Under Canvas Mount Rushmore

Just returned from a two night stay at Under Canvas Mt. Rushmore and had a fabulous time. The location is quiet, wooded, private and very close to Mt. Rushmore. You can see the heads from the deck while enjoying a glass of wine. And it is very convenient to Crazy Horse and Custer State Park. We enjoyed the spacious tents (ready to drop your things and go). The bed and bedding were good. Be sure to request a hot water bottle for added warmth/comfort on cold nights. They provide golf carts to tote luggage (and you, if needed) to your tent. The bathroom in your tent is a must. Flushing toilet, sink and hot shower. Water got hot quickly. You do have to hold the chain but it is camping after all.
The best things overall were the service and food. Friendly, helpful, quick checkin and transfer to our tent. Brought more matches promptly when we called. We had dinner twice and breakfast once and all were unexpectedly excellent. The ingredients were very fresh and entrees prepared very well. Not just your ordinary burger or breakfast sandwich! In fact, we enjoyed meals here over other stops during our trip.
We also really enjoyed the live music on Friday evening. Added touch that was a great close to a busy day out and about.

This is not glamping, nor is it camping—it’s just an expensive tent with very little comfort. While the tents were clean and nicely set up, they lacked the amenities you’d expect for the price. There was no comfortable seating—just worn-out chairs inside and stiff deck chairs on the porch. No power, no "in tent" coffee, no small comforts that make “glamping” worth it. You can also hear your neighbors talking, zipping tents, and other busy campground sounds all night.

The food was disappointing. $40 entrées served in paper bowls, clearly reheated and not fresh despite what’s advertised online. Ordering is at the counter—like a cafeteria, not a “premium dining experience.” On top of that, items were “out” or simply unavailable, and staff made little effort to find alternatives.

The location is beautiful. During our visit in September, it was clear the staff were burnt out and just counting down the days until closing. A bartender sighed when asked for a drink, and when I asked for decaf coffee in the evening to enjoy the observation deck, " we are out" the server said, along with the comment, “20 more days and I can finally get out of here.” The next morning, decaf coffee sitting out, so apparently they were not out, just did not feel like going and getting it out of the back for guests. Hardly the warm hospitality they promote.

While I understand stays are prepaid, I now suspect it’s because many people have similar experiences. We were so unhappy we actually checked out a day early. When I asked if they’d consider a partial or full refund, the front desk girl just gave me a blank stare and said, “Yes, you can check out early, sorry you didn’t like it.” That was the extent of their customer care.

The idea is great, and the setting is gorgeous, but the reality is frustrating. If you come, be prepared for camping in a nice tent with a lantern—not glamping with any level of service or comfort. Definitely not worth what you pay, and I wouldn’t return.

We absolutely LOVED our stay at Under Canvas Mt Rushmore. From the moment we arrived the staff was friendly and helpful. Our tent (suite) was so comfortable and clean. The view was amazing. The food was very good, however quite expensive. There are however other options in the Keystone area. We will absolutely go to Under Canvas again, next year we're considering Acacia.
There are a variety of excursions you can take during your stay. We loved the jeep tour through Custer State Park and the chuckwagon dinner. It was a very fun evening. If you're looking for a fun camping experience then I highly recommend Under Canvas

We really enjoyed our stay at Mt Rushmore Under the Canvas. The stay was awesome and went above and beyond. We were late arriving and they took our dinner order and had the meal waiting on us. It was so nice. All the check in staff was so pleasant. Also, I left an item in the tent and the staff immediately retrieved it and kept it for me until I could get back to pick it up. They were the best and so accommodating.

Our first time experiencing Under Canvas Keystone, SD/Mount Rushmore was an incredible experience. We stayed in a family tent for three nights. The accommodations were incredibly clean, comfortable, and nicely appointed. The bathroom was also an added bonus and very clean and convenient. They've really thought of everything with these tents -- a wood stove for heat which will completely heat the space overnight, a water heater, shower -- that makes it a great place to stay in and experience the wilderness around it. The location is ideal, close to all of the national parks and sites. The dining options and food are also phenomenal. Menus are eclectic and offer something for everyone. Pricing is incredibly reasonable. Staff is a key ingredient to their success as well. Everyone is extremely accommodating, greeting you with a smile and always offering information or help with whatever it is you need. They have all experienced so much in the surrounding areas, as well, that they offer excellent insight for hiking, sightseeing, and points of interest that are definitely worth experiencing. Overall a huge two thumbs up and five stars for Under Canvas!