Black Hills Hotels: Find the Best Place to Stay (2026 Guide)
Black Hills hotels for every budget and travel style. Compare top-rated stays near Mount Rushmore, in Rapid City, Deadwood, Custer State Park, and more. Prices from $59/night.
Find Hotels by Location
Find the best hotels in the Black Hills here—by location. Choose your ideal base: near Mount Rushmore, in historic Deadwood, or surrounded by nature in Custer State Park.
Rapid City Hotels
The gateway to the Black Hills with the widest selection of hotels in all price ranges.
Hotels Near Mount Rushmore
Stay close to America's most iconic monument with convenient access to the memorial.
Custer State Park Lodges
Experience rustic luxury with lodges and cabins inside South Dakota's premier state park.
Deadwood Hotels
Historic hotels and casino resorts in the legendary Wild West town of Deadwood.
Featured Hotels in Black Hills
Our top-rated hotel recommendations for every type of traveler, from luxury seekers to budget-conscious families.
Best Western Plus Rapid City Rushmore
Rapid City - #1 of 52 Hotels
363 reviews
Top-rated hotel featuring modern rooms, indoor pool, free hot breakfast, and free parking. Perfect base for exploring Mount Rushmore and Black Hills attractions.
$89/night
Hotel Alex Johnson
Downtown Rapid City
2,847 reviews
Historic landmark hotel in downtown Rapid City with elegant rooms and exceptional service since 1928.
$159/night
The Lodge at Deadwood
Deadwood
1,654 reviews
Premier casino resort in historic Deadwood with full-service spa, multiple dining options, and modern gaming floor.
$139/night
Top Attractions Near Black Hills Hotels
Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, the Badlands, Wind Cave, Deadwood — most are within an hour of any Rapid City hotel. Pick a base, then build the trip around what's closest.
Mount Rushmore
America's most iconic monument featuring the faces of four presidents carved into granite.
Custer State Park
71,000 acres of wildlife, scenic drives, and outdoor adventure with free-roaming bison herds.
Badlands National Park
Dramatic landscapes of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires amid mixed-grass prairie.
Deadwood
Historic Wild West town with preserved Victorian architecture, casinos, and legendary stories.
Wind Cave National Park
One of the world's longest caves with unique boxwork formations and surface prairie wildlife.
15 Best Things to Do
Curated bucket list of the top 15 must-see attractions and hidden gems.
Tours & Activities
Book guided tours and unique experiences to make the most of your Black Hills visit. From Mount Rushmore tours to cave explorations and wildlife safaris, there's something for everyone.
Plan Your Black Hills Trip
Everything you need to plan the perfect Black Hills getaway, from timing your visit to creating your itinerary.
Best Time to Visit
Weather, crowds, and seasonal events guide to help you pick the perfect time for your trip.
Things to Do
Complete guide to attractions, activities, and hidden gems throughout the Black Hills region.
Where to Stay
Hotels, lodges, and cabins across the Black Hills from budget-friendly to luxury options.
Top-Rated Black Hills Tours
The most-loved guided experiences in the Black Hills — book directly through Viator.
Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony
Experience the stunning beauty of the Black Hills on this unforgettable private afternoon & evening tour, designed to highlight the region’s most scenic drives & end with the Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony. First, we visit the tranquil Sylvan Lake, nestled among pine-covered hills & dramatic rock formations. We continue with a picturesque journey along the legendary Needles Hwy, where towering granite spires, narrow tunnels, & sweeping views create an unforgettable drive. You’ll have plenty of time for photo stops, short walks, and commentary from your knowledgeable local guide. Then, travel the engineering marvel of Iron Mt Rd, known for its pigtail bridges, scenic switchbacks, & tunnels that perfectly frame Mt Rushmore in the distance. We arrive at Mt Rushmore with time to explore, then as night falls, gather at the amphitheater for the Lighting Ceremony—a patriotic & heartfelt experience that includes a short film, tribute to veterans, & the illumination of the iconic carvings.
Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides
Western Horizons Hot Air Balloons offers breathtaking panoramic views of the beautiful Southern Black Hills of South Dakota. Our hot air balloon rides last approximately one hour. The entire experience from pre-flight set up to post-flight refreshments can last from 2 to 3 hours. We fly out of Hot Springs, SD, just after sunrise, weather permitting.
Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Tour
What makes this tour unique is the combination of three of Western South Dakota's most iconic destinations – Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop – into a single, comprehensive, and fully narrated experience. Over 8-9 hours, you'll not just see these landmarks, but gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for their history, cultural significance, and natural beauty. We always give the guest time to buy their lunch during the tour.
