About Horsethief Lake Campground
Number of accommodations: 22
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Rates, Sites & Availability
22 Sites Available
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
22 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
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
Daniel W
VerifiedSeptember 30, 2020 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: HORS
Camp host were very helpful.
Daniel W
VerifiedSeptember 30, 2020 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: HORS
Camp host were very helpful.
Mark T
VerifiedSeptember 22, 2020 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: LKSD
Beautiful location right next to the lake.
As many other reviews have stated, the pit toilets smell horribly, but I don't know if there's much that can be done about that. The staff keeps the bathroom itself reasonably clean.
Very friendly attendant, firewood on site, convenient to Mount Rushmore, beautiful sunrises over the lake.
Very satisfied, and would return next time I'm in the area.
Mark T
VerifiedSeptember 22, 2020 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: LKSD
Beautiful location right next to the lake.
As many other reviews have stated, the pit toilets smell horribly, but I don't know if there's much that can be done about that. The staff keeps the bathroom itself reasonably clean.
Very friendly attendant, firewood on site, convenient to Mount Rushmore, beautiful sunrises over the lake.
Very satisfied, and would return next time I'm in the area.
Justine W
VerifiedSeptember 21, 2020 • Stayed at: 032, Loop: WALK
Campsites have little to no privacy, but convenient location to Mount Rushmore. Not ideal for us.
Meghan G
VerifiedSeptember 21, 2020 • Stayed at: 023, Loop: LKSD
Horsethief Lake campground is a great campground. Only about two miles from Mount Rushmore so it is very conveniently located if you are traveling there. The tent only campsites are right on the lake and have beautiful views. There is a trail and board walk around the lake to enjoy the views and we also saw people fishing. I would recommend this camp ground to anyone!
Justine W
VerifiedSeptember 21, 2020 • Stayed at: 032, Loop: WALK
Campsites have little to no privacy, but convenient location to Mount Rushmore. Not ideal for us.
Meghan G
VerifiedSeptember 21, 2020 • Stayed at: 023, Loop: LKSD
Horsethief Lake campground is a great campground. Only about two miles from Mount Rushmore so it is very conveniently located if you are traveling there. The tent only campsites are right on the lake and have beautiful views. There is a trail and board walk around the lake to enjoy the views and we also saw people fishing. I would recommend this camp ground to anyone!
Joseph S
VerifiedSeptember 19, 2020 • Stayed at: 026, Loop: LKSD
Perfect spot right on the lake. Quiet and well-maintained. So easy to get to Mount Rushmore and back - just a few miles up the road. Highly recommend the lighting ceremony.
Joseph S
VerifiedSeptember 19, 2020 • Stayed at: 026, Loop: LKSD
Perfect spot right on the lake. Quiet and well-maintained. So easy to get to Mount Rushmore and back - just a few miles up the road. Highly recommend the lighting ceremony.
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
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: June 5, 2026
