Willow Creek Horse Camp
4.5329 reviewsForest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA
Quick Facts
7,242 ftPrice
$30/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Open from May 21 to ...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
7,242 ftPrice
$30/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Open from May 21 to ...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsWillow Creek Horse Camp
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for standard nonelectric campsites is $30. There are no discounts for Senior or Access passes. Fees vary by season and 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$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$30.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider605-673-9200
What Campers Say
4.53
Top-Rated
Based on 29 reviews
21 Google reviews
Most mentioned
peacefulcleansites
"User reviews for Willow Creek Horse Camp are generally positive, with an average sentiment of 4.31. While horse campers appreciate the excellent trail access and sturdy corrals, some issues like manure disposal logistics and mosquito prevalence are noted."
Fees & Passes at Willow Creek Horse Camp
$30/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Cancellation: Cancellations can be made until one day before check-in for individual campsites with a $10 fee. Lat...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Forest Recreation Management, Inc website.
Best Time to Camp at Willow Creek Horse Camp
The Black Hills' mountain climate brings delightful surprises throughout the camping season. While summer days are generally warm and inviting, late June visitors should come prepared for nature's tiny welcoming committee of mosquitoes. The region's unpredictable personality can even deliver September snowstorms, transforming the landscape into an unexpected winter wonderland—a reminder to pack layers no matter the season.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 21, 2025 - September 7, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from May 21 to September 28 for reservations. Peak season spans May 21 to September 7; non-peak season begins September 8.
- Current Alerts: No current alerts listed.
About Willow Creek Horse Camp
Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills National Forest, Willow Creek Horse Camp beckons equestrian enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. This thoughtfully renovated campground serves as your gateway to the pristine Black Elk Wilderness, where miles of scenic trails await both hikers and horseback riders. Select campsites feature convenient corrals, making this an ideal basecamp for those traveling with their four-legged companions.
Willow Creek Horse Camp is designed primarily for equestrian camping but also accommodates non-horse camping. Sites 1 through 3 are designated for non-horse campers, while sites 4 through 9 are equipped with corrals for equestrians.
Historical SignificanceYour journey to Willow Creek places you along the legendary Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, a winding mountain road that honors South Dakota's visionary former governor. From various vantage points, catch glimpses of the iconic Mount Rushmore and the sacred Black Elk Peak, where Native American history and modern tourism converge in spectacular fashion. This byway stands as a testament to Governor Norbeck's dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the Black Hills for future generations.
Weather and SeasonsThe Black Hills' mountain climate brings delightful surprises throughout the camping season. While summer days are generally warm and inviting, late June visitors should come prepared for nature's tiny welcoming committee of mosquitoes. The region's unpredictable personality can even deliver September snowstorms, transforming the landscape into an unexpected winter wonderland—a reminder to pack layers no matter the season.
ElevationPerched high in the Black Hills, the campground sits at an elevation approaching that of nearby Black Elk Peak, the highest point between the Rocky Mountains and the Pyrenees at 7,242 feet above sea level. This lofty position offers cooler temperatures, crisp mountain air, and the kind of star-filled nights that make memories.
Natural Features and SceneryDramatic granite spires and weathered rock formations frame your camping experience at Willow Creek, where nature has sculpted a masterpiece of canyons, hidden gulches, and meadowed grasslands. Crystal-clear mountain streams wind through the landscape, creating a symphony of rushing water. Keep your camera ready for encounters with the area's remarkable residents—majestic elk, graceful deer, sure-footed bighorn sheep, and elusive mountain goats all call these hills home. Towering above it all, Black Elk Peak dominates the horizon at 7,242 feet, serving as both a landmark and an invitation to explore.
Geological RegionWillow Creek Horse Camp sits within the geological wonderland of the Black Hills National Forest, where ancient granite formations tell a billion-year story. This unique landscape of towering rock spires, deep canyons, and hidden gulches creates a natural playground bordered by the protected Black Elk Wilderness and the diverse ecosystems of the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve. Mountain streams have carved their paths through the terrain over millennia, feeding pristine lakes and creating the diverse habitats that support the region's abundant wildlife.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible campsites, grills, and vault toilets, making it possible for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the facilities.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as spacious, with specific mention of their ability to accommodate horse trailers.
Sites PrivacyThe sites offer varying levels of privacy, with some described as "quiet and secluded," while others are more open, as noted by a user who stated their site had "no shade."
