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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 29, 2021 Stayed at: 018, Loop: LKSD
This was a very secluded campground and the lake was absolutely beautiful! The locals didn't seem friendly so that was annoying. We also tried to find out what the keep limit was for trout or any fishing for that matter and couldn't get an answer from the campground personel.
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September 29, 2021 Stayed at: 018, Loop: LKSD
This was a very secluded campground and the lake was absolutely beautiful! The locals didn't seem friendly so that was annoying. We also tried to find out what the keep limit was for trout or any fishing for that matter and couldn't get an answer from the campground personel.
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September 26, 2021 Stayed at: 018, Loop: LKSD
Campground and restrooms are kept clean. Staff is readily available for questions or supplies.
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September 26, 2021 Stayed at: 018, Loop: LKSD
Campground and restrooms are kept clean. Staff is readily available for questions or supplies.
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September 17, 2021 Stayed at: 031, Loop: WALK
When we come back, we’ll stay there again for sure. Was a beautiful campground, very well-maintained and clean.
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September 17, 2021 Stayed at: 031, Loop: WALK
When we come back, we’ll stay there again for sure. Was a beautiful campground, very well-maintained and clean.
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September 15, 2021 Stayed at: 012, Loop: HORS
The Hosts were very nice and helpful and we really loved how close it was to everything
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September 15, 2021 Stayed at: 012, Loop: HORS
The Hosts were very nice and helpful and we really loved how close it was to everything
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September 13, 2021 Stayed at: 008, Loop: HORS
I won't be back! I have never been to a State or National Park where the camp host is a grumpy old man that hates his job. The bathrooms were discussing so discussing by 9am you can't even walk past them without getting sick. Then on top of it the bathroom lights don't work. When I asked the woman camp host about the bathroom lights she just shrugged her shoulders and said the lights and fan have never worked. It's to bad since the campground is near Mount Rushmore but the camp host just doesn't care if you have a good time or not at their campground!
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September 13, 2021 Stayed at: 008, Loop: HORS
I won't be back! I have never been to a State or National Park where the camp host is a grumpy old man that hates his job. The bathrooms were discussing so discussing by 9am you can't even walk past them without getting sick. Then on top of it the bathroom lights don't work. When I asked the woman camp host about the bathroom lights she just shrugged her shoulders and said the lights and fan have never worked. It's to bad since the campground is near Mount Rushmore but the camp host just doesn't care if you have a good time or not at their campground!
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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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