Camping near Mount Rushmore

We camped at the Mt. Rushmore KOA this summer. It's pretty busy, quite large and not cheap but it's perfect if you have kids as there's so much to do right at the campground. A co-worker stayed at the Rafter-J a week after I was there and said it was alright but didn't rave about it and the wifi didn't work.

YMMV

Rafter J

The KOA is an absolute madhouse.

We really liked Horsethief resort. very nice place on Needles hwy. beautiful views and surroundings of the Hills. I`m sure Rafter J is nice, but it is located in a field, I can get that here in IL!

BTW, I see you live in Falthead county. my cousin lives in just outside Kalispell (Kila), in the foothills. we stayed there years ago, beautiful area!

We stayed at the Rapid City KOA - had a nice pull through site - we were there during Sturgis bike week and it was not as bad as I thought it would be.

Ironic that no one suggested any of the campgrounds in Custer State Park. We have found them to be very nice and convenient to the things we like to do.

Rafter J. Stayed there a year or so back. Great place. We checked out all the other local campgrounds while we were there and Rafter J was by far the nicest.

Didn't like Horse Thief - to tight and cramped around the entrance roads for us.

We just got back from the Black Hills.

Stayed this year at the KOA, they were already shutting down ops as their help was going back to school. Big park with restaurants and lots of things for kids.

We stayed last time at Rafter J and loved it, I would stay there again if we did not have the grandkids with us

Horse Theif is not in the same league as the unknowingly my GPS took me down 87 and I had to unhook the car and turn around at this campground so I got a good look at it.

We loved the Rafter J. It would be our choice.

The KOA is Palmers Gulch, a very nice campground. Rafter J Bar Ranch is also very nice. Palmers Gulch would be full of activities and Rafter J will be the quieter option. Not familiar with Horse Thief.

Hi Clint,

Actually there is a KOA very near Rushmore that rents cars. I think it is the 2nd largest KOA in the USA. Definitely not a resort--but I was there for Rushmore and Crazy Horse.

Both of those are better seen early in the morning before the crowds pour in.