Horse Trough
Recreation Site Sign
Manure Disposal Area

Willow Creek Horse Camp

Closed — Closed for the winter season. Normally operates from mid-May through December 15. Advanced reservations are available for peak season dates from mid-May through early September via Recreation.gov. Shoulder season camping is first-come, first-served.

Red Flag Warning issued April 11 at 12:06PM MDT until April 12 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Rapid City SD

12:06 PM — April 12th, 3:15 AM

...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS THROUGH SUNDAY ACROSS PORTIONS OF NORTHEASTERN WYOMING AND WESTERN SOUTH DAKOTA... .Warm, dry, and breezy weather will support critical fire weather conditions over northeastern Wyoming and southwestern South Dakota this afternoon and again Sunday afternoon. In addition, isolated dry thunderstorms are possible late this afternoon and evening. While confidence in timing and occurrence is low, erratic wind gusts in excess of 50 MPH would be possible if a dry thunderstorm occurs. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 314 Northern Campbell, 315 Southern Campbell, 317 Weston County Plains, 320 Central Black Hills, 321 Southern Black Hills, 322 Fall River County Area, 324 Eastern Foot Hills, 325 Custer County Plains, 326 Pine Ridge Area, 329 West Central Plains and 332 Badlands Area. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...The combination of gusty winds and low relative humidity will produce critical fire weather conditions.

From Recreation.gov

* **Please be aware that Willow Creek Horse Camp sites 1-3 will now accommodate horses and has corrals for each site! **

About

Willow Creek Horse Camp is nestled at the confluence of Willow Creek and Palmer Creek near the Black Elk Wilderness area of the Black Hills National Forest. Recently renovated by the Forest Service and the Black Hills Back Country Horsemen of South Dakota, this campground is designed specifically for horse campers with features tailored to stock users. The campground offers 9 sites with camping pads, picnic tables, fire grills, and corrals for stock. Amenities include one toilet and a gravity-fed water line that provides two horse troughs. Additional facilities include manure dumpsters for proper waste disposal. The campground is located within the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, home to elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. From Willow Creek Horse Camp, riders can access several trails into the backcountry. The Willow Creek Loop provides scenic views of the Black Elk Wilderness, while the Lost Cabin Trail offers views of Black Elk Peak on its descent. Both trails connect with the Black Elk Peak Trail, making this an excellent starting point for day-long rides to Black Elk Peak and Harney Lookout Tower. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is only 6 miles away.

Directions

From Hill City, South Dakota take US-16 W/US-385 S for 2.8 miles, then turn left on Highway 244 E and travel 3.1 miles.

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 99ft
Max Trailer Length 99ft
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

Horse Trough
Recreation Site Sign
Manure Disposal Area
Information Sign
Trailhead
Willow Creek trailhead bulletin board in trailhead parking area
Horse Trough
Toilet
Bridge Crossing
Trash Recycling
Trailhead Parking Area

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