AttractionKeystone, SDMount Rushmore National Memorial
Mount Rushmore National Memorial Entry Rules: Bags and Items
Checked Source: Mount Rushmore safety page (nps.gov, opens in a new tab), Mount Rushmore filming and photography page (nps.gov, opens in a new tab)Verified by BC
Short answer
Mount Rushmore prohibits food and beverages in the Information Center, Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, Sculptor's Studio and Gift Shop, and bans drones, open fires, hunting and climbing the mountain. Smoking is allowed only from the parking area to the entrance columns. Hand-carried photography by up to eight people needs no permit in most cases.
Every rule at Mount Rushmore National Memorial
An item that is not listed is not mentioned in the official pages we checked. Each row links to the page its rule came from.
Bag policy in detail
The pages do not mention bag size, backpacks and purses.
Food and drink
Food and beverages are prohibited in the Information Center, Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, Sculptor's Studio and Gift Shop. The page states no rule for outdoor areas. The pages do not mention water bottles and coolers.
Cameras and electronics
Filming, still photography and audio recording that involves eight or fewer people generally needs no permit if it uses hand-carried equipment, does not need exclusive use of a site and does not disrupt others. Launching, landing or operating unmanned or remote controlled aircraft in the memorial is prohibited. The pages do not mention camera lenses, tripods, laptops, tablets and power banks.
Strollers and family items
The pages do not mention strollers and a medical bag process.
Umbrellas, blankets and comfort items
The pages do not mention umbrellas, blankets and seat cushions.
Signs, flags and fan items
The pages do not mention signs, flags and binoculars.
Medical needs and accessibility
The pages describe no separate medical bag process, so ask the venue before the event if you need to bring medical items.
Security screening and arrival
The safety page describes no bag screening. It asks visitors to report suspicious activity by text or by calling 911.
Bag storage and lockers
The pages describe no bag or locker storage.
Memorial visits
The safety page also bans climbing Mount Rushmore, open fires and hunting, and visitors must stay on established trails and hard surfaces.
Prohibited items
From the official entry page. Staff can also refuse anything they decide could affect safety.
- Drones
- Food and beverages in the visitor buildings
- Drones
- Open fires and hunting
- Climbing Mount Rushmore
- Picking up rocks, collecting plants or feeding wildlife
- Smoking beyond the entrance columns
Questions about Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Not into the Information Center, Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, Sculptor's Studio or Gift Shop. The safety page states no rule for outdoor areas, so other food rules show as not stated.
No. Launching, landing or operating unmanned or remote controlled aircraft within the memorial is prohibited.
Only from the parking area up to the entrance columns. Smoking is not allowed beyond that point.
The pages this site read state no bag size or screening rule, so bags show as not stated. Check the National Park Service page before you go.
Sources
- Safety - Mount Rushmore National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service) (opens in a new tab)
nps.gov, read
- Filming and Photography - Mount Rushmore National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service) (opens in a new tab)
nps.gov, read
Checked on October 5, 2026 against the sources above. Venues can change rules without notice, and rules can differ by event. Confirm with the venue for your date. Next review: October 19, 2026.
Change log
First check: 21 rules read against the National Park Service safety page and filming and photography page for Mount Rushmore. The pages describe no bag screening.
See something wrong? Report a wrong rule or read how we verify.
Not affiliated with Mount Rushmore National Memorial or its operators.