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy, choose sites #5 and #3. Avoid site #1 if mosquito activity is high.
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Not specified
- sites designed for a mix of equestrian and non-equestrian camping.
Groups
Group camping specifics are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are spread out; some designed for equestrian use with corrals accommodating up to 6 horses. Non-horse sites are available (sites 1-3).
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 21 to September 28 for reservations. Peak season spans May 21 to September 7; non-peak season begins September 8.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot stated; campground transitioned from first-come-first-serve to reservation-based system.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made until one day before check-in for individual campsites with a $10 fee. Late cancellations result in forfeiting the first night's fee. No refunds for weather-related events.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Willow Creek Horse Camp provides abundant recreational opportunities, primarily for equestrian and hiking enthusiasts. The campground serves as a trailhead for the Willow Creek Loop and Lost Cabin Trail, offering access to scenic views and connections to the Black Elk Peak Trail. Horseback riding is a major activity here, with reviewers frequently praising the availability of trails: "Tremendous riding right from camp."
Hiking
Hiking is a key activity, with access to trails such as the Willow Creek Loop and Lost Cabin Trail, which offer scenic views and connect to the Black Elk Peak Trail. One user noted, "Across the creek, there is access to the Willow Creek horse and hiking trail (#8), which conveniently connects to the north approach to Black Elk (Harney) Peak (#9)."Wildlife viewing
The campground is within the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, home to elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. "We loved waking up to the views," noted one reviewer, referring to the natural setting.Winter Activities
A reviewer described camping during a snowstorm, but no specific winter activities like skiing or snowshoeing are mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings are provided, but specific rules regarding fire usage were not detailed.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes and flies are noted as problematic near the creek during warmer months. Navigating trailers into some sites is reportedly difficult due to steep approaches.
Active alertsNo current alerts listed.
Weather at Willow Creek Horse Camp
38
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 15 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Mainly clear
Weather History
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Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Hill City, which is 7 miles away. Specific emergency facilities are not detailed.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 21, 2025 - September 7, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available. There is a horse waste container for manure, though some reviewers noted its inconvenient placement and limited capacity.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Willow Creek, which runs alongside certain campsites.
Common complaintsComplaints include difficulties with manure disposal, trailer parking challenges, and presence of hornets.
HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful in reviews, routinely checking on campers.
Campground Map
Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA
Driving directionsFrom Hill City, South Dakota, take US 16/385 south for 7 miles. Go east on State Hwy 244. The campground is located across from the Mt. Rushmore KOA.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Users recommend navigating to Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch instead of directly to the campground due to challenging navigation instructions.Nearby places
Hill City (7 miles), Mount Rushmore (6 miles), Custer State Park (approx. 10 miles)
Nearby supplies
Firewood and other supplies can be purchased at Horsethief Lake campground (approx. 3 miles away). The nearest town with full-service supplies is Hill City, 7 miles away.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
29 reviews
Willow Creek Horse Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Willow Creek Horse Camp are generally positive, with an average sentiment of 4.31. While horse campers appreciate the excellent trail access and sturdy corrals, some issues like manure disposal logistics and mosquito prevalence are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 29 reviews
What Campers Love
Users consistently praise the "clean and tidy" sites, "beautiful trails," and "peaceful" environment. The horse facilities, including the corrals, are also highly regarded.
Based on 29 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the inconvenient placement of manure dumpsters, difficulty parking trailers at certain sites, and the presence of mosquitoes and flies during warmer months.
Based on 29 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Prepare for mosquitoes near the creek, especially at site 1. For horse campers, ensure compliance with the certified weed-free feed requirement. Tent campers are advised to choose a site away from...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews highlight mosquito issues during late spring and summer, while fall reviews focus on the beautiful, quiet atmosphere. One user described a magical snowstorm experience in September.
Based on 29 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The trails there are also phenomenal and waking up to the views that are there, is very hard to beat!" - Mckenna S.; "We loved waking up to the views," - Hannah F.
Based on 29 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 1: Mosquito-heavy due to creek proximity; Site 3: Close to vault toilets, no horses; Site 7: Spacious, good for horse trailers but access road needs improvement.
Based on 29 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features directly. However, the campground does include accessible vault toilets and campsites.
Based on 29 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific pet-related reviews are provided.
Based on 29 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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