Private operator
Near Hill City, South Dakota: $65–$195/night, no posted rig-length limit. Open May through October. Book 12 months ahead via KOA portal.
Private operator
Managing authority
Near Hill City, South Dakota
How much does camping at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch cost, and when is it open?
Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch near Hill City, South Dakota (Private operator) — camping fee $65–$195/night, season May through October, RV size limit Big rigs welcome. Reservations: 12 months ahead via KOA portal — book direct through the official channel.
The numbers
Fee range
$65–$195/night
Season open
May through October
RV size limit
Big rigs welcome
Reservation window
12 months ahead via KOA portal
The insider read
Closest full-hookup camp to Mt Rushmore (5 min). Free shuttle to the monument. Sturgis week (Aug) books a year+ out and prices spike 3x.
Original analysis from PickRV — synthesised from public sources you can verify, pulling the operational details competitor guides typically skip.
Verify at koa.comOn site
Book it right
PickRV doesn't handle campground bookings — reserve direct through the official channel so policies and cancellations flow through one record.
Opens koa.com
Every fact above is sourced from the managing agency's canonical page. Cross-check fee, season, and size limit before you depend on them.
Match the campground's size limit and hookup level to a vehicle category, then plan the rest of the trip.
Keep exploring
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StateInsider tip · Missouri River reservoir on SD/NE border. Largest state-rec area camp in SD. Sailing-friendly winds.
Near Fort Pierre
StateInsider tip · Below Oahe Dam — tailwater fishing for walleye. Closest large camp to Pierre (state capital). Quieter than the lake-side options.
Near Wall
USFSInsider tip · Free dispersed camping on national grasslands. Closest free camp to Badlands NP. Pack out everything. Stargazing is the unique-fish — zero light pollution.
Nearby & related
Sourced costs, campground directories, and the places worth a detour — the next layer of South Dakota trip planning.
Before you go
South Dakota rules
Verified 2026-05-10