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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
September 1, 2020 Stayed at: 007, Loop: HORS
The campground was beautiful. We stayed in #7 and the pad was paved and level; close walk to the lake, but no view of the lake. The sites are nicely separated and wooded for shade. This is a great location for exploring the area; Mt. Rushmore, Keystone, and Custer are very close. We had an excellent experience.
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September 1, 2020 Stayed at: 007, Loop: HORS
The campground was beautiful. We stayed in #7 and the pad was paved and level; close walk to the lake, but no view of the lake. The sites are nicely separated and wooded for shade. This is a great location for exploring the area; Mt. Rushmore, Keystone, and Custer are very close. We had an excellent experience.
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September 2, 2020 Stayed at: 014, Loop: HORS
The area is amazing and close to some great hikes and obsessively close to all the main attractions. The lake is a big plus especially if you have kids our want to get some fishing in.
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September 2, 2020 Stayed at: 014, Loop: HORS
The area is amazing and close to some great hikes and obsessively close to all the main attractions. The lake is a big plus especially if you have kids our want to get some fishing in.
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September 4, 2020 Stayed at: 009, Loop: HORS
Very nice campground. Close to Mt. Rushmore and the lake is a great place to relax. Clean bathrooms and campsites. Will surely be back.
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September 4, 2020 Stayed at: 009, Loop: HORS
Very nice campground. Close to Mt. Rushmore and the lake is a great place to relax. Clean bathrooms and campsites. Will surely be back.
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September 19, 2020 Stayed at: 026, Loop: LKSD
Perfect spot right on the lake. Quiet and well-maintained. So easy to get to Mount Rushmore and back - just a few miles up the road. Highly recommend the lighting ceremony.
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September 19, 2020 Stayed at: 026, Loop: LKSD
Perfect spot right on the lake. Quiet and well-maintained. So easy to get to Mount Rushmore and back - just a few miles up the road. Highly recommend the lighting ceremony.
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September 21, 2020 Stayed at: 032, Loop: WALK
Campsites have little to no privacy, but convenient location to Mount Rushmore. Not ideal for us.
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September 21, 2020 Stayed at: 023, Loop: LKSD
Horsethief Lake campground is a great campground. Only about two miles from Mount Rushmore so it is very conveniently located if you are traveling there. The tent only campsites are right on the lake and have beautiful views. There is a trail and board walk around the lake to enjoy the views and we also saw people fishing. I would recommend this camp ground to anyone!
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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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