About Horsethief Lake Campground
Number of accommodations: 22
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
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22 Sites Available
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Reviews (217)
What Guests Are Saying
Horsethief Lake Campground is a charming and well-maintained site near Mount Rushmore, praised for its clean facilities, beautiful lake views, and helpful camp host. Campers enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, hiking trails, and the opportunity to see wildlife, making it a favorite spot in the Black Hills. While some sites may be close together and noise from other campers can be an issue, the overall experience remains positive with many expressing a desire to return.
What Guests Are Saying
Horsethief Lake Campground is a charming and well-maintained site near Mount Rushmore, praised for its clean facilities, beautiful lake views, and helpful camp host. Campers enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, hiking trails, and the opportunity to see wildlife, making it a favorite spot in the Black Hills. While some sites may be close together and noise from other campers can be an issue, the overall experience remains positive with many expressing a desire to return.
Review Summary
Adam l
VerifiedJanuary 22, 2020 • Stayed at: 026, Loop: LKSD
I loved this campground! Amazing view of the lake and really close to the monument. I hope to get back sometime next summer to relax by the lake and to see more of the wildlife.
Hugo V
VerifiedJanuary 20, 2020 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: HORS
The ranger was awesome in putting all the group into the right areas, and we were lucky and hit perfect weather! Great trip!
Bart M
VerifiedJanuary 19, 2020 • Stayed at: 023, Loop: LKSD
Gorgeous view of the black hills and nice walking path around the pond.
Michael M
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: LKSD
We arrived later in the day and the camp host was not there. We proceeded to setup and then I went back to check in and they were still out. We had a rude knock on the camper door at 7am and the camp host outside saying with a raised voice "Camp Host, would you please come out" I think he can keep a little bit better hours for waking people up. We made 2 attempts at normal check in times without him being there. Given this is late in the season, and earlier that year we had a great time.
Barry B
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: HORS
Very clean beautiful area! Very close to Mt,Rushmore and Crazy Horse.
Robert L
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: HORS
Very scenic, clean, camp host was friendly and helpful
jacques g
VerifiedJanuary 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.
Natalya O
VerifiedJanuary 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.
Hank T
VerifiedJanuary 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! :) )
jon d
VerifiedJanuary 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.
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 43.8951 / -103.484
Elevation: 1509 feet
