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516 reviews
Horsethief Lake Campground offers a beautiful and peaceful setting, with clean facilities and friendly hosts, making it an excellent choice for camping near attractions like Mount Rushmore. Guests appreciate the proximity to nature trails, a lovely lake, and the surrounding Black Hills. Although some campers noted issues like lack of potable water and occasional noise from nearby highways or helicopter tours, the overall experience remains highly positive, with many expressing a desire to return.
Based on guest feedback
4.5
Based on 516 reviews
Showing 516 reviews
August 5, 2021 Stayed at: 009, Loop: HORS
This is the second time I stayed at her safe campground. Both times the old house smelled so bad and this time I actually gagged twice from the smell. Please try to improve upon this as it is unbearable
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August 5, 2021 Stayed at: 009, Loop: HORS
This is the second time I stayed at her safe campground. Both times the old house smelled so bad and this time I actually gagged twice from the smell. Please try to improve upon this as it is unbearable
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August 10, 2021 Stayed at: 024, Loop: LKSD
Loved camping here. We had site 25 by the lake and it was spacious and relaxing!
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August 10, 2021 Stayed at: 024, Loop: LKSD
Loved camping here. We had site 25 by the lake and it was spacious and relaxing!
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August 16, 2021 Stayed at: 029, Loop: WALK
We enjoyed our stay in this campground, the campsite was super clean, big, a little close to the next one but not bad, the pit toilets where not very clean and didn’t had hand sanitizer.
The lake was a few steps away, the camp host was nice, and you can get ice and wood there.
The closest place with Verizon coverage was Mt Rushmore and Keystone.
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August 16, 2021 Stayed at: 029, Loop: WALK
We enjoyed our stay in this campground, the campsite was super clean, big, a little close to the next one but not bad, the pit toilets where not very clean and didn’t had hand sanitizer.
The lake was a few steps away, the camp host was nice, and you can get ice and wood there.
The closest place with Verizon coverage was Mt Rushmore and Keystone.
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August 17, 2021 Stayed at: 032, Loop: WALK
The campground is loud, compared to the many I’ve stayed at.
My bloodhound, I was told by the hosts that she was not allowed to bark although many other dogs barked throughout the day and night. Along with very loud folks and kids screaming. She is a very good camper and I feel she was singled out due to her size and breed.
The campground is beautiful. Very clean, but if you’re looking for quiet I would not recommend this one. I had a negative and not friendly experience and will not return to this particular campground.
Campground is close to trailheads which was nice and just a hop skip and a jump to Mt. Rushmore.
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August 17, 2021 Stayed at: 032, Loop: WALK
The campground is loud, compared to the many I’ve stayed at.
My bloodhound, I was told by the hosts that she was not allowed to bark although many other dogs barked throughout the day and night. Along with very loud folks and kids screaming. She is a very good camper and I feel she was singled out due to her size and breed.
The campground is beautiful. Very clean, but if you’re looking for quiet I would not recommend this one. I had a negative and not friendly experience and will not return to this particular campground.
Campground is close to trailheads which was nice and just a hop skip and a jump to Mt. Rushmore.
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August 28, 2021 Stayed at: 007, Loop: HORS
Beautiful location. Helpful camp hosts.
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August 28, 2021 Stayed at: 007, Loop: HORS
Beautiful location. Helpful camp hosts.
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Forest Recreation Management, Inc, Hill City, SD 57745 United States
Elevation: 1,509 ft
From Hill City, take U.S. Rt. 16/385 south 3 mi to State Rt. 244. Turn left onto Rt. 244. Travel 5.9 mi to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.
Horsethief Lake Campground is accessible via U.S. Route 16/385 and State Route 244, with the closest major road being U.S. Route 16/385 located about 3 miles north in Hill City.
Last updated: October 24, 2026
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Population: 834
Nearby city: Rapid City, SD
Approx. 18 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 4,980 ft
Hill City, SD
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