Horsethief Lake Campground

Star4.06
307 reviews
Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA
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
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 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...
Show more
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
605-673-9200
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

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

Driving directionsFrom Hill City, take U.S. Rt. 16/385 south 3 miles to State Rt. 244. Turn left onto Rt. 244. Travel 5.9 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.
Roads to the campground are paved, ensuring easy access for most vehicles. However, vehicles towing trailers or motorhomes over 25 feet are not allowed in the area of Sites 23 through 28. Seasonal road conditions may vary, especially during winter months.
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 offers swimming, boating, hiking and warm days; high review activity in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into late September; fall offers quieter camps and scenic Black Hills landscapes.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Late-spring opening (May 21) limits early-spring access; activities ramp up as season begins.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally closed outside May 21–Sept 28 window.

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.
Advertisement

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.

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.
HikingHiking opportunities are plentiful, with access to the George S. Mickelson Trail and the trail leading to Black Elk Peak, the highest point east of the Rockies. One user said, 'We enjoyed early morning hike around the lake. It was very peaceful and views of the lake and mountains were gorgeous.'
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing is a popular activity in Horsethief Lake. Reviews mentioned catching trout and enjoying the serene lake environment. However, some users noted difficulty obtaining fishing regulations from campground personnel.
SwimmingSwimming is available in Horsethief Lake, which users described as 'refreshing' and 'fun for everyone, kids and dogs especially.' There is also a small beach for water activities.
BikingBiking is supported with access to the nearby George S. Mickelson Trail, which spans 100 miles with packed gravel terrain suitable for various skill levels.
BoatingBoating activities, including kayaking and paddleboarding, are enjoyed at Horsethief Lake. One reviewer stated, 'Great lake to swim/kayak/paddleboard.'
Advertisement

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

Reviews

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...
Show more
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.' -...
Show more
Based on 307 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- 'Bring your own water for RV tank filling, as the spigots are for basic use.' - 'Choose sites near the lake for better views and more seclusion.' - 'Come prepared for primitive conditions—no...
Show more
Based on 307 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are most popular due to warm weather and outdoor activities like swimming and fishing. However, some campers noted excessive noise and crowded conditions during peak season.
Based on 307 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Waking up next to the lake was absolute perfection.' - 'We loved how close it was to Mount Rushmore.' - 'Despite thunderstorms overnight, we had an amazing time.' - 'The vault toilets smelled very...
Show more
Based on 307 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site 018: 'Had a great view at the lake. We even saw an eagle.' - Site 024: 'The campsite was spectacularly perfection.' - Site 007: 'Hidden gem with easy lake access.' - Site 032: 'Spacious camp...
Show more
Based on 307 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews directly addressing accessibility features were noted, but some reviewers mentioned the paved roads and short walks to sites as beneficial.
Based on 307 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but one reviewer noted restrictions on barking. 'I was told by the hosts that my bloodhound was not allowed to bark.'
Based on 307 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Horsethief Lake Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in South Dakota

Campgrounds
Black Hills National Forest
Horsethief Lake Campground