Iron Creek Horse Camp

Star4.03
33 reviews
Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD 57745, USA

Quick Facts

5,213 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Season opens on May ...

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

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Iron Creek Horse Camp
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Equestrian Nonelectric sites are $30 per night during peak and non-peak seasons. No discounts are offered.
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

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Provider
605-673-9200
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What Campers Say

4.03

Satisfactory

Based on 33 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietcleansites

"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."

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Campground Map

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

Iron Creek Horse Camp

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
null

Best Time to Camp at Iron Creek Horse Camp

Under 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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season with warm days, cool nights, and full trail/equestrian access noted in reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early autumn popular for trails and weather; fall is highlighted as a favorable season in seasonal info.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Opens May 21, so most spring is closed; limited late-spring access with variable trail/site conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May 21–Sep 28; winter season not supported for regular camping.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 21, 2025 - September 7, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Season opens on May 21, 2025, and closes on September 28, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Iron Creek Horse Camp

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.
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Reserving a campsite

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Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay: 14 nights.

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.
HikingThe 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.
BikingMountain 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 viewingThe 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
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMountain lions are present but rarely seen.
Active Alertsnull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Iron Creek Horse Camp

Reviews

4.0
33 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
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 33 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...
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Based on 33 reviews

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...
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Based on 33 reviews

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 33 reviews

Seasonal 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...
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Based on 33 reviews

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...
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Based on 33 reviews

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 33 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features beyond the availability of accessible vault toilets.
Based on 33 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

A $2 pet fee applies. Some users report issues with enforcement of pet leash rules.
Based on 33 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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