About Horsethief Lake Campground
Number of accommodations: 22
Seasonal information
2026 Season 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
Robert L
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: HORS
Very scenic, clean, camp host was friendly and helpful
Barry B
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: HORS
Very clean beautiful area! Very close to Mt,Rushmore and Crazy Horse.
Natalya O
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: LKSD
We stayed at the camp in August on our way to Yellowstone. The camp was beautiful and very close to Mount Rushmore. We enjoyed early morning hike around the lake. It was very peaceful and views of the lake and mountains were gorgeous. Our site 16 was leveled and had a lake view. Amenities (bathrooms) could have been better. Overall, I would stay their again.
jacques g
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 030, Loop: WALK
Really nice place, except for the campground host who gave us a kind of glacial reception. No smile or kind word. All business.
So 4* instead of 5.
No shower or hot water around.
Natalya O
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: LKSD
We stayed at the camp in August on our way to Yellowstone. The camp was beautiful and very close to Mount Rushmore. We enjoyed early morning hike around the lake. It was very peaceful and views of the lake and mountains were gorgeous. Our site 16 was leveled and had a lake view. Amenities (bathrooms) could have been better. Overall, I would stay their again.
jacques g
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 030, Loop: WALK
Really nice place, except for the campground host who gave us a kind of glacial reception. No smile or kind word. All business.
So 4* instead of 5.
No shower or hot water around.
Hank T
VerifiedJanuary 14, 2020 • Stayed at: 031, Loop: WALK
I am loath to write any review that causes my ability to reserve a campsite at Horse Thief Lake Forest campground be impeded. Because if I told the truth and gave it the reviews it deserves, my chances of getting a campsite every year decrease...and that would make me sad. This place rocks. That's all I will say, because if I start telling you how much this place is the best place in the Black Hills, I won't be able to stop myself. STAY AWAY!!! (so I can keep staying here! :) )
Hank T
VerifiedJanuary 14, 2020 • Stayed at: 031, Loop: WALK
I am loath to write any review that causes my ability to reserve a campsite at Horse Thief Lake Forest campground be impeded. Because if I told the truth and gave it the reviews it deserves, my chances of getting a campsite every year decrease...and that would make me sad. This place rocks. That's all I will say, because if I start telling you how much this place is the best place in the Black Hills, I won't be able to stop myself. STAY AWAY!!! (so I can keep staying here! :) )
jon d
VerifiedJanuary 13, 2020 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: HORS
Great location, camp hosts were wonderful, kept the grounds super clean. They have plenty of wood and one of the only places to buy block ice, which is awesome. Already planning on another visit next June.
jon d
VerifiedJanuary 13, 2020 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: HORS
Great location, camp hosts were wonderful, kept the grounds super clean. They have plenty of wood and one of the only places to buy block ice, which is awesome. Already planning on another visit next June.
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 4, 2026
