About Horsethief Lake Campground
Number of accommodations: 22
Seasonal information
2026 Season 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
Norman D
VerifiedAugust 11, 2022 • Stayed at: 032, Loop: WALK
Campground is beautiful and quiet. The adjacent lake is great for swimming and fishing. Hosts were terrific, offering firewood, ice, and misc. items for sale. Definitely would return.
Norman D
VerifiedAugust 11, 2022 • Stayed at: 032, Loop: WALK
Campground is beautiful and quiet. The adjacent lake is great for swimming and fishing. Hosts were terrific, offering firewood, ice, and misc. items for sale. Definitely would return.
Michael C
VerifiedAugust 10, 2022 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: HORS
Great campground, walk to the lake , swim fish boat.
it is pit toilets and no running water so be aware.
Michael C
VerifiedAugust 10, 2022 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: HORS
Great campground, walk to the lake , swim fish boat.
it is pit toilets and no running water so be aware.
Karen L
VerifiedAugust 9, 2022 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: HORS
Quiet campground. The lake was lovely to swim and fish
Karen L
VerifiedAugust 9, 2022 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: HORS
Quiet campground. The lake was lovely to swim and fish
Brad M
VerifiedJuly 27, 2022 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: LKSD
Great location to be able to visit Rushmore during the day and again in the evening the same day. Also was able to drive to Windcave NP via 16A through Custer State Park. Then back up on the Needles Hwy.
Brad M
VerifiedJuly 27, 2022 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: LKSD
Great location to be able to visit Rushmore during the day and again in the evening the same day. Also was able to drive to Windcave NP via 16A through Custer State Park. Then back up on the Needles Hwy.
Nicole B
VerifiedJuly 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: HORS
A great little campground if you are going to Mt. Rushmore. It is only a 3 min drive. You are also close to a couple of cute towns. Everything that surrounds Rushmore is pretty tourist trapish, but Rushmore itself is fantastic. Definitely go see the evening program if you visit.
The campground has pit toilets only, which are pretty clean. Fresh water is available near the pit toilets. Ice and firewood is available to purchase at the camp host.
The lake is small and very fun for everyone. Kids and Dogs especially.
The sites are spaced out well with lots of shade and most have nice tent pads. Some trailer sites are awkward, the front of your trailer may face what seems backward but this seems like a one or two-day camping spot so it's no big deal.
Fires were allowed when we were there which is nice.
I would definitely stay there again.
Nicole B
VerifiedJuly 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: HORS
A great little campground if you are going to Mt. Rushmore. It is only a 3 min drive. You are also close to a couple of cute towns. Everything that surrounds Rushmore is pretty tourist trapish, but Rushmore itself is fantastic. Definitely go see the evening program if you visit.
The campground has pit toilets only, which are pretty clean. Fresh water is available near the pit toilets. Ice and firewood is available to purchase at the camp host.
The lake is small and very fun for everyone. Kids and Dogs especially.
The sites are spaced out well with lots of shade and most have nice tent pads. Some trailer sites are awkward, the front of your trailer may face what seems backward but this seems like a one or two-day camping spot so it's no big deal.
Fires were allowed when we were there which is nice.
I would definitely stay there again.
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
