Horsethief Lake Campground
Quick Facts
4,993 ftPrice
$30/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
40 campsites
Season
Open season begins M...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Quick Facts
4,993 ftPrice
$30/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
40 campsites
Season
Open season begins M...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
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What Campers Say
Satisfactory
Based on 307 reviews
120 Google reviews
Most mentioned
"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."
Campground Map
Horsethief Lake Campground
Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA
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.
Peak season offers swimming, boating, hiking and warm days; high review activity in summer.
Open into late September; fall offers quieter camps and scenic Black Hills landscapes.
Late-spring opening (May 21) limits early-spring access; activities ramp up as season begins.
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
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