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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
August 17, 2026 Stayed at: 010, Loop: HORS
Beautiful campground! the weather was amazing, no bugs, and a beautiful cool (but not too cold) lake with hiking around it. Very close to Mt Rushmore, Hill City, Keystone, and Crazy Horse Mtn.
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August 16, 2026 Stayed at: 014, Loop: HORS
Quiet forest camping that never disappoints .
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August 11, 2026 Stayed at: 010, Loop: HORS
Friendly camp host, clean restroom, quiet campground, easy access to Mt. Rushmore, Sylvan Lake, Crazy Horse, and scenic roads in the Black Hills. Surprisingly not overcrowded!
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August 11, 2026 Stayed at: 023, Loop: LKSD
Great view of the lake, small pad for tent. Everything else was great.
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August 6, 2026 Stayed at: 023, Loop: LKSD
Beautiful little campground, easy access to all the sites & attractions. We were at site 23. Site was spacious, though our 8×8 cabin tent was pushing the limits of the intended tent pad and there was no access to launch our kyacks. Lake was very busy with daytime users from access points on opposite side of lake from the campsites, but they usually cleared out by 4 or 5 making for peaceful evenings. Camp host was informative and made site recommendations for launching the kyacks for our next trip. Will definitely return.
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August 4, 2026 Stayed at: 007, Loop: HORS
Bathroom doors do not lock and floors need to be painted. Fireplace ashes not being cleared out. Some weedwhacker action needed. Host is accommodating but it appears no resources to update a few low dollar expenses
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August 4, 2026 Stayed at: 018, Loop: LKSD
One of my favorite campgrounds. Hosts were helpful and very nice. Proximity to keystone, hill city, Custer and all the sites is great.
The noise from highway traffic is sometimes loud.
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August 4, 2026 Stayed at: 029, Loop: WALK
Very well maintained campground. Hosts were welcoming and friendly. Everything was clean. Loved the setting as it's close to trails, bouldering, hiking. Great spot for family camping.
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August 3, 2026 Stayed at: 030, Loop: WALK
Great location for visits to Mount Rushmore, Jewel Cave National Monument and heaps of trails in the area.
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August 1, 2026 Stayed at: 028, Loop: LKSD
A great location, accessible to Mount Rushmore, Keystone, Custer, Sylvan Lake, and hiking.
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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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