South Dakota / Pennington County

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.

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.

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