Horsethief Lake Campground
Open for the season. Reservations available through Recreation.gov; first-come, first-served sites also available. An open fire restriction is currently in effect for Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota.
Red Flag Warning issued October 9 at 12:12AM MDT until October 9 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Rapid City SD
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 8 PM MDT THIS EVENING DUE TO GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR CENTRAL BLACK HILLS, SOUTHERN BLACK HILLS, FALL RIVER COUNTY AREA, NORTHERN FOOT HILLS, EASTERN FOOT HILLS, CUSTER COUNTY PLAINS, PINE RIDGE AREA, BUTTE COUNTY AREA, WEST CENTRAL PLAINS, BADLANDS AREA, NORTHERN CAMPBELL, SOUTHERN CAMPBELL, CROOK COUNTY PLAINS, WESTON COUNTY PLAINS, AND WYOMING BLACK HILLS... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 329, and 332. * TIMING...From 11 AM this morning to 8 PM MDT this evening. * WINDS...Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
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.
About
Horsethief Lake Campground sits at 4,959 feet elevation in the Black Hills National Forest, just 2 miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The 22 campsites are nestled among ponderosa and lodgepole pines adjacent to Horsethief Lake, offering a peaceful retreat with easy access to iconic Black Hills attractions. The campground provides standard amenities including vault toilets, potable drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Sites range from standard vehicle-accessible spots to tent-only and walk-to tent sites. Note that sites 23-28 have access restrictions: vehicles towing trailers and motorhomes over 25 feet are not permitted in that area. Recreation opportunities abound. Fish for trout from shore, a non-motorized boat, or the ADA-accessible fishing pier. The nearby George S. Mickelson Trail offers over 100 miles of packed gravel for hiking and biking. Day trips to Black Elk Peak, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Jewel Cave are all within easy reach.
Directions
From 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.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (605) 673-9200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
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