Bike Adventure on the Mickelson Trail - Private
See the Black Hills in a unique way. Enjoy the quiet, scenic trail and let our guides tell you on some of the history, culture and flora and fauna of the area! Great fun for any fitness level - we can accommodate all in your group, even if some want to ride and others don't. This tour is customizable. Questions? Contact us for more information.
Badlands National Park - Sunset and Stargazing (Private)
A once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the incredible Badlands; first in the afternoon and into a golden sunset - followed by the official National Park stargazing program. The best of both worlds, this tour allows us the view wildlife and the parks formations before the sun sets, and then taking on the park after dark! Because Badlands National Park is not surrounded by big cities or other major sources of light pollution, night skies in the park are very clear. After dark, visitors can see many of the night sky’s greatest hits: constellations, the moon, satellites, and airplanes. But the special darkness of Badlands National Park helps visitors to see even more like planets, the Milky Way, star clusters, nebulae, the International Space Station, shooting stars, and – very occasionally – the aurora borealis.
Private Tour of the Badlands with Local Experts
The Badlands have many secrets and requires a seasoned guide to explain and reveal them. GeoFunTrek Tours' guides are local experts with decades of experience. We have no seasonal-guides, part-time guides or trainee-guides. This is a family-owned business and all tours are conducted by family members: Cindy, Christopher and John Esposti. We have the knowledge and skills to make your day one to remember. You will always get the A-Team when you tour with GeoFunTrek Tours! All tours are PRIVATE TOURS, exclusive to the group booking the tour, and no additional guests will be included. Children must be accompanied by one adult. Children 3 years and younger are free and will have their own seat. Children's car seats must be supplied by family members when required. Our vehicles are SUV's and a van may be rented for larger groups. Please enquire about vehicles if you have any questions. This tour is great for 3-generation families with Children, multiple couples and groups of friends.
Spirit of the West: Devils Tower and Spearfish Canyon
You'll love this guided tour because we love what we do! With a certified guide and driver, this is an opportunity to take in all the beautiful natural wonders without any of the hassles of planning or driving. Please read our Google Reviews for My XO Adventures. We'll visit stunning destinations; best of all, this tour allows for unscheduled stops. Devil's Tower, Deadwood, Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Falls, and a scenic drive through Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway! Lunch is included in this adventure. The Northern Black Hills is one of the most beautiful places in the Hills. We love it, study it, explore it, and share our knowledge during your adventure. Travel South Dakota has honored My XO Adventures with the Hospitality Award for 2021. We love what we do, and it's our mission to reveal what makes this part of South Dakota so special.
Badlands National Park by Bicycle - Private
Formed by several hundred thousand years of erosion, the Badlands formations expose the layers of millions of years of the regions history. It is a landscape that makes you feel as though you’ve landed on Mars. On this day trip, we pedal the nice, moderate Badlands Loop Road for just under 30 miles through the heart of the pinnacles and lower shale formations to the other end of the northern segment of Badlands National Park, where we will enjoy a picnic lunch. There are also longer options available if desired. Enjoy close up views of wildlife and take in the breathtaking views of Badlands National Park. Enjoying this area by bicycle is a once in a lifetime opportunity! This tour is customizable. Contact us for more information.
Prices and availability provided by Viator. We earn a commission on bookings — at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding hotels in the Black Hills region.
What is the best town to stay in Black Hills?
Hill City is widely considered the most central location, being 15-20 minutes from Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Crazy Horse. Rapid City offers the most hotel options and amenities. Custer is best for access to nature and wildlife.
How far is Mount Rushmore from Rapid City?
Mount Rushmore is approximately 23 miles (30-40 minutes driving) from downtown Rapid City via US-16 W.
When is the best time to visit Black Hills?
May through September offers the best weather. July and August are warmest but busiest. September is excellent for fall colors and fewer crowds. Many attractions operate year-round, but some close in winter.
Are there luxury hotels in the Black Hills?
Yes, options like K Bar S Lodge, Under Canvas (glamping), and Hotel Alex Johnson offer upscale experiences. However, the region is more known for rustic lodges and comfortable family hotels than 5-star ultra-luxury resorts.
How far in advance should I book Black Hills hotels?
For peak summer season (June-August), book 2-3 months in advance, especially for popular properties. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in early August requires bookings 6-12 months ahead. Spring and fall visits can often be booked 2-4 weeks out with good availability.
Ready to Book Your Black Hills Hotel?
Compare prices, read reviews, and find the perfect hotel for your Black Hills adventure. From Rapid City to Mount Rushmore, we've got you covered.