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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 28, 2026 Stayed at: 026, Loop: LKSD
Nice spot. Had a Subaru and roof top tent. Not private at all. The lake was nice for paddle boarding but as a lake snob from Minnesota my wife and I didn't think it would be a very nice swimming lake. Trout were jumping all over the place in mid-June. There is a nice board walk nearby and lots of rocks to climb around on with my 7 year old.
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June 27, 2026 Stayed at: 008, Loop: HORS
We stayed here two nights but had to switch sites due to how popular this one is! So close to Mt Rushmore, Custer, and other hiking trails. There is a little trail around the lake that was nice at sun down.
We had a blast here and can’t wait to go back! The camp host was very friendly and informative! She helped us tons.
Both of our sites were beautiful and had everything we needed plus space!
Must stay at if camping in Black Hills!
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June 23, 2026 Stayed at: 008, Loop: HORS
Beautiful spot. Immaculately clean. Host was very kind and courteous. Loved it.
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June 22, 2026 Stayed at: 029, Loop: WALK
Beautiful campsite right on the lake. Was unaware that the showers were a separate fee and a drive away from us. But overall very beautiful, clean, and private feeling campsite.
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June 19, 2026 Stayed at: 018, Loop: LKSD
The camp host was excellent!
Overall the sites seemed small and quite close together, and the close proximity to a sometimes busy road didn't improve the experience.
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June 19, 2026 Stayed at: 023, Loop: LKSD
Great location. Nice trail. No services here. No water or electric. Enjoyed our stay.
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June 18, 2026 Stayed at: 017, Loop: LKSD
Great setting
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June 16, 2026 Stayed at: 007, Loop: HORS
Host is working more on sites than host last year. No water 💦 and bathroom locks do no work.
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June 15, 2026 Stayed at: 016, Loop: LKSD
Fantastic campground. Friendly hosts and facilities very clean. Beautiful lake that you can walk around and kayak and fish in. Scenery surrounding lake was stunning. Best of all you were very close to Mt. Rushmore. Just a couple miles from the park entrance. Don’t forget to stop at pullout to see Washington’s profile. View it day and night when the lights are on it. Fantastic!!! We were very happy at Horsethief. Especially if you want the true camping experience compared to the KOA down the road further
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June 13, 2026 Stayed at: 029, Loop: WALK
We had a lovely time at Horsetheif Lake Campground and have had excellent experiences here before. We love the surrounding nature and proximity to parks nearby. This time there was no access to potable water and the lock on the bathroom was missing. If these had been in place, we would’ve given it a 5/5!
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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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