Iron Creek Horse Camp
4.0319 reviewsForest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD 57745, USA
Iron Creek Horse Camp
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Equestrian Nonelectric sites are $30 per night during peak and non-peak seasons. No discounts are offered.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Black Hills National Forest, Iron Creek Horse Camp offers a serene escape where the rhythm of hoofbeats replaces the hum of modern life. This equestrian-friendly haven welcomes riders and their four-legged companions with thoughtfully designed sites featuring sturdy corrals, inviting picnic tables, and crackling campfire rings. While embracing a back-to-basics approach without electricity or running water, the camp provides essential vault toilets, allowing visitors to disconnect and immerse themselves in the tranquil wilderness that surrounds them.
Iron Creek Horse Camp is specifically designed for equestrian use. It features 9 nonelectric sites equipped with corrals and caters to horse enthusiasts. RVs and tents are also accommodated.
Historical SignificanceThe sacred landscape surrounding Iron Creek Horse Camp whispers stories of the Lakota people who first named these hills 'Paha Sapa' - the Black Hills. This ancient homeland holds deep spiritual significance, with the nearby Black Elk Wilderness serving as a living memorial to the renowned Lakota holy man whose visions and teachings continue to inspire. As you ride through these storied trails, you're following paths that have connected people to this powerful landscape for countless generations.
Weather and SeasonsUnder the expansive South Dakota sky, Iron Creek Horse Camp enjoys a climate of gentle contrasts. Summer brings perfect camping weather with warm, sun-drenched days ideal for trail riding and cool evenings around the campfire. The typically dry conditions and moderate cloud cover create stunning sunset displays across the pine-covered hills. As autumn arrives, crisp air carries the scent of changing seasons, while winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though cold temperatures and potential snowfall make this season best suited for the heartiest of adventurers.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic Ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral around Iron Creek Horse Camp, their vanilla-scented bark and towering presence offering shade and shelter. The melodic waters of Iron Creek wind through the campground, providing a refreshing soundtrack and water source for horses after long trail rides. This corner of the Black Hills reveals nature's artistry at every turn - dramatic rock formations thrust skyward, intimate canyons invite exploration, and hidden gulches promise adventure. Beyond the immediate forest, the landscape opens to reveal rolling grasslands, mirror-like alpine lakes reflecting endless skies, and mysterious caves that harbor secrets millions of years in the making.
Geological RegionIron Creek Horse Camp sits within a geological wonderland where ancient forces have sculpted one of America's most distinctive landscapes. The Black Hills National Forest showcases nature's dramatic handiwork through soaring granite spires, deep canyons carved by patient streams, and rugged rock formations that tell stories spanning millions of years. Hidden throughout this diverse terrain, crystalline lakes nestle in mountain valleys while mysterious cave systems wind through limestone depths. Expansive grasslands flow between forested ridges, creating a rich tapestry of ecosystems that support an incredible diversity of wildlife and plant life.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible vault toilets and campsites, but specific details about other accessibility features are not provided.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate rigs up to 50 feet in length. One user review describes the corral at site 1 as 'very small.'
Sites PrivacyThe privacy of sites varies. One review mentions, 'The sites felt very private,' but another criticizes the 'picnic tables in some sites are too close to the neighbors.'
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers suggest bringing your own wheelbarrow for manure disposal if staying at horse sites.
Best CampsitesSite 009 is praised for its cleanliness and grassy area. Site 005 has good trails leading to nearby attractions.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay: 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site accommodates 2-3 horses.
Groups
No group-specific camping information is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are grassy with picnic tables, horse corrals, and parking areas.
Open and Closed SeasonSeason opens on May 21, 2025, and closes on September 28, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled prior to the day of arrival with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Iron Creek Horse Camp provides access to the Black Hills National Forest's recreational activities, including hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The camp is adjacent to the Centennial Trail and near Black Elk Wilderness. Winter activities like snowmobiling and snowshoeing are also possible. While trails are highlighted for their scenic views, some reviews mention trail blockages from blowdown.
Hiking
The campground provides access to the Centennial Trail and Black Elk Wilderness, offering various hiking experiences. However, some trails are occasionally obstructed by blowdowns, as noted by users.Biking
Mountain biking is noted as a popular activity in the Black Hills National Forest during summer and autumn, but specific details about biking trails are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The forest is home to diverse wildlife, including elk, deer, pronghorn, and various bird species such as bald eagles and hawks. While not specific to the campground, the surrounding region offers ample opportunities for wildlife observation.Winter Activities
Winter activities such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skiing are mentioned as popular in the Black Hills National Forest.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned in the provided materials.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings with grills are available at each site.
- Quiet hours enforced generally in the evenings.
Hazards
General hazardsMountain lions are present but rarely seen.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesMay 21, 2025 - September 7, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is mentioned as available, but specific details about recycling are not provided. Some reviews criticize the manure removal system.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Iron Creek.
Common complaintsSome campers note manure disposal issues and lack of camp host presence.
HostCamp hosts are not always present.
Campground Map
Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD 57745, USA
Driving directionsTo access the Iron Creek Horse Camp from Custer, travel east on US Highway 16A for approximately 9 miles. Turn left, or north, onto State Highway 87 and travel approximately 6 miles to FSR 345. Turn right, or north, onto FSR 345. Turn left into the campground.
Access roads are curvy, and sites can accommodate rigs up to 50 feet. Larger rigs should use Willow Creek Horse Camp.Nearby places
Custer (13 miles)
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.0
19 reviews
Iron Creek Horse Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Feedback on Iron Creek Horse Camp is mixed. Positive reviews highlight the location's serene setting, equestrian facilities, and proximity to trails. Complaints include maintenance issues, such as the condition of wheelbarrows and manure disposal, as well as a lack of on-site management. Cell reception is noted as nonexistent, and some users report problems with trail access.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include 'beautiful trails,' 'quiet camp spots,' and 'excellent riding opportunities.' The vault toilets are praised as 'clean' by some users, and the small number of sites...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include maintenance issues ('very dirty vault toilets' and 'manure disposal problems'), the lack of a camp host, and 'picnic tables placed too close to neighbors.' There are also...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users suggest bringing your own wheelbarrow for manure disposal, planning for no cell reception, and carrying extra water since drinking water is not available.
Based on 19 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer and early autumn are the most popular seasons due to favorable weather and trail access. Winter brings opportunities for snow-based activities but may limit equestrian use due to site...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The campground was well kept and with the small amount of sites felt very private!' 2. 'Trails weave through the wilderness offering primitive, non-motorized recreational experiences.' 3. 'The...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 006: Praised for its privacy but noted for rough trails. Site 009: Criticized for manure disposal issues but appreciated for its grassy campsite.
Based on 19 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features beyond the availability of accessible vault toilets.
Based on 19 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
A $2 pet fee applies. Some users report issues with enforcement of pet leash rules.
Based on 19 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025