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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 30, 2022 Stayed at: 017, Loop: LKSD
We LOVED this campsite. Our site was 017, LKSD. Our campsite had a path down to the lake where we sat and stargazed for hours. This site is at the end of the campground so there was not a lot of disruption. Vault toilet, no sink, no running water.
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September 30, 2022 Stayed at: 017, Loop: LKSD
We LOVED this campsite. Our site was 017, LKSD. Our campsite had a path down to the lake where we sat and stargazed for hours. This site is at the end of the campground so there was not a lot of disruption. Vault toilet, no sink, no running water.
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October 6, 2022 Stayed at: 010, Loop: HORS
The hosts were great. But the so-called improvements to the campground or not appreciate it. The sites are too close together and you can’t drive down to the lake and fish any longer. I won’t be going back.
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October 6, 2022 Stayed at: 014, Loop: HORS
Mt Rushmore is just around the corner. Iron Mtn. Rd. is amazing with great views of Mt Rushmore. Custer State Park will cost you $20.00 to enter, while choose not to pay that fee, any of the roads surrounding the park will not disappoint you. These roads can be found on brochures available throughout the National Park.
Our stay was short but there are many more activities to be had in the area.
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October 6, 2022 Stayed at: 010, Loop: HORS
The hosts were great. But the so-called improvements to the campground or not appreciate it. The sites are too close together and you can’t drive down to the lake and fish any longer. I won’t be going back.
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October 6, 2022 Stayed at: 014, Loop: HORS
Mt Rushmore is just around the corner. Iron Mtn. Rd. is amazing with great views of Mt Rushmore. Custer State Park will cost you $20.00 to enter, while choose not to pay that fee, any of the roads surrounding the park will not disappoint you. These roads can be found on brochures available throughout the National Park.
Our stay was short but there are many more activities to be had in the area.
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June 2, 2023 Stayed at: 016, Loop: LKSD
Best time at a campground.
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June 2, 2023 Stayed at: 016, Loop: LKSD
Best time at a campground.
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June 7, 2023 Stayed at: 023, Loop: LKSD
Very peaceful and secluded site (trail nearby only busy during day). No ATT service. 5-10 min from Mt Rushmore
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June 7, 2023 Stayed at: 023, Loop: LKSD
Very peaceful and secluded site (trail nearby only busy during day). No ATT service. 5-10 min from Mt Rushmore
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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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