Info Kiosk
Lake View with bridge in background
Rock with hole in it

Horsethief Lake Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from mid-May through late September. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness

This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.

Weed Free Forage Products

The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.

Occupancy and Use Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to protect the public health and safety in the Rocky Mountain Region. This Order is supplemental to and does not rescind or replace those restrictions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A, or any Forest Supervisor Order issued under 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart B.

Cave Closure and Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.

Special Restrictions: Over Snow Travel Order

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R.

Prohibition of Motor Vehicles On Beretta Road, Mystic Ranger District

A closure of the entirety of NFS Road 366.3 (Beretta Road), located approximately 3.3 miles north-northeast of Keystone, South Dakota, beginning at the intersection with US Highway 16 South and continuing to the intersection with NFS Roads 674.

Topaz timber sale near Sturgis, SD Continues Operations

The Topaz timber sale near Sturgis, SD continues operations.Tethered fuels reduction (a steep slope logging/fuels treatment system that uses equipment tethered to steel cables) is being utilized to perform chipping and mastication operations.  These operations cause flying debris.

Attention Cavers and Spelunkers

Remember that access to all caves in Region 2 must be authorized through a mandatory registration system that is available Online through the regional office.

Please Use Caution When Entering the Black Elk Wilderness

Please use caution when entering the Wilderness. At any given time, trees can fall without warning.

Don't Move Firewood & Other Firewood Information

The Forest Service sells permits to cut firewood for personal use. Firewood cutting can be a fun outing, can save on your heating bill and can be good exercise.

Hwy 385 Construction Updates

Visit https://us-385.com/ for updates on the Hwy 385 Construction project and/or text “US385” to 605-566-4041 to receive updates.

Order 182 - Open Fire Restriction - BKNF/SD

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R.

Order 172 - Cook Lake Closure Order

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R.

Order 082 - Area Closure - Motorized Vehicles within Botanical Area

Acts prohibited information on possessing or operating a motorized vehicle off Forest Development Roads within these Botanical Areas. 36 CFR 261.53 (b).

Order 079 - Area Closure - Craven Canyon

Area closure for occupancy and use regulations - Craven Canyon information

Order 074 - Prohibited Entry - Forest Caves/Mines

Prohibited Entry - Forest Caves/Mines information.

Order 046 - Length of Stay Restrictions & Reservation - Campgrounds

Length Order Special Restrictions & Reservation.

Order 044 - Area Closure - Concentrated Public Use Areas & Developed Rec. Areas

Special Closure Order on Concentrated Public Use Areas and Developed Recreation Areas. See Order below for details.

Order 015 - Road Use Regulations - Forest Development

Code of Federal Regulations, the following acts are prohibited on all Forest Development Roads under the jurisdiction of the Black Hills National Forest:

Order 025 - Site Closure - Designated Seismic

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), the following is prohibited: No person(s) may enter or be within the area within 1/2 mile of the Designated Seismic Site, (DSS), or on Forest Development Road 711 or FDR 110.4A within 1/2 mile of the DSS.

Order 024 - Mine Closure - Spokane

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following are prohibited:

Order 019 - Mining Prohibited - Norbeck

In accordance with. "36 CFR 251.10 PROHIBITION OF LOCATION OF MINING CLAIMS WITHIN CERTAIN AREAS IN THE NORBECK WILDLIFE PRESERVE, SOUTH DAKOTA", it has been determined that the location of mining claims within the area described below would not be in the public interest.

Order 010 - Nuclear Burial Site - Warren Peak

For public health or safety the use of explosives within the below described area is prohibited. (36 CFR 261.53)

About

Located 10 miles south of Hill City, South Dakota, Horsethief Lake Campground provides a peaceful setting in Black Hills National Forest. The campground features 36 sites that accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, including several tent-only and walk-to tent sites. Sites are nestled among towering ponderosa and lodgepole pine trees, just 2 miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial and adjacent to scenic Horsethief Lake. The campground offers vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and campfire rings at each site. Paved roads provide easy access throughout the facility. Black Hills National Forest encompasses nearly 1.25 million acres of diverse terrain, from rugged rock formations and canyons to grassland parks, streams, and lakes. Wildlife including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and numerous bird species inhabit the area. Recreational opportunities abound year-round. Summer and fall are popular for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicle use. The nearby George S. Mickelson Trail offers over 100 miles of packed gravel paths through forests and meadows. Ambitious hikers can trek to Black Elk Peak, the highest natural point in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Nearby attractions include Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Monument, Wind Cave National Park, and Jewel Cave.

Directions

From Hill City, take U.S. Route 16/385 south 3 miles to State Route 244. Turn left onto Route 244. Travel 5.9 miles to the campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $30

Vehicle

Max RV Length 45ft
Max Trailer Length 45ft
Big Rig Friendly Yes
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (605) 673-9200

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Info Kiosk
Lake View with bridge in background
Rock with hole in it
Horsethief Lake
Steps leading down to fishing pier
Steps leading to a unique rock formation
unique rock formation
Lake overview
Horsethief Lake
Lake View
Bridge leading from Day Use area to Campground
Boardwalk and Fishing Pier
Fishing pier overlooking lake with benches
Toilet
Retaining Wall overlooking lake near tent site area
Recreation Site Sign
Accessible Fishing Pier
Lake Access

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