About Horsethief Lake Campground
Number of accommodations: 22
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Rates, Sites & 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
AnnaRose Z
VerifiedJune 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 025, Loop: LKSD
We only stayed for two nights but it was a perfect campground. Had everything we needed for a couple of days - ‘bathroom’, water, could buy ice and firewood. No service, but as to be expected. It is not far from the highway, so you can hear cars. Try to get a lakeside view if you can! Great views in the morning and evenings.
Dillan L
VerifiedJune 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 032, Loop: WALK
Fantastic walk-sites very close to the lake. Would definitely come back and stay here!
AnnaRose Z
VerifiedJune 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 025, Loop: LKSD
We only stayed for two nights but it was a perfect campground. Had everything we needed for a couple of days - ‘bathroom’, water, could buy ice and firewood. No service, but as to be expected. It is not far from the highway, so you can hear cars. Try to get a lakeside view if you can! Great views in the morning and evenings.
Dillan L
VerifiedJune 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 032, Loop: WALK
Fantastic walk-sites very close to the lake. Would definitely come back and stay here!
Aaron C
VerifiedJune 8, 2022 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: LKSD
Camp hosts were excellent. Extremely polite, helpful, and are doing a great job keeping the facility clean and managing the guests. Campground is also excellent.
Loren S
VerifiedJune 8, 2022 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: HORS
Camp host was great! Very close to Mount Rushmore, Keystone, Hill city, and needles highway. Went for a hike around the lake and saw a Bald Eagle snatch up a fish.
No showers, pit toilets all well maintained.
Would love to stay there again.
Aaron C
VerifiedJune 8, 2022 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: LKSD
Camp hosts were excellent. Extremely polite, helpful, and are doing a great job keeping the facility clean and managing the guests. Campground is also excellent.
Loren S
VerifiedJune 8, 2022 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: HORS
Camp host was great! Very close to Mount Rushmore, Keystone, Hill city, and needles highway. Went for a hike around the lake and saw a Bald Eagle snatch up a fish.
No showers, pit toilets all well maintained.
Would love to stay there again.
Alice S
VerifiedMay 31, 2022 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: HORS
This is a very scenic campground only 2 miles from Mt Rushmore. It has put toilets, trash cans and water from a spigot but no other amenities. Generators are allowed except during quiet hours at night. The campground is adjacent to the Horsethief Lake and there is an easy paved path from the campground around the lake. More strenuous hiking is also available. We thoroughly enjoyed staying here and visiting the Black Hills sites.
Alice S
VerifiedMay 31, 2022 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: HORS
This is a very scenic campground only 2 miles from Mt Rushmore. It has put toilets, trash cans and water from a spigot but no other amenities. Generators are allowed except during quiet hours at night. The campground is adjacent to the Horsethief Lake and there is an easy paved path from the campground around the lake. More strenuous hiking is also available. We thoroughly enjoyed staying here and visiting the Black Hills sites.
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
