Best Hotels in Keystone, SD
Stay minutes from Mount Rushmore in the gateway town
Updated: January 16, 2026 | Prices from $79/night
Keystone is the gateway town to Mount Rushmore, located just 1-3 miles from the memorial entrance. We've analyzed guest reviews, industry ratings, and location convenience to rank the 10 best hotels in Keystone for 2026. Whether you're looking for a luxury lodge with mountain views or a family-friendly resort, Keystone offers the absolute best proximity to the "Shrine of Democracy."
Table of Contents
How We Rank Hotels
Our Keystone hotel rankings are based on a balanced scoring system that prioritizes proximity to Mount Rushmore, guest satisfaction, and overall value.
Guest Ratings
Real reviews from platforms like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Google Reviews.
Rushmore Proximity
Hotels within 1-3 miles of the memorial score higher for convenience.
Facilities
Quality of rooms, on-site dining, and unique Black Hills mountain atmosphere.
Overall Value
The best balance of price, amenities, and guest experience.
Top 10 Hotels in Keystone (2026 Rankings)
From luxury glamping to historic downtown motels, here are the best places to stay in Keystone, South Dakota.
Battle Creek Lodge
#1 of 5 motels in Keystone
Very Good
(442 reviews)
LGBTQIA+-owned, Women-owned. Battle Creek Lodge is a quaint Lodge located just minutes away from Mt Rushmore, in the beautiful and Historic Keystone South Dakota. Owned and operated by locals, you are sure to get an insiders guide on what to see and do during your stay, by people who REALLY care about your vacation and are committed to making your time in the Black Hills enjoyable and memorable. Walking distance to local attractions, restaurants, and bars.
Best for: Couples, Nature Lovers, Quiet Stays
K Bar S Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection
#2 of 5 motels in Keystone
Very Good
(1,373 reviews)
Welcome to K Bar S Lodge, your Keystone "home away from home." K Bar S Hotel is a romantic hotel offering a flat screen TV, air conditioning, and a refrigerator in the rooms, and it is easy to stay connected during your stay as free wifi is offered to guests. The motel features a 24 hour front desk. Plus, guests can enjoy free breakfast, which has made this a popular choice among travelers visiting Keystone.
Best for: Couples, Families, Romantic Getaways
Under Canvas Mount Rushmore
#3 of 13 hotels in Keystone
Very Good
(535 reviews)
Under Canvas Mount Rushmore is tucked among ponderosa pines and juniper on an original gold mining settlement less than four miles from Mount Rushmore National Monument. With majestic views of Mount Rushmore and the hills beyond, Under Canvas is an ideal basecamp for exploring Custer State Park and the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Best for: Adventure Seekers, Romantic Getaways, Nature Lovers
Comfort Inn & Suites Mt. Rushmore
#4 of 13 hotels in Keystone
Good
(790 reviews)
Located at the base of Mt. Rushmore in the bustling historic town of Keystone. The hotel features include free local phone calls, high-speed internet access, business center, and a large pool and hot tub. Enjoy a unique breakfast experience at our new continental deluxe Express Start Breakfast Bar served every morning.
Best for: Families, Business Travelers
Roosevelt Inn
#5 of 13 hotels in Keystone
Good
(296 reviews)
A small, family owned and operated, limited-service hotel located in the city limits of Keystone, SD, at the base of Mt. Rushmore National Memorial. Located across the road from Rushmore Adventure Park and at the base of Mount Rushmore.
Best for: Families, Budget Travelers
Mount Rushmore Resort at Palmer Gulch
5 miles from Mount Rushmore
Excellent
(2,156 reviews)
Full-service resort with cabins, lodge rooms, and camping. Features indoor waterpark, mini golf, horseback riding, and shuttle to Mount Rushmore. Perfect for families.
Best for: Families, Adventure Seekers
Holy Smoke Resort
2 miles from Mount Rushmore
Excellent
(876 reviews)
Charming resort with cabins and motel rooms surrounded by Black Hills pines. Quiet, peaceful setting with outdoor pool and easy Mount Rushmore access.
Best for: Nature Lovers, Couples
Powder House Lodge
1 mile from Mount Rushmore
Great
(765 reviews)
Historic lodge offering cabin-style accommodations in a tranquil forest setting. The closest lodging to Mount Rushmore main entrance.
Best for: Convenience, Early Morning Visitors
Ramada by Wyndham Keystone Near Mt Rushmore
115 Swanzey St, Keystone
Good
(1,245 reviews)
Located in the heart of Keystone, this Ramada offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Features an indoor heated pool and hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a day at Mount Rushmore.
Best for: Families, Group Travelers
Quality Inn Keystone near Mount Rushmore
231 Winter Street, Keystone
Good
(654 reviews)
Affordable and reliable lodging in downtown Keystone. Features a heated indoor pool, hot tub, and complimentary breakfast. Walking distance to many local attractions.
Best for: Budget Travelers, Families
Why Stay in Keystone?
Mount Rushmore Distance
Being just 2-3 miles from the memorial allows you to visit early morning for sunrise or late evening for the lighting ceremony without the long drive from Rapid City.
Walking Downtown
Keystone's main street is highly walkable, featuring the 1880 Train, local shops, saloons, and family entertainment like Big Thunder Gold Mine.
Iron Mountain Road
Keystone is the northern terminus of Iron Mountain Road, famous for its "pigtail" bridges and tunnels that perfectly frame Mount Rushmore.
Adventure Basecamp
Besides Rushmore, you're minutes from Rush Mountain Adventure Park (home to the Rushmore Mountain Coaster) and prime hiking trails.
Keystone Hotel Booking Tips
When to Book
- Early Planning: For summer visits, book at least 4-6 months in advance. Under Canvas and K Bar S fill up very quickly.
- Off-Season Advantage: Many Keystone hotels close for winter (late Oct - April). Booking for May or September can yield 30-40% savings.
Money Saving
- Free Breakfast: Choosing a hotel like Comfort Inn or Quality Inn saves a family of four roughly $40-60 per day in meal costs.
- Parking Fees: Unlike some downtown Rapid City hotels, almost all Keystone hotels offer free parking, including overflow for RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest hotel to Mount Rushmore?
Powder House Lodge is the closest hotel, located just 1 mile from the main entrance. K Bar S Lodge and Roosevelt Inn are also within 2 miles of the memorial.
Are there luxury hotels in Keystone?
While Keystone primarily features mountain lodges and motels, K Bar S Lodge (Ascend Collection) and Under Canvas (luxury glamping) offer upscale, high-end experiences with incredible mountain views.
Which Keystone hotels are best for families?
Palmer Gulch Resort and Comfort Inn & Suites are top family choices. Palmer Gulch features an indoor waterpark, mini golf, and a shuttle to the memorial, while Comfort Inn offers large suites and a pool.
Ready to Stay Near Mount Rushmore?
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