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
Erika S
VerifiedAugust 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 032, Loop: WALK
The campground is loud, compared to the many I’ve stayed at.
My bloodhound, I was told by the hosts that she was not allowed to bark although many other dogs barked throughout the day and night. Along with very loud folks and kids screaming. She is a very good camper and I feel she was singled out due to her size and breed.
The campground is beautiful. Very clean, but if you’re looking for quiet I would not recommend this one. I had a negative and not friendly experience and will not return to this particular campground.
Campground is close to trailheads which was nice and just a hop skip and a jump to Mt. Rushmore.
Erika S
VerifiedAugust 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 032, Loop: WALK
The campground is loud, compared to the many I’ve stayed at.
My bloodhound, I was told by the hosts that she was not allowed to bark although many other dogs barked throughout the day and night. Along with very loud folks and kids screaming. She is a very good camper and I feel she was singled out due to her size and breed.
The campground is beautiful. Very clean, but if you’re looking for quiet I would not recommend this one. I had a negative and not friendly experience and will not return to this particular campground.
Campground is close to trailheads which was nice and just a hop skip and a jump to Mt. Rushmore.
Itzel F
VerifiedAugust 16, 2021 • Stayed at: 029, Loop: WALK
We enjoyed our stay in this campground, the campsite was super clean, big, a little close to the next one but not bad, the pit toilets where not very clean and didn’t had hand sanitizer.
The lake was a few steps away, the camp host was nice, and you can get ice and wood there.
The closest place with Verizon coverage was Mt Rushmore and Keystone.
Itzel F
VerifiedAugust 16, 2021 • Stayed at: 029, Loop: WALK
We enjoyed our stay in this campground, the campsite was super clean, big, a little close to the next one but not bad, the pit toilets where not very clean and didn’t had hand sanitizer.
The lake was a few steps away, the camp host was nice, and you can get ice and wood there.
The closest place with Verizon coverage was Mt Rushmore and Keystone.
Kim W
VerifiedAugust 10, 2021 • Stayed at: 024, Loop: LKSD
Loved camping here. We had site 25 by the lake and it was spacious and relaxing!
Kim W
VerifiedAugust 10, 2021 • Stayed at: 024, Loop: LKSD
Loved camping here. We had site 25 by the lake and it was spacious and relaxing!
Martin M
VerifiedAugust 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: HORS
This is the second time I stayed at her safe campground. Both times the old house smelled so bad and this time I actually gagged twice from the smell. Please try to improve upon this as it is unbearable
Martin M
VerifiedAugust 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: HORS
This is the second time I stayed at her safe campground. Both times the old house smelled so bad and this time I actually gagged twice from the smell. Please try to improve upon this as it is unbearable
Lindsey M
VerifiedAugust 1, 2021 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: HORS
We parked our camper here so we could sleep and explore during the day. It served its purpose well.
Gerry W
VerifiedAugust 1, 2021 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: HORS
Perfect location, great sites. You can’t fill your water there. You have to go to the nearby KOA. The water is free but there’s a $10 fee to enter. So RVers arrive with water. There is a water pump for basic use but not for your tank.
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
