About Horsethief Lake Campground
Number of accommodations: 22
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
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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
Ty R
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 029, Loop: WALK
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.
Ty R
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 029, Loop: WALK
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.
Deanna W
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: HORS
Small, peaceful, primitive campground. Centrally located.
Deanna W
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: HORS
Small, peaceful, primitive campground. Centrally located.
Teresa P
VerifiedSeptember 21, 2022 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: HORS
We unfortunately did not allow time to walk around the lake but looked like a nice trail
Teresa P
VerifiedSeptember 21, 2022 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: HORS
We unfortunately did not allow time to walk around the lake but looked like a nice trail
Pamela B
VerifiedSeptember 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 024, Loop: LKSD
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!
Pamela B
VerifiedSeptember 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 024, Loop: LKSD
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!
Randy C
VerifiedAugust 18, 2022 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: HORS
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.
Randy C
VerifiedAugust 18, 2022 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: HORS
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.
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
