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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
September 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!
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September 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!
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September 21, 2022 Stayed at: 013, Loop: HORS
We unfortunately did not allow time to walk around the lake but looked like a nice trail
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September 21, 2022 Stayed at: 013, Loop: HORS
We unfortunately did not allow time to walk around the lake but looked like a nice trail
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September 23, 2022 Stayed at: 009, Loop: HORS
Small, peaceful, primitive campground. Centrally located.
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September 23, 2022 Stayed at: 009, Loop: HORS
Small, peaceful, primitive campground. Centrally located.
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September 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 mi per hour.
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September 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 mi per hour.
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September 26, 2022 Stayed at: 015, Loop: LKSD
No cellphone service here, so complete your calls before you leave Mt. Rushmore.
Beautiful area and great campground.
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September 26, 2022 Stayed at: 015, Loop: LKSD
No cellphone service here, so complete your calls before you leave Mt. Rushmore.
Beautiful area and great campground.
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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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