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
Jacob B
VerifiedJuly 21, 2021 • Stayed at: 023, Loop: LKSD
Beautiful campsite. Loved the lake and the super accessible hiking trails!
Stacy R
VerifiedJuly 21, 2021 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: LKSD
We wanted to try this campground again since it had been awhile since the last time we camped here, however, things have changed in the four years since we were here before. Or maybe we just got lucky before. They had to add a fee booth to the entrance so I suspect that increased traffic was the reason for that!
We camped in site 18, which fit our 11x11 dome tent on the driveway. It was a nice site and bonus was that we could see our tent from across the lake when we went around over there to look for it!
That's where the fun ends and the noise begins. The concept of quiet hours did not reach the old-enough-to-know-better young man yelling "Marco, Polo" at 11pm or his giggling girlfriend. Thankfully, they must have left because we heard a car drive away around 11:30pm and then it was quiet...or so we thought.
Somewhere nearby, there is a kennel, or someone's empty garage, that had several dogs that barked non-stop for much of the night. Granted this wasn't the campground's fault, but it's something to consider when choosing a campground for tent camping. I half wished for a generator to start running, if that tells you anything!!
I doubt we'll camp here again. There are just too many people in the Black Hills for my taste. It's no longer easy to quickly pop in to survey the situation before grabbing a first come, first served site in the Black Hills. Reserving this site online costs $34 with the fee, which is rather expensive for a tent site.
Jacob B
VerifiedJuly 21, 2021 • Stayed at: 023, Loop: LKSD
Beautiful campsite. Loved the lake and the super accessible hiking trails!
Stacy R
VerifiedJuly 21, 2021 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: LKSD
We wanted to try this campground again since it had been awhile since the last time we camped here, however, things have changed in the four years since we were here before. Or maybe we just got lucky before. They had to add a fee booth to the entrance so I suspect that increased traffic was the reason for that!
We camped in site 18, which fit our 11x11 dome tent on the driveway. It was a nice site and bonus was that we could see our tent from across the lake when we went around over there to look for it!
That's where the fun ends and the noise begins. The concept of quiet hours did not reach the old-enough-to-know-better young man yelling "Marco, Polo" at 11pm or his giggling girlfriend. Thankfully, they must have left because we heard a car drive away around 11:30pm and then it was quiet...or so we thought.
Somewhere nearby, there is a kennel, or someone's empty garage, that had several dogs that barked non-stop for much of the night. Granted this wasn't the campground's fault, but it's something to consider when choosing a campground for tent camping. I half wished for a generator to start running, if that tells you anything!!
I doubt we'll camp here again. There are just too many people in the Black Hills for my taste. It's no longer easy to quickly pop in to survey the situation before grabbing a first come, first served site in the Black Hills. Reserving this site online costs $34 with the fee, which is rather expensive for a tent site.
Christian C
VerifiedJuly 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 029, Loop: WALK
Super close to Crazy Horse, Mount Rushmore, and Custer Stater Park. Incredible central location in the Black Hills, with well-maintained sites and facilities, ready with ice and firewood in case you need more during your visit!
Christian C
VerifiedJuly 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 029, Loop: WALK
Super close to Crazy Horse, Mount Rushmore, and Custer Stater Park. Incredible central location in the Black Hills, with well-maintained sites and facilities, ready with ice and firewood in case you need more during your visit!
Nicci D
VerifiedJuly 18, 2021 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: LKSD
a secret oasis. we love it
Nicci D
VerifiedJuly 18, 2021 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: LKSD
a secret oasis. we love it
Steven F
VerifiedJuly 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: HORS
Steven F
VerifiedJuly 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: HORS
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
