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Black Hills/Horsethief Lake
Overview
Black Hills/Horsethief Lake provides a classic South Dakota camping experience tucked away in the majestic Ponderosa pines. This park is widely recognized for its peaceful natural setting that contrasts with the busier tourist strips found in the surrounding region. Guests can expect a well-maintained facility that successfully blends the rugged beauty of the Black Hills with the essential comforts required for a modern road trip. Whether you are arriving in a large motorhome or a small camper van, the atmosphere here is one of quiet relaxation and outdoor immersion.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just two miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the location is arguably the park's greatest asset. The campground sits at a high elevation, offering cool mountain air and a dense canopy of trees that provides ample shade for most sites. The proximity to Horsethief Lake allows for easy access to fishing, kayaking, and hiking trails without needing to drive long distances. Being just minutes from Keystone, SD, ensures that while you feel secluded in the forest, you are never far from local dining and supply runs.
Amenities & Park Features
The facility offers a variety of site types to accommodate different travel styles. Travelers can find several key features designed for convenience and comfort:
- Full hookup RV sites featuring water, sewer, and 30/50-amp electricity.
- A heated seasonal pool that serves as a perfect retreat after a day of sightseeing.
- Clean, modern bathhouses and on-site laundry facilities for long-term travelers.
The park also features a well-stocked camp store for essentials and ice, as well as a playground for children. The layout is designed to respect the natural terrain, ensuring that each site feels like a part of the forest.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Staying here puts you at the heart of the region's most iconic landmarks. Beyond the quick drive to see the presidents, visitors are within easy reach of the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway. A short drive south leads to Custer State Park, famous for its roaming bison herds and the stunning Needles Highway. For those interested in history and local heritage, the Crazy Horse Memorial and the 1880 Train in Keystone offer unique glimpses into the culture and engineering of the American West.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for travelers who prioritize a quiet, wooded atmosphere over the high-energy environment of a massive commercial RV resort. It is a fantastic choice for families looking for a convenient basecamp near the national monuments and for nature lovers who want to wake up to the scent of pine. If you value a scenic and central location that makes exploring the Black Hills effortless while maintaining a rustic charm, this park will fit your travel style perfectly.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Les Schmidt
Very remote and peaceful even on a national holiday and only a few miles from Rushmore, keystone, and Custer.
David Hofer
We stayed in a tent by the lake for 4 nights I could not have had a better experience! Credit goes to the camp host who was a wonderful camp host!! Unfortunately I don't recall her name but she was fantastic working with everybody and was very much on top of everything and made sure things worked well. We watched eagles, listened to fish jump from our tent, and had a great stay! Site 27 for tent campers is the BEST! 25 is next best. You're welcome!!
Shelley Austin
Picture perfect camping! The lake with osprey flying overhead, the pine trees giving shade. Lovely. Only 6 min from Mount Rushmore monument too. We saw the evening light-up and movie. Dogs allowed only up to the flag area. But you can hear everything from there and see the carving light up too
Greg Hastings
Can't stress enough how beautiful the lake was. Friendly helpful staff. First come first serve campsites. Lake is stocked with trout. If you have a trailer make certain you pull into the camping side of the lake. The other side doesn't have a turn around spot for trailers. The signage telling you it's a dead-end that's narrow without any room for trailers isn't visible until a half block down the roadway and behind bushes! Forcing trailers to reverse onto a highway with a blind turn!!! Stay safe
Zach Wedel
Really liked this campground. Quiet, yet located very close to Mt. Rushmore. Tent sites were adequately spaced, and it appeared that they had recently been redone. Nice hiking trail around the lake.
whitechocolatematcha (whitechocolatematcha)
Nice stop. Pretty basic no electricity nor water hookups, vaulted toilet. Safe for the night.
Christina Deherrera
Love this lake and Campground, great fishing, paddle boarding, and hiking.
Phillip Lasley
Stopped by on our way to Needles Highway and it was well worth the while. Seemed to be a great swimming and fishing area and was also a pretty cool walking trail. Many were catching good sized trout and such. Even if it’s just a stop on your way through, definitely recommend.
Suzanne Nenninger
Clean refreshing water. Sandy/pebbled entrance into lake. This is manmade and parking isn’t an issue. Definitely worth a stop to fish or swim. Very convenient to Mt Rushmore.
El Cucuy Ortiz
Great place to camp