Horsethief Lake Campground

The campsites were very nice, no excess trash or issues like that. Although it would have been nice if it was clearer on the website that the bathrooms were just a whole in the ground and that there weren’t showers. Also the park attendant was honestly the exact opposite of hospitable. He was condescending when we were checking in. Made us feel like we wouldn’t have enough parking even though we had paid for two campsites to ensure we would get 4 vehicles worth of parking (there were 6 of us in 3 cars). And the second day we were there and we returned from being out during the day we drove past the camp entrance and he chased us down to yell at us for coming in the “wrong way” past the front entrance even though the car in front of us did the same thing and to yell at us for driving too fast even though we were driving the posted 10 miles per hour.

Small, peaceful, primitive campground. Centrally located.

We unfortunately did not allow time to walk around the lake but looked like a nice trail

Absolutely loved our tent campsite! Beautiful views and easy access to get our kayaks in and out of the lake. Nice boardwalk around part of lake for scenic walks. Our campground host was very kind and helpful. Campground is in good central location for traveling to see other areas of the hills. Only wish we could have stayed longer!! Highly recommend!

The hosts were great. It was nice to be so close to Mt Rushmore national monument. The bonus was having your own little beach on Horse Thief lake.

Campground is beautiful and quiet. The adjacent lake is great for swimming and fishing. Hosts were terrific, offering firewood, ice, and misc. items for sale. Definitely would return.

Great campground, walk to the lake , swim fish boat.
it is pit toilets and no running water so be aware.

Quiet campground. The lake was lovely to swim and fish

Great location to be able to visit Rushmore during the day and again in the evening the same day. Also was able to drive to Windcave NP via 16A through Custer State Park. Then back up on the Needles Hwy.

A great little campground if you are going to Mt. Rushmore. It is only a 3 min drive. You are also close to a couple of cute towns. Everything that surrounds Rushmore is pretty tourist trapish, but Rushmore itself is fantastic. Definitely go see the evening program if you visit.

The campground has pit toilets only, which are pretty clean. Fresh water is available near the pit toilets. Ice and firewood is available to purchase at the camp host.

The lake is small and very fun for everyone. Kids and Dogs especially.

The sites are spaced out well with lots of shade and most have nice tent pads. Some trailer sites are awkward, the front of your trailer may face what seems backward but this seems like a one or two-day camping spot so it's no big deal.

Fires were allowed when we were there which is nice.

I would definitely stay there again.