Black Hills Blast:
Our Big-Rig RV Adventure
at Mount Rushmore

Getting the big rig into the KOA took some care. With our 45-foot fifth wheel, the entrance roads and sites felt fairly tight and close together, but we managed it without real trouble. The staff was helpful with directions and a quick escort to our pull-through site. The location is excellent—right in the Black Hills National Forest, about five miles from the monument. We had full hookups, clean facilities, and a good camp store. The kids quickly made the ice cream counter a daily stop.

If you're bringing a large RV like ours, here's what we learned: request a site that's easier to maneuver into and confirm pull-through availability when booking. Sites can be close together and some are unlevel or sloped—bring good leveling blocks and take it slow on the turns. We used Starlink and had great service the entire time. Water pressure and park Wi-Fi can still be spotty, so having a reliable backup made a big difference.

The KOA kept everyone busy. Chance and Kaitlyn hit nearly every activity in the Fun Zone: the two heated pools and waterslide, the jumping pillow, the 26-foot climbing wall, and nine holes of mini-golf at the Kowboy Kountry Club. They played games like GaGa ball and corn hole, watched outdoor movies, and tried panning for gold. We also saddled up for a horseback ride at Palmer Gulch Stables. It was a peaceful change of pace, winding through the pine-covered trails with great views of the hills. Joanne and I enjoyed the relaxed pace while the kids wore themselves out. It was exactly the kind of easy family time we were hoping for.

A real highlight was renting a four-seater side-by-side UTV from Mystic Gulch Rentals on site. We followed the trails into the Black Hills, bouncing over forest roads and taking in the scenery. The kids loved it, and it gave us a different way to experience the area—dusty, fun, and worth every minute.

Mount Rushmore itself was impressive. The short drive from the campground puts you right there, and the 60-foot faces carved into the granite are striking up close. We walked the Presidential Trail, checked out the visitor center and the story of Gutzon Borglum's work with the crew in the late 1920s and early '30s. I'll be honest—up close it looked a bit smaller than I had pictured in my head after seeing so many photos over the years. Even so, it was still breathtaking and well worth the visit. The Avenue of Flags, the evening lighting ceremony, and the overall setting made it memorable.

Here's our pro tip: Arrive early (before 9 a.m.) or later in the day to avoid peak crowds and parking hassles. The $10 parking fee is good for a full year—hang onto your ticket. Walk the Presidential Trail starting from the Washington side for an easier route with kids. Catch the evening lighting ceremony if you can—it's worth it. Grab Junior Ranger booklets for the kids at the visitor center.

One day we took a drive north to Deadwood, the old gold rush town. We walked the historic Main Street with its preserved buildings and Wild West vibe, visited the Adams Museum to learn about the mining days, and stopped by Mount Moriah Cemetery where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried. The kids got a kick out of the old-time feel and hearing the stories of outlaws and prospectors. It made for a good change of pace from the campground and monument area.

Deadwood is about a 45-minute drive north—plan 3–5 hours there. Park once and walk Main Street. The Adams Museum and cemetery are highlights for history without feeling too rushed. It can feel touristy, so focus on the free or low-cost spots like walking tours and plaques. Avoid peak summer weekends if you want it quieter.

The trip came together nicely. The KOA gave us plenty to do with the kids, easy access to the monument, and a comfortable base in a beautiful area. For anyone heading to Mount Rushmore with a larger RV, Palmer Gulch worked well for us despite the tighter sites. We came home with strong memories and a bunch of good photos. It was a trip we'd happily repeat.

If you're planning a similar adventure to the Black Hills, book early, bring patience for the tight RV sites, and plan for at least 5–7 days to really soak in the area. Mount Rushmore is the headline, but the KOA, Deadwood, and the Black Hills themselves are the real story. Your family will thank you.