Activities to Fill Your Days and Nights
There’s so much to do around our resort, you may never want to leave! Outside of the Fun Zone at Mount Rushmore KOA (open to all resort guests), there are all kinds of activities that will keep you and your family wondering how to fit in all the fun. We recommend you design a vacation itinerary for your stay and keep in mind that our activities run from Memorial Day through Labor Day!
Saddle Up Buckeroo!
Saddle Up Buckeroo!
Explore the area on horseback! The Stables at Palmer Gulch provide great horses for trail rides through the nearby Black Hills National Forest. Many different trail rides are available for riders of all skill levels. And you can ride a horse or a covered wagon to our popular Chuck Wagon Dinner Show in a nearby mountain meadow.
Get Around In Style!
Get Around In Style!
We have bike and UTV rentals to get you around the Gulch and beyond. Visit our Outpost Bike Shop to check out all the options from fun cycles to fat bikes. We even have helmets for purchase to keep you safe. Or you can rent a two, four or six seat UTV right at the campground and explore miles of Black Hills trails all conveniently located right next to our resort.
Our Campground Is Your Playground
All around the Mount Rushmore Resort at Palmer Gulch – which encompasses the Mount Rushmore KOA and Mount Rushmore Lodge – you will find activities that will make the days as fun-filled as you can imagine.
- Fishing
- Live Music
- Movies
- More Fun!
Fishing
The cool, clear waters of the Black Hills offer anglers a variety of fishing opportunities near the resort. The resort also features a stocked fish pond that is perfect for young anglers. Adult campers who are 18 or older need a license to fish the pond and children need to be accompanied by an adult with a fishing license.
Licenses can be purchased at the nearby Hill City Exxon. Limited fishing tackle is available at the Outpost and General stores.
Live Music
You can enjoy live entertainment during your stay including regular musical performers at our Grapes & Grinds wine and coffee shop. We also feature live outdoor music performances throughout the summer.
Nightly Movies
We feature movies under the stars six nights per week throughout the summer. Check our activities schedule for titles and showtimes for the evening movies.
More Fun!
Still looking for more to do? Participate in some of our other fun time Palmer Gulch traditions.
Community campfire with s’mores – there’s nothing better than gathering around a roaring campfire after a great day of fun and adventure.
Glow stick dance party – get groovy at our weekly Saturday night dance party complete with glow stick accessories.
Karaoke – singers of all ages belt out their favorite songs during our weekly karaoke party at the Activities Pavilion.
Tie-dye art – make a groovy T-shirt for a new vacation souvenir.
Funtastic Times In The Fun Zone
The Fun Zone is smack dab in the middle of our expansive resort. You can spend days in the Fun Zone and never get enough. With two pools, two heated spas, and a water slide, you’ll get drenched – and love every minute of it! Have fun and explore as many activities as possible. Just save time for ice cream!
- GaGa ball
- Corn hole boards
- Ladder ball
- Rock the dance party
- Jumping Pillow
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Giant Chess and Checkers
The List Goes On and On!
Conquer the climbing wall
Our 26-foot climbing tower provides four distinct routes to master. Dry clothing and tennis shoes are required for this outdoor adventure. Climbers under 18 must have adult consent and be at least 42 inches tall.
Strike it rich panning for gold
At the Palmer Gulch Mining Co. near the waterslide, the SummerShiners help our guests try their luck panning for gold. Panning kits are available at the Mining Co. or Outpost stores.
Show your skills in mini golf
Fore! Test your putting skills at the Kowboy Kountry Club, our nine-hole miniature golf course that has an Old West feel. Make it a friendly family competition for longest putt and lowest score!
Whoosh down the waterslide
The whole family will get a thrill from our slick waterslide. It’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot day!
Kamp K9
Our Kamp K-9 pet playground is centrally located and sure to please your fur baby. It’s a great place to take your pet for exercise and play time with other dogs
Field Games
Frisbees, kickball, water balloon wars and three-man slingshots are just a few of the planned activities for all ages to keep the fun times coming.
Build a rocket – our team will help you create and launch a rocket over Palmer Gulch.