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
Connor H
VerifiedSeptember 4, 2020 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: HORS
Very nice campground. Close to Mt. Rushmore and the lake is a great place to relax. Clean bathrooms and campsites. Will surely be back.
Connor H
VerifiedSeptember 4, 2020 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: HORS
Very nice campground. Close to Mt. Rushmore and the lake is a great place to relax. Clean bathrooms and campsites. Will surely be back.
Jorge J
VerifiedSeptember 2, 2020 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: HORS
The area is amazing and close to some great hikes and obsessively close to all the main attractions. The lake is a big plus especially if you have kids our want to get some fishing in.
Jorge J
VerifiedSeptember 2, 2020 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: HORS
The area is amazing and close to some great hikes and obsessively close to all the main attractions. The lake is a big plus especially if you have kids our want to get some fishing in.
Cheryl H
VerifiedSeptember 1, 2020 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: HORS
The campground was beautiful. We stayed in #7 and the pad was paved and level; close walk to the lake, but no view of the lake. The sites are nicely separated and wooded for shade. This is a great location for exploring the area; Mt. Rushmore, Keystone, and Custer are very close. We had an excellent experience.
Cheryl H
VerifiedSeptember 1, 2020 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: HORS
The campground was beautiful. We stayed in #7 and the pad was paved and level; close walk to the lake, but no view of the lake. The sites are nicely separated and wooded for shade. This is a great location for exploring the area; Mt. Rushmore, Keystone, and Custer are very close. We had an excellent experience.
Zeferina A
VerifiedAugust 27, 2020 • Stayed at: 031, Loop: WALK
We had a marvelous time at the campground!!! Morning view from our campsite was breathtaking. If you are planning a camping trip close to Hill City or Mount Rushmore this is the place to stay :)
Aguilar family
Zeferina A
VerifiedAugust 27, 2020 • Stayed at: 031, Loop: WALK
We had a marvelous time at the campground!!! Morning view from our campsite was breathtaking. If you are planning a camping trip close to Hill City or Mount Rushmore this is the place to stay :)
Aguilar family
Emily C
VerifiedAugust 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 029, Loop: WALK
Horsethief Lake Campground is right in the shadow of Mt. Rushmore and perfect distance from other activities such as relaxing by the lake, swimming, or hiking in Custer State Park. The location is perfect. Be aware that there are no shower stations at this campground, and we only saw pit toilets. We booked a walk-in site, and the walk was VERY short (we could still see our car from our tent). A large group, maybe 25 people total, booked a set of campsites near ours, and they were very loud and obnoxious. They got into a screaming match at 6:30 am. Also the camp hosts are a little aggressive on their ATVs. Overall, this was a decent spot on our trip, but had some drawbacks.
Emily C
VerifiedAugust 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 029, Loop: WALK
Horsethief Lake Campground is right in the shadow of Mt. Rushmore and perfect distance from other activities such as relaxing by the lake, swimming, or hiking in Custer State Park. The location is perfect. Be aware that there are no shower stations at this campground, and we only saw pit toilets. We booked a walk-in site, and the walk was VERY short (we could still see our car from our tent). A large group, maybe 25 people total, booked a set of campsites near ours, and they were very loud and obnoxious. They got into a screaming match at 6:30 am. Also the camp hosts are a little aggressive on their ATVs. Overall, this was a decent spot on our trip, but had some drawbacks.
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
