Palmer Gulch is a welcoming destination for nature enthusiasts and families seeking an authentic outdoor experience. Nestled at 12620 SD-244, Hill City, SD 57745, this charming campground offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Whether you're traveling with family or friends, Palmer Gulch provides a variety of activities to suit all ages. The highlight of the campsite is undoubtedly the horseback riding opportunities, where guests can explore the scenic trails with knowledgeable guides. Many visitors have praised the staff for their expertise and friendliness, making each ride both enjoyable and memorable. Kelsey and Olivia, two of the most frequently mentioned guides, are known for their passion and ability to create a relaxing atmosphere for riders.
For those who prefer to stay closer to home, the campground offers a range of facilities including RV parking, tent sites, and amenities that cater to both leisurely stays and active vacations. The site is particularly popular among families due to its diverse activities and welcoming environment. One visitor noted, "Kids will love it also!" making Palmer Gulch an ideal spot for family bonding.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when planning your visit. During rainy periods, the campground experiences significant drainage issues, leading to numerous puddles. Visitors are advised to come prepared with walkie-talkies, as cellular service can be spotty, especially with Verizon or T-Mobile networks.
The natural setting of Palmer Gulch is nothing short of breathtaking. Surrounded by rolling hills and open landscapes, the campground offers a peaceful retreat where guests can reconnect with nature. The combination of serene surroundings and exciting activities makes it an excellent choice for those seeking adventure without leaving civilization behind.
Customer feedback highlights the positive experiences at Palmer Gulch. Many visitors have praised the staff's professionalism and the relaxing atmosphere they create, particularly during horseback rides. One guest mentioned, "If you are looking for a place to go and ride w/ a guide on a trail- book a ride here. You won’t be sorry!"
While there are minor drawbacks, such as drainage issues and limited cellular coverage, these are minor inconveniences in the grand scheme of an otherwise exceptional outdoor experience. Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly and enjoy the serene beauty that Palmer Gulch has to offer.
Onsite services
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
RV camping
Hiking
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Public shower
Restroom
Swings
Tent sites
Wi-Fi
Camping fee
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Playground
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
We did the one hour ride today and it was our second time here. Just as fun as the first time. The staff are awesome and so great at what they do! Kelsey was our guide and she made it very enjoyable. Riding is relaxing for us and today was no different. If you are looking for a place to go and ride w/ a guide on a trail- book a ride here. You won’t be sorry! Kids will love it also!
Second time staying here, tons to do at the campground but get ready for a sea of unsupervised children to be everywhere! The campground has some serious drainage issues, so if it rains get ready for some nasty puddles! Pro tip, bring walkie-talkies because there is literally no signal with Verizon or T-mobile. Also there are horses that you can ride, there was a guide named Olivia that was amazing!
There was an issue with our room when we arrived to check in late the night of our arrival but the night staff was able to quickly rectify it and had us in a new room in a matter of minutes! We were in town to run the Crazy Horse marathon and they were kind enough to let us check out late so we could come back and shower afterwards! Overall a very pleasant experience and would def recommend!
A terrific experience!!! If you want authentic cowboys for entertainment and a horse drawn wagon, AMAZING food and priceless memories, the Chuck Wagon Dinner is worth EVERY dollar! I wish I would've known we could take a trail ride to dinner - we would've done that for my horse-loving daughter. But the wagon ride was good too .
Booked a couple nights in the Executive Lodge (#33) at $625 a night. We wanted the amenities that were advertised and still participate in the different KOA activities. It was in a great location, just above the KOA campgrounds with an excellent view. However, most of the Cabin didn't work. The first night it was chilly, the heat wouldn't kick on and we could get the fan to turn off. We covered the vents with towels. Also, the fireplace wouldn't work either. We called the after-hour support line and didn't receive a response until 10am the following day. The response was unprofessional to say the least, I was told it is summertime and it doesn't get cold at night. I have a 2-year-old, and it was cold in the cabin. I paid for those amenities. The heat wasn't fixed until the last day of our trip. This took multiple follow-ups and finally showing up at the front office to demand the heat be fixed. They showed up and fixed the heat and the fireplace. We were out and about when they came to fix everything but one of the workers cut themselves. Bled all of the floor, couch, and carpet in the master bedroom. Nothing was communicated to us, just showed up in the afternoon to a bloodbath. We called the front office again, no response. We called the property manager, Jenny. No response. We drove down to the front office, demanded again that someone come clean up the blood. They mopped it up. However, there was still blood on the carpet and small couch (FYI for anyone staying in Lodge 33 in the future). The drains in both showers did not drain and there was no hot water for the first couple of nights. This was fixed on the last night of our stay. I asked the front desk if someone could look at the drain, this was their response via email. " Hi. Please come down to the front office and buy drano. It's about $15 and you will need two for each bathroom. Also, if the hot water isn't working, you can go into the utility closet and check the pilot lights for both water heaters and then let us know. Only then can we call Maintenance". Remember, I'm paying $625 a night for this BS. They provide about 5 towels for each bathroom, if you want a refresh expect to pay $25 for them to bring you towels. Most of the lights in the cabin didn't work and the back doors wouldn't lock. Maintenance said KOA is a safe place and not to worry about it. Overall, not worth the money and we won't be back. There are a lot of options in black hills. I would recommend looking elsewhere. Jenny did provide a refund of $210 for fireplace issues. We spent $2,700 to book the lodge.
The campground is very nice. Lots to offer. Disappointed that many amenities were closed and not available due to being here before Memorial Day. Was asked at check-in about dogs, yet there were several GS, and other breeds in campground that were on the not allowed list. Alot of people not picking up after their dogs was frustrating since we are very respectful and always pick up. The playgrounds here are amazing. Grounds area is huge! Its more resort. Only 2 pools, seems they could use another with size of the area and amount of people here. Sites are level.