Horsethief Lake Campground

Star4.06
307 reviews
Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA
Indigenous Heritage
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,993 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Forest Recreation Management, Inc site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026
Horsethief Lake Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are consistent across site types ($30/night for Standard Nonelectric, Tent Only Nonelectric, and Walk-To sites). Additional costs may include...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$30.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
605-673-9200
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What Campers Say

4.06

Satisfactory

Based on 307 reviews

120 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lakefriendly

"User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful natural setting, proximity to Mount Rushmore, and lake access. However, campers frequently mentioned issues with vault toilet odors, lack of showers, and inconsistent host behavior."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA

Horsethief Lake Campground

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA

Nearby places
Hill City (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Keystone (Approximately 10-15 miles), Mount Rushmore (2 miles, approximately 5 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Hill City, approximately 10 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Horsethief Lake Campground

The Black Hills' dynamic climate creates a tapestry of seasonal experiences throughout the year. Summer brings pleasantly mild days perfect for hiking and exploration, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll through with dramatic flair, painting the sky with nature's own light show. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons, while shoulder seasons demand cozy layers as temperatures dip below freezing. Winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland, where hearty souls can experience the serene beauty of snow-dusted pines and frozen lakes.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: warm weather, swimming, fishing and trail access; can be crowded/noisy.

Planning Tips

  • Peak Season: May 21, 2025 - September 7, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season begins May 21, 2025, and ends September 28, 2025. Peak season runs May 21 - September 7, while non-peak season covers September 8 - 28.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts are described in the source materials.

About Horsethief Lake Campground

Nestled in the heart of the legendary Black Hills National Forest, Horsethief Lake Campground offers an enchanting escape just 2 miles from the iconic Mount Rushmore. Here, beneath a canopy of towering ponderosa and lodgepole pines, you'll discover a harmonious blend of camping options—from secluded tent-only sites to convenient RV spots. The campground's tranquil atmosphere and proximity to one of America's most famous landmarks create the perfect basecamp for adventurers seeking both natural beauty and cultural exploration.
Horsethief Lake Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and walk-to tent sites. However, no glamping or cabin lodging options are available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay allowed is 14 consecutive nights.

Need help booking Horsethief Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.


Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers an abundance of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. It is situated near Horsethief Lake and provides access to the George S. Mickelson Trail and Black Elk Peak, making it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking
Climbing
Fishing
Swimming
Biking
Boating
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include unpredictable weather (thunderstorms), wildlife encounters (elk, deer, squirrels), and poison ivy.
Active AlertsNo active alerts are described in the source materials.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Horsethief Lake Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

From Booking Sources
4.1
307 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Horsethief Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful natural setting, proximity to Mount Rushmore, and lake access. However, campers frequently mentioned issues with vault toilet odors, lack of showers, and inconsistent host behavior.
Review Summaries
Based on 307 reviews

What Campers Love

- 'The setting is great.' - 'Beautiful campground with lake access.' - 'Friendly and helpful camp hosts.' - 'Close proximity to Mount Rushmore and other attractions.' - 'The lake is beautiful for...
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Based on 307 reviews

Common Concerns

- Vault toilet odor: 'The single most disgusting thing I have ever experienced.' - Lack of showers: 'No shower stations at this campground.' - Site proximity: 'Campsites have little to no privacy.' -...
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Based on 307 reviews
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Last updated March 28, 2026
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Horsethief Lake Campground