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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 10, 2025 Stayed at: 010, Loop: HORS
Enjoyed our 7 night stay at Horse Thief Lake campground. Our lot was spacious and our rig fit perfectly with the truck beside it. We’re even able to put up our 10x10 canopy beside the trailer. The camp was quiet and the camp host Tina (and Penny) were great. Very knowledgeable about the area and sites of interest. Definitely will be back!
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August 10, 2025 Stayed at: 010, Loop: HORS
Enjoyed our 7 night stay at Horse Thief Lake campground. Our lot was spacious and our rig fit perfectly with the truck beside it. We’re even able to put up our 10x10 canopy beside the trailer. The camp was quiet and the camp host Tina (and Penny) were great. Very knowledgeable about the area and sites of interest. Definitely will be back!
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August 15, 2025 Stayed at: 032, Loop: WALK
The camp host was amazing, very welcoming and helpful. If you’re tent camping, highly recommend spot 32. The vault toilets got a little stinky in the heat but that’s to be expected. Very pretty campground a will definitely be staying again!
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August 15, 2025 Stayed at: 032, Loop: WALK
The camp host was amazing, very welcoming and helpful. If you’re tent camping, highly recommend spot 32. The vault toilets got a little stinky in the heat but that’s to be expected. Very pretty campground a will definitely be staying again!
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August 17, 2025 Stayed at: 017, Loop: LKSD
Great campground with beautiful scenery and a perfect location close to Mount Rushmore.
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August 17, 2025 Stayed at: 017, Loop: LKSD
Great campground with beautiful scenery and a perfect location close to Mount Rushmore.
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August 18, 2025 Stayed at: 011, Loop: HORS
Nice campground in a very good location.
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August 18, 2025 Stayed at: 011, Loop: HORS
Nice campground in a very good location.
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August 19, 2025 Stayed at: 013, Loop: HORS
The view from this campground! Incredible! The campground was clean. The vault toilets smelled as one might expect them to smell. No surprises here!! But my goodness! The view of the lake and of the rock formations beyond! Incredible! My kids loved walking down to the lake and scrambling around on the rocks and watching the ducks and fish. We felt completely safe here. I'd love to come again.
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August 19, 2025 Stayed at: 013, Loop: HORS
The view from this campground! Incredible! The campground was clean. The vault toilets smelled as one might expect them to smell. No surprises here!! But my goodness! The view of the lake and of the rock formations beyond! Incredible! My kids loved walking down to the lake and scrambling around on the rocks and watching the ducks and fish. We felt completely safe here. I'd love to come again.
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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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