About Horsethief Lake Campground
Number of accommodations: 22
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Rates, Sites & Availability
22 Sites Available
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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
Tim T
VerifiedJuly 20, 2022 • Stayed at: 025, Loop: LKSD
Great campground! Excellent lake to swim/kayak/paddle board.
Robert A
VerifiedJuly 20, 2022 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: HORS
The gentleman who checked me in was a real grump. He acted like he was doing me a favor for him doing his job. I was a inconvenience for him.
The rest rooms were not. The cleaniest.
Tim T
VerifiedJuly 20, 2022 • Stayed at: 025, Loop: LKSD
Great campground! Excellent lake to swim/kayak/paddle board.
Robert A
VerifiedJuly 20, 2022 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: HORS
The gentleman who checked me in was a real grump. He acted like he was doing me a favor for him doing his job. I was a inconvenience for him.
The rest rooms were not. The cleaniest.
Robert F
VerifiedJuly 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: HORS
We loved camping at Horse Thief Lake. The campground was clean and quite with very nice hosts. My only complaint was the large steel campfire ring. It was way too tall and had a built in grill that is not useful at all. Campfire rings should be simple round steel rings that allows access from all sides. I use a tripod to cook over the fire and this fire pit made it very difficult to enjoy our campfire.
Robert F
VerifiedJuly 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: HORS
We loved camping at Horse Thief Lake. The campground was clean and quite with very nice hosts. My only complaint was the large steel campfire ring. It was way too tall and had a built in grill that is not useful at all. Campfire rings should be simple round steel rings that allows access from all sides. I use a tripod to cook over the fire and this fire pit made it very difficult to enjoy our campfire.
Roger G
VerifiedJuly 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: LKSD
Campsites were nice, we liked the ones near the lake. Lots of tents at up out in the woods. Close to Mt Rushmore.
Roger G
VerifiedJuly 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: LKSD
Campsites were nice, we liked the ones near the lake. Lots of tents at up out in the woods. Close to Mt Rushmore.
Sandra K
VerifiedJuly 4, 2022 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: LKSD
Beautiful small campground. The sites are all private. The lake is beautiful.
We enjoyed hiking to Mount Rushmore.
Sandra K
VerifiedJuly 4, 2022 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: LKSD
Beautiful small campground. The sites are all private. The lake is beautiful.
We enjoyed hiking to Mount 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
