Under Canvas Mount Rushmore

Under Canvas Mount Rushmore offers a unique "glamping" experience, blending the adventure of the outdoors with upscale comforts, earning it recognition as a Michelin Key Selected property and a "World's Best Hotel" by Travel + Leisure.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Under Canvas Mount Rushmore is highly positive, with guests frequently praising its unique glamping concept and serene atmosphere. It boasts an "Excellent" rating with a score of 8.8 based on 110 reviews, highlighting strong satisfaction with location, cleanliness, comfort, and staff. Many consider it a memorable and enjoyable "rustic stay" or "perfect Rushmore Accommodation."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several key aspects of Under Canvas Mount Rushmore:

• Location & Views: The camp offers stunning, unobstructed views of Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the surrounding Black Hills, with some tents and the main deck providing direct sightlines.
• Unique Glamping Experience: The safari-style tents provide a luxurious camping adventure, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort.
• Complimentary S'mores & Campfires: Nightly campfires with complimentary s'mores are a major hit, fostering a communal and enjoyable evening experience.
• Friendly & Helpful Staff: The staff is frequently described as helpful, friendly, kind, and accommodating, often going above and beyond for guests.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite being a campground, many guests find the atmosphere peaceful and relaxing.

3. Room Quality

The accommodations at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore consist of luxury, safari-style tents.

• Comfort & Design: Tents feature plush king-size beds with luxurious linens, creating a very comfortable sleeping experience. The design is safari-inspired, providing a rustic yet upscale feel.
• Amenities: Deluxe, Stargazer, and Suite tents include private bathrooms with hot showers (pull-chain), sinks, and low-flow toilets, along with organic bath products. Wood-burning stoves are provided for warmth, and tents also have USB battery packs and battery-powered fans. Some tents, like the Stargazer, feature a star-viewing window above the bed. Suite tents offer a lounge area with a queen sofa bed, making them suitable for families.
• Lack of Electricity/Wi-Fi: It's important to note that there is generally no electricity in the individual tents, a key aspect of the "disconnecting" glamping experience. While Wi-Fi is good in common areas, it's typically absent in the tents.

4. Dining Experience

The on-site restaurant, Embers, serves as a communal hub for dining.

• Breakfast: A la carte breakfast is served daily in the main lobby dining area, offering a range of options from breakfast sandwiches and tacos to classic American hash, French toast, and granola bowls, accompanied by coffee and teas. Some guests describe breakfast as a highlight, with delicious options.
• Dinner: Embers offers café-style dinner with a menu that includes salads, charcuterie, fresh trout, burgers, and locally sourced dishes. Dining can be enjoyed al fresco with views of Mount Rushmore.
• Grab-and-Go: For those heading out on adventures, grab-and-go lunch options like sandwiches, salads, and snacks are available for purchase.
• Quality & Price: Food is generally described as tasty, fresh, and well-prepared. However, some guests have found the food, particularly dinner items and alcoholic beverages, to be expensive.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently highlights the excellent service and hospitality provided by the staff. Reviewers frequently mention staff being:

• Helpful and Friendly: Guests appreciate the helpfulness, friendliness, and kindness of the staff.
• Accommodating: Staff members are noted for being accommodating to special requests and going above and beyond.
• Professional: The overall impression is one of professional and customer-focused service.

6. Location & Accessibility

Under Canvas Mount Rushmore is strategically located for exploring the Black Hills.

• Proximity to Attractions: It is situated on an original gold mining settlement, less than 4 miles (about a 10-minute drive) from Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Other nearby attractions include Rushmore Tramway Adventures, the National Presidential Wax Museum, Custer State Park (around a 20-minute drive), Crazy Horse Memorial, and Badlands National Park (an hour's drive).
• Natural Setting: The camp is tucked within Ponderosa pines and common juniper, offering a serene natural environment. There are on-site hiking trails.
• Transport: While housing for staff can be in Keystone or Rapid City, guests are recommended to have their own transportation for exploring the area. Free parking is available on-site.

7. Value & Pricing

Under Canvas Mount Rushmore offers an "affordable luxury" experience, though pricing is higher than a standard hotel.

• Price Range: Average room prices are around $228, compared to the city average of $166, suggesting a premium for the glamping experience. Specific tent types can range from approximately $231 to over $500 per night.
• Inclusions: Rates typically include access to yoga classes, indoor and outdoor games, stargazing, unlimited nightly s'mores, and complimentary coffee and tea. Breakfast is often available for an additional charge ($10-$20).
• Worth the Cost: Many guests feel it offers exceptional value for money given the unique experience and amenities, while others find the cost, particularly for food and beverages, to be on the higher side.

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly rated, some recurring issues and criticisms include:

• Noise: Some guests have noted that tents can be closer together than expected, leading to noise disturbances from neighboring tents or the main dining/lobby area.
• Wood-burning Stoves: While a cozy amenity, some guests reported issues with wood-burning stoves leaking smoke into the tent or not being sufficient to keep the tent warm on very cold nights.
• Lack of In-Tent Power: The absence of electrical outlets in tents for charging devices (besides provided battery banks) is a recurring point of feedback, especially for those reliant on medical devices like CPAPs.
• Food Pricing: As mentioned, some guests found the on-site food and alcoholic beverages to be expensive.
• Gravel Paths: Poorly maintained or treacherous gravel walking paths after dark have been mentioned.
• Helicopter Noise: Occasional helicopter noise has been reported by some guests.
• No Picnic Tables: A minor complaint from some "campers" was the lack of picnic tables at individual sites, encouraging spending at the on-site cafe.

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