About Horsethief Lake Campground
Number of accommodations: 22
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Rates, Sites & Availability
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22 Sites Available
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Reviews (434)
What Guests Are Saying
Horsethief Lake Campground is a small, clean, and peaceful site located near Mount Rushmore with beautiful lake views and trails. Campers appreciate the friendly and helpful camp host, Tina, who enhances the overall experience. While some sites may lack leveling and vault toilets can be a bit smelly, the campground’s serene atmosphere and convenient location make it a favorite among visitors.
What Guests Are Saying
Horsethief Lake Campground is a small, clean, and peaceful site located near Mount Rushmore with beautiful lake views and trails. Campers appreciate the friendly and helpful camp host, Tina, who enhances the overall experience. While some sites may lack leveling and vault toilets can be a bit smelly, the campground’s serene atmosphere and convenient location make it a favorite among visitors.
Review Summary
Jeff S
VerifiedJune 17, 2023 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: LKSD
The campground setting is beautiful, the campsites were clean, and the host was absolutely wonderful.
Justin B
VerifiedJune 17, 2023 • Stayed at: 032, Loop: WALK
This is a beautiful and clean campground. The lake is beautiful and there is access to wilderness hiking trails and great fishing.
Kathy W
VerifiedJune 15, 2023 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: HORS
This is the second time I have visited Horsethief Lake. It is a beautiful campground and I really the campground despite it not having a bathroom with a sink or shower. (I gave a lower rating this trip because the vault toilets smelled very bad.) I like that it is on the back side of Mt. Rushmore and that it is just a short drive to Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer SP, and other locations. (Definitely visit the Purple Pie Place while in Custer!) We even saw a Mountain Goat on the highway a couple of miles from camp. We camped on the first loop and it was just a short walk down to the lake. Unfortunately, there was a couple of severe thunderstorms while we were there and we ended up leaving 2 days early along with most of the other tent campers in our loop.
Kathy W
VerifiedJune 15, 2023 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: HORS
This is the second time I have visited Horsethief Lake. It is a beautiful campground and I really the campground despite it not having a bathroom with a sink or shower. (I gave a lower rating this trip because the vault toilets smelled very bad.) I like that it is on the back side of Mt. Rushmore and that it is just a short drive to Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer SP, and other locations. (Definitely visit the Purple Pie Place while in Custer!) We even saw a Mountain Goat on the highway a couple of miles from camp. We camped on the first loop and it was just a short walk down to the lake. Unfortunately, there was a couple of severe thunderstorms while we were there and we ended up leaving 2 days early along with most of the other tent campers in our loop.
Calvin M
VerifiedJune 14, 2023 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: HORS
Great place to camp! Loved the lake and how close it is to the national monument, . We will stay here for years to come
Calvin M
VerifiedJune 14, 2023 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: HORS
Great place to camp! Loved the lake and how close it is to the national monument, . We will stay here for years to come
Marcia G
VerifiedJune 8, 2023 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: HORS
Perfect location to see everything in the Black Hills. Campground was very pretty, bathrooms were clean and the camp host was very nice and helpful. All sites have cement pad which was wonderful and helped keep the camper clean. A bonus was being able to take the dog to the lake for some exercise.
Marcia G
VerifiedJune 8, 2023 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: HORS
Perfect location to see everything in the Black Hills. Campground was very pretty, bathrooms were clean and the camp host was very nice and helpful. All sites have cement pad which was wonderful and helped keep the camper clean. A bonus was being able to take the dog to the lake for some exercise.
Justin W
VerifiedJune 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 023, Loop: LKSD
Very peaceful and secluded site (trail nearby only busy during day). No ATT service. 5-10 min from Mt Rushmore
Justin W
VerifiedJune 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 023, Loop: LKSD
Very peaceful and secluded site (trail nearby only busy during day). No ATT service. 5-10 min from Mt Rushmore
Location Horsethief Lake Campground
Address:
Forest Recreation Management, Inc
Hill City, SD, 57745
United States
From Hill City, take U.S. Rt. 16/385 south 3 miles to State Rt. 244. Turn left onto Rt. 244. Travel 5.9 miles 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.
Latitude & Longitude: 43.8951 / -103.484
Elevation: 1509 feet
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Last updated: June 5, 2026
