nature experience. Look at Sylvan Lake Lodge or State Game Lodge for a true Black Hills vibe.
These spots fill up fast in summer, so book early if you’re visiting between June and August.
Hotels with a View of Mount Rushmore
Not every place can offer a view of the monument, but a few hotels in Keystone come close. If seeing Mount Rushmore from your window sounds like your kind of experience, ask for a room with a view when booking.
Hotels with a view of Mount Rushmore:
K Bar S Lodge (Keystone) – Tucked into the hills with a peaceful setting and some rooms facing the monument. Clean, quiet, and a favorite with couples.
Rushmore View Inn (Keystone) – A budget pick that’s all about location. Views are available in select rooms.
Quality Inn Keystone – Not every room has a view, but the location is walkable to town and the drive to the monument is short.
Hotels Near Mount Rushmore with a Pool
If you’re traveling in summer, or just want a way to cool off after a day of sightseeing, a pool might be non-negotiable. Luckily, plenty of hotels in Keystone and nearby towns have one.
Solid options include:
Baymont by Wyndham (Keystone) – Indoor pool, free breakfast, and close to restaurants and shops.
Comfort Inn & Suites (Hill City) – About 15 minutes from Mount Rushmore, but worth it for the pool, clean rooms, and solid reputation.
Ramada by Wyndham (Keystone) – Affordable and centrally located, with an indoor pool and free parking.
What’s the Best Town to Stay In?
There are a few towns near Mount Rushmore, each with a different feel. Here’s how they compare:
Keystone, SD
Closest to Mount Rushmore (5 minutes away)
This is the town most visitors choose. It’s touristy but convenient, and everything is right there—restaurants, souvenir shops, trailheads, and most of the popular hotels.
Top picks:
These are all located just minutes from the monument, with plenty of parking and easy access to evening lighting ceremonies.
Custer, SD
Better for nature lovers and quieter stays
About 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore, Custer is closer to Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake, and the scenic Needles Highway. It’s a smaller, calmer town with great access to outdoor adventures.
Good hotel options:
Rocket Motel – A local favorite with retro flair and clean rooms.
Bavarian Inn – A creative, boutique-style property with games, puzzles, and hammocks. Especially good for families or couples.
Custer State Park Lodges – For an immersive experience, stay right inside the park.
Hill City, SD
Centrally located and artsy
Hill City is between Keystone and Custer and has a laid-back feel. It’s known for its art galleries, wineries, and the 1880 Train.
Where to stay:
Best Western Golden Spike Inn – Reliable, with a pool and complimentary breakfast.
Are There Hyatt Hotels Near Mount Rushmore?
If you’re hoping to use Hyatt points or stay loyal to the brand, your only real option is in Rapid City, about 35–40 minutes from Mount Rushmore.
Hyatt Place Rapid City / Rushmore – A clean, modern hotel with free breakfast, an indoor pool, and spacious rooms. Good if you’re flying in or out of Rapid City or want a more urban base.
Final Tips for Booking Your Stay
Want to stay right near the monument? Search for hotels Keystone SD Mount Rushmore or Keystone SD hotels near Mount Rushmore to find the most walkable options.
Cabin stays can be cozy, private, and often more scenic—but book early, especially for summer.
If a pool or view matters, always check the details. Not all rooms have the same perks, even at the same hotel.
Custer and Hill City make great bases if you want a quieter trip or plan to explore more of the Black Hills.