Horsethief Lake Campground

Sweet forest spot very close to the lake, with pretty view through trees.

It is up on a small knoll, and you do feel super exposed to the campers in site 24, as well as people coming and going on the trail around the lake. (The site is right next to the trail entrance/exit.) It is, however, MUCH more private than some nearby sites, and some strategic positioning of car and tent can help.

Rocky and not very level. I couldn't get tent stakes into the ground.

The vault toilet down the hill on one day smelled so vile I literally ran out wretching. The worst thing I've ever smelled in my entire life. It was better the next day.

The camp host is great; friendly and accommodating.

You do see and hear traffic across the lake, but not terrible. I slept in my car and it felt quiet and very safe at night.

Trees aren't positioned right for hammocks; they are mostly on a slope.

Extremely close of course to the monument, as well as to Keystone, Hill City, and numerous scenic drives and trails. Gorgeous area.

Bugs in late summer/very early fall were no problem. Saw only a mosquito or two.

Sweet forest spot very close to the lake, with pretty view through trees.

It is up on a small knoll, and you do feel super exposed to the campers in site 24, as well as people coming and going on the trail around the lake. (The site is right next to the trail entrance/exit.) It is, however, MUCH more private than some nearby sites, and some strategic positioning of car and tent can help.

Rocky and not very level. I couldn't get tent stakes into the ground.

The vault toilet down the hill on one day smelled so vile I literally ran out wretching. The worst thing I've ever smelled in my entire life. It was better the next day.

The camp host is great; friendly and accommodating.

You do see and hear traffic across the lake, but not terrible. I slept in my car and it felt quiet and very safe at night.

Trees aren't positioned right for hammocks; they are mostly on a slope.

Extremely close of course to the monument, as well as to Keystone, Hill City, and numerous scenic drives and trails. Gorgeous area.

Bugs in late summer/very early fall were no problem. Saw only a mosquito or two.

Would camp here again!

Would camp here again!

Superbe endroit. À proximité du Mont Rushmore. Le camphost est formidable.

The host was fantastic! They really went the extra mile, thank you Dean for taking great care of us and making sure we had a perfect stay!

Superbe endroit. À proximité du Mont Rushmore. Le camphost est formidable.

The host was fantastic! They really went the extra mile, thank you Dean for taking great care of us and making sure we had a perfect stay!

Campsite was right by the lake- it was a fabulous and shady site! Camp hosts were super nice and friendly. We were able to paddle board practically every day and explore the lake. Toilet was clean, and the campground was a perfect location for all the things to do and sites to see! Would definitely stay here again!

Campsite was right by the lake- it was a fabulous and shady site! Camp hosts were super nice and friendly. We were able to paddle board practically every day and explore the lake. Toilet was clean, and the campground was a perfect location for all the things to do and sites to see! Would definitely stay here again!