Best Places to stay in Keystone South Dakota

Planning a trip for visiting Mount Rushmore and wondering where to stay nearby? The closest town to Mount Rushmore is Keystone, located just 3 miles away. In this guide we will look at the best places to stay in Keystone South Dakota.

Find breakdowns of the different options, for different budgets, from small family run inns, to big chain hotels that exist in the town.

Some of the options are in the center of town, whereas a few are located just a short drive outside of the town, for those looking for something a little more isolated!

It should be noted that the Comfort Inn, is the only hotel in Keystone that operates all year round, with all the other hotels closing up for winter. Generally they close around November and open up between March and May.

Colorful downtown street in Keystone, South Dakota, with wooden storefronts, Western-style architecture, and a bright red stagecoach display above one building. Shops, restaurants, and signs line the street, with forested hills rising in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

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Table of Contents

Premium Hotels

If you are looking for a hotel in keystone, that has a higher standard than a budget hotel, with more amenities than you would expect at a budget hotel, like breakfast, swimming pool and hot tub, then check out these hotels.

They are all located within Keystone or are on the outskirts of Keystone, just a short drive away from the center of the town.

Comfort Inn Keystone SD

Lobby of the Comfort Inn Keystone featuring rustic décor with stone walls, mounted animal displays including a large elk and buffalo, and a wildlife mural. The seating area includes leather chairs, sofas, and wooden coffee tables with lamps. A staircase with a wooden banister leads to the second level, and a refreshment station is visible on the right side of the room.

The Comfort Inn in Keystone, South Dakota, is an excellent premium choice hotel for visitors to Mount Rushmore. Located in the center of Keystone, just a few buildings away from the budget hotel Ramada Inn, it is in a great location for all restaurants and stores of Keystone.

The 3 star hotel has breakfast included and also has a swimming pool and hot tub. The rooms are clean and people enjoy the breakfast selection.

This is a great option, if you are looking for more of a chain hotel, with breakfast included and a pool or hot tub to relax in at the end of a day exploring. It is also the only hotel in Keystone that is open all year round.

Learn more about Comfort Inn Keystone

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K Bar S Lodge Keystone

Outdoor deck with metal tables and chairs at K Bar S Lodge in Keystone, South Dakota, overlooking green lawns, pine-covered hills, and lodge-style buildings under a clear blue sky.

The K Bar S Lodge in Keystone, South Dakota, is another top choice for visitors looking for a more premium hotel to stay in close to Mount Rushmore. It offers a peaceful and upscale retreat that is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Black Hills.

Nestled in a peaceful forest setting, this lodge provides breathtaking views, including glimpses of Mount Rushmore from the property. It is located just over half a mile from the center of Keystone, while it is possible to walk, it might not be wise, especially at night as there is no sidewalk and no lighting.

There is a free continental breakfast included for guests, though there is no onsite restaurant, so if you want dinner, you will need to venture into town. A bonus for the hotel, is the high speed wifi, which is great if you need to do some work during your trip.

This is a great option, if you want to be close to town but not in the center of it.

Learn more about K Bar S Lodge

Under Canvas Keystone

Cozy glamping tent at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore featuring a rustic wooden bed frame with crisp white and gray bedding, a small wooden side table with a lantern, and natural wood accents. The tent opens onto a wooden deck with chairs overlooking the surrounding forest, blending comfort with the outdoors.

If you are looking for something a little different then, Under Canvas in Keystone, South Dakota, offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors to the Blackhills, combining luxury with camping.

Located in the stunning Black Hills just 2 miles from the center of Keystone, this glamping destination provides safari-style tents with plush bedding, private or shared bathrooms, and wood-burning stoves, ensuring a cozy stay immersed in nature.

Guests can enjoy on-site activities, communal fire pits, and breathtaking views, all while being just a short drive from Mount Rushmore and other attractions like Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park.

There is a restaurant onsite for all meals, including breakfast which is not automatically included and it is also possible to participate in onsite Yoga classes during your stay.

Learn more about Under Canvas Mount Rushmore

Powder House Lodge Keystone SD

Spacious outdoor patio at Powder House Lodge in Keystone, South Dakota, with picnic tables and Adirondack chairs surrounded by tall pine trees and forest views.

The Powder House Lodge Keystone, South Dakota, is a cozy retreat in the heart of the Black Hills, located just 1.3 miles from the center of Keystone. This lodge combines rustic elegance with modern amenities, providing comfortable cabins and rooms that appeal to couples, families, and solo travelers alike.

Guests love the on-site restaurant, renowned for its delicious steaks and hearty American cuisine. Breakfast is not included but can be bought at the restaurant. There is also an outdoor swimming pool onsite that is open from 22 May to 22 September.

Learn more about Powder House Keystone

Cheap Hotels in Keystone

If budget is more important to you than facilities in your hotel in Keystone, then make sure to find below the best budget hotels in Keystone. These hotels are still great, but just don’t have the same facilities as some of the more expensive hotels in the area.

All of them are located in central keystone, though the Ramada and Keystone Boardwalk Inn are a shorter walk to the center than Roosevelt Inn.

Roosevelt Inn Keystone SD

Front view of the Roosevelt Inn near Mount Rushmore, featuring a large white multi-story building with a distinctive corner turret, rows of balconies adorned with red flower baskets, and a backdrop of tall pine trees under a dramatic cloudy sky.

The Roosevelt Inn in Keystone, South Dakota, is a fantastic choice for visitors exploring Mount Rushmore due to its location, a short walk from the center of Keystone. It is a comfortable accommodation and has a family-friendly atmosphere, with breakfast included.

It is situated just a few minutes drive from Mount Rushmore and provides easy access to other nearby attractions like Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park.

Guests appreciate the clean and spacious rooms, friendly staff, and complimentary amenities such as Wi-Fi and parking. The inn also features a charming, rustic ambiance, has a seasonal indoor pool and a games room with billiards, to spend your evenings.

This 3 star hotel is a great option if you are on a budget, and is the highest rated budget accommodation in Keystone and certainly the budget hotel I would pick for a stay in Keystone.

Learn more about Roosevelt Inn

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Keystone Boardwalk Inn and Suites

Front view of Keystone Boardwalk Inn in Keystone, South Dakota, featuring a tan lodge-style building with a red roof, white trim, wraparound balconies, and American flags by the entrance.

The Keystone Boardwalk Inn and Suites in Keystone, South Dakota, is an excellent option for visitors to Mount Rushmore. It is located on Keystone’s historic boardwalk in the heart of Keystone and is just a short drive from Mount Rushmore and within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Guests enjoy its clean, comfortable rooms and friendly service, with many noting the value for money. Its welcoming atmosphere makes it a great choice for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

There is no breakfast or food available at the inn, but there are many restaurants and shops as soon as you walk outside of the Inn. There is also no pool at this hotel and the lack of facilities is the reason it gets a lower score than other budget hotels in the town.

Learn more about Keystone Boardwalk Inn

Ramada Inn Keystone SD

The Ramada Inn in Keystone, South Dakota, is a smart choice for visitors to Mount Rushmore, offering modern amenities and a convenient location with it being located in the center of Keystone and close to many shops and restaurants.

The hotel does not have a complimentary breakfast, but there is an onsite restaurant where you can decide to pay for breakfast if you want it. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool and hot tub available for guests to use too until 10pm.

The main reason for the lower scores of reviews is the fact that breakfast is not included, but it does have a swimming pool and this is a budget option and it does rate well for cleanliness.

Learn more about Ramada Inn

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