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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
June 20, 2021 Stayed at: 028, Loop: LKSD
Great place to stay. We were down by the lake and it was peaceful. The only issue was the campsite was not as clean as it could have been. Someone had a dog before us and they did not cleanup after the dog. Other than that, it was a great wonderful.
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June 20, 2021 Stayed at: 018, Loop: LKSD
It was a beautiful campground and the lake was great! The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful! They were trying their best to keep the pit toilets clean and fly free but there still were a lot of flies.
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June 20, 2021 Stayed at: 028, Loop: LKSD
Great place to stay. We were down by the lake and it was peaceful. The only issue was the campsite was not as clean as it could have been. Someone had a dog before us and they did not cleanup after the dog. Other than that, it was a great wonderful.
Helpful
June 20, 2021 Stayed at: 018, Loop: LKSD
It was a beautiful campground and the lake was great! The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful! They were trying their best to keep the pit toilets clean and fly free but there still were a lot of flies.
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June 19, 2021 Stayed at: 026, Loop: LKSD
We had site 26 which had a wonderful view and easy lake access. Campground hosts for 2021 were PHENOMENAL.
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June 19, 2021 Stayed at: 026, Loop: LKSD
We had site 26 which had a wonderful view and easy lake access. Campground hosts for 2021 were PHENOMENAL.
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June 17, 2021 Stayed at: 030, Loop: WALK
We LOVED camping at Horse Thief. There's really not a bad site there as they all have easy lake access. Make sure to bring a fishing pole or something to float around in the lake on. You could spend an entire day without leaving the lake and have a great time. It's also less than 10 minutes from Rushmore! The Horse Thief staff were all incredibly kind and helpful.
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June 17, 2021 Stayed at: 030, Loop: WALK
We LOVED camping at Horse Thief. There's really not a bad site there as they all have easy lake access. Make sure to bring a fishing pole or something to float around in the lake on. You could spend an entire day without leaving the lake and have a great time. It's also less than 10 minutes from Rushmore! The Horse Thief staff were all incredibly kind and helpful.
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June 15, 2021 Stayed at: 008, Loop: HORS
Great location. so close to Mount Rushmore. Everything was perfect and clean a great National Park Campground
Thank you
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June 15, 2021 Stayed at: 008, Loop: HORS
Great location. so close to Mount Rushmore. Everything was perfect and clean a great National Park Campground
Thank you
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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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