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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
January 11, 2020 Stayed at: 032, Loop: WALK
Horse thief lake campground was excellent. The sunrise over the lake was beautiful. The couple caretaking the camp where very informative and helpful. We will definitely stay there again!
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January 11, 2020 Stayed at: 008, Loop: HORS
Campground was great. Back in spot was perfect for our 26' airstream. Camp hosts were helpful, especially on the morning we were pulling out and the truck battery was dead. Camp host came over and gave us a jump to get us on our way.
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January 11, 2020 Stayed at: 032, Loop: WALK
Horse thief lake campground was excellent. The sunrise over the lake was beautiful. The couple caretaking the camp where very informative and helpful. We will definitely stay there again!
Helpful
January 11, 2020 Stayed at: 008, Loop: HORS
Campground was great. Back in spot was perfect for our 26' airstream. Camp hosts were helpful, especially on the morning we were pulling out and the truck battery was dead. Camp host came over and gave us a jump to get us on our way.
Helpful
January 13, 2020 Stayed at: 014, Loop: HORS
Great location, camp hosts were wonderful, kept the grounds super clean. They have plenty of wood and one of the only places to buy block ice, which is awesome. Already planning on another visit next June.
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January 13, 2020 Stayed at: 014, Loop: HORS
Great location, camp hosts were wonderful, kept the grounds super clean. They have plenty of wood and one of the only places to buy block ice, which is awesome. Already planning on another visit next June.
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January 14, 2020 Stayed at: 031, Loop: WALK
I am loath to write any review that causes my ability to reserve a campsite at Horse Thief Lake Forest campground be impeded. Because if I told the truth and gave it the reviews it deserves, my chances of getting a campsite every year decrease...and that would make me sad. This place rocks. That's all I will say, because if I start telling you how much this place is the best place in the Black Hills, I won't be able to stop myself. STAY AWAY!!! (so I can keep staying here! :) )
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January 14, 2020 Stayed at: 031, Loop: WALK
I am loath to write any review that causes my ability to reserve a campsite at Horse Thief Lake Forest campground be impeded. Because if I told the truth and gave it the reviews it deserves, my chances of getting a campsite every year decrease...and that would make me sad. This place rocks. That's all I will say, because if I start telling you how much this place is the best place in the Black Hills, I won't be able to stop myself. STAY AWAY!!! (so I can keep staying here! :) )
Helpful
January 15, 2020 Stayed at: 016, Loop: LKSD
We stayed at the camp in August on our way to Yellowstone. The camp was beautiful and very close to Mount Rushmore. We enjoyed early morning hike around the lake. It was very peaceful and views of the lake and mountains were gorgeous. Our site 16 was leveled and had a lake view. Amenities (bathrooms) could have been better. Overall, I would stay their again.
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January 15, 2020 Stayed at: 030, Loop: WALK
Really nice place, except for the campground host who gave us a kind of glacial reception. No smile or kind word. All business.
So 4* instead of 5.
No shower or hot water around.
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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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