About Horsethief Lake Campground
Number of accommodations: 22
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Rates, Sites & Availability
22 Sites Available
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Site Details
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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
Judy K
VerifiedJune 20, 2021 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: LKSD
It was a beautiful campground and the lake was great! The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful! They were trying their best to keep the pit toilets clean and fly free but there still were a lot of flies.
Thomas M
VerifiedJune 20, 2021 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: LKSD
Great place to stay. We were down by the lake and it was peaceful. The only issue was the campsite was not as clean as it could have been. Someone had a dog before us and they did not cleanup after the dog. Other than that, it was a great wonderful.
Judy K
VerifiedJune 20, 2021 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: LKSD
It was a beautiful campground and the lake was great! The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful! They were trying their best to keep the pit toilets clean and fly free but there still were a lot of flies.
Thomas M
VerifiedJune 20, 2021 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: LKSD
Great place to stay. We were down by the lake and it was peaceful. The only issue was the campsite was not as clean as it could have been. Someone had a dog before us and they did not cleanup after the dog. Other than that, it was a great wonderful.
Laura D
VerifiedJune 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 026, Loop: LKSD
We had site 26 which had a wonderful view and easy lake access. Campground hosts for 2021 were PHENOMENAL.
Laura D
VerifiedJune 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 026, Loop: LKSD
We had site 26 which had a wonderful view and easy lake access. Campground hosts for 2021 were PHENOMENAL.
Dominique B
VerifiedJune 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 030, Loop: WALK
We LOVED camping at Horse Thief. There's really not a bad site there as they all have easy lake access. Make sure to bring a fishing pole or something to float around in the lake on. You could spend an entire day without leaving the lake and have a great time. It's also less than 10 minutes from Rushmore! The Horse Thief staff were all incredibly kind and helpful.
Dominique B
VerifiedJune 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 030, Loop: WALK
We LOVED camping at Horse Thief. There's really not a bad site there as they all have easy lake access. Make sure to bring a fishing pole or something to float around in the lake on. You could spend an entire day without leaving the lake and have a great time. It's also less than 10 minutes from Rushmore! The Horse Thief staff were all incredibly kind and helpful.
Mark T
VerifiedJune 15, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: HORS
Great location. so close to Mount Rushmore. Everything was perfect and clean a great National Park Campground
Thank you
Mark T
VerifiedJune 15, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: HORS
Great location. so close to Mount Rushmore. Everything was perfect and clean a great National Park Campground
Thank you
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
