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Black Hills Hotels - South Dakota landscape near Mount Rushmore
Independent Black Hills Hotel Guide

Black Hills Hotels: Find the Best Place to Stay (2026 Guide)

Compare top-rated Black Hills stays near Mount Rushmore, in Rapid City, Deadwood, Custer State Park, and more. Prices from $59/night.

Updated: August 17, 2026

Not sure which town? Start with the stay planner

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.

Quick Answer: Where should you stay in the Black Hills?

Base yourself in one of the hub towns depending on your trip. Rapid City is the gateway with the widest hotel selection in every price range, from $59/night. Stay in Keystone or near Mount Rushmore for the closest access to the memorial, about 23 miles from Rapid City. Hill City is the most central base. Custer State Park suits nature and wildlife, and Deadwood offers historic casino resorts. If you are still choosing, use the stay planner. Seeing both Mount Rushmore and the Badlands? Read where to stay for Mount Rushmore and the Badlands.

Planning a Deadwood stay? Check parking, resort fees, and booking timing before reserving.

Visiting Crazy Horse? Compare hotels near Crazy Horse Memorial in Custer and Hill City before choosing your base.

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Top-Rated Black Hills Tours

Highly rated guided tours in the Black Hills, bookable through Viator.

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We earn a commission on Viator bookings, at no extra cost to you. Check dates and final prices on Viator. Tour information collected May 15, 2026; not live availability.

Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony

Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony

Confirm group format · 6h

Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (38 reviews)

Route and experience details

Experience the scenery of the Black Hills on this 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, in 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 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.

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From USD 760

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Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides

Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides

Confirm group format · 3h

Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (38 reviews)

Route and experience details

Western Horizons Hot Air Balloons offers 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.

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From USD 395

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Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Tour

Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Tour

Confirm group format · 9h

Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Route and experience details

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.

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From USD 312

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Bike Adventure on the Mickelson Trail - Private

Bike Adventure on the Mickelson Trail - Private

Private tour · 24h

Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (31 reviews)

Route and experience details

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.

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From USD 375

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Badlands National Park - Sunset and Stargazing (Private)

Badlands National Park - Sunset and Stargazing (Private)

Private tour · 7h

Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (26 reviews)

Route and experience details

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.

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From USD 850

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Private Tour of the Badlands with Local Experts

Private Tour of the Badlands with Local Experts

Private tour · 9h

Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (25 reviews)

Route and experience details

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.

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From USD 425

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Spirit of the West: Devils Tower and Spearfish Canyon

Spirit of the West: Devils Tower and Spearfish Canyon

Confirm group format · 10h

Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (21 reviews)

Route and experience details

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.

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From USD 748

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Badlands National Park by Bicycle - Private

Badlands National Park by Bicycle - Private

Private tour · 7h

Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (18 reviews)

Route and experience details

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 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.

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From USD 375

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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 the most central location, 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 and read reviews to find the right hotel for your Black Hills trip, from Rapid City to Mount Rushmore.