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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
July 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.
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July 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.
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August 9, 2022 Stayed at: 010, Loop: HORS
Quiet campground. The lake was lovely to swim and fish
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August 9, 2022 Stayed at: 010, Loop: HORS
Quiet campground. The lake was lovely to swim and fish
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August 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.
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August 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.
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August 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.
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August 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.
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August 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.
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August 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.
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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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