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Horsethief Lake Campground

In

Black Hills National Forest

·

100%

·

22 sites · RV, Tent

What’s better than seeing Mt. Rushmore for the first time? Camping nearby next to a beauty of a lake among the pines that’s what! Horsethief Lake Campground is only two miles from Mt. Rushmore, so you probably want to pay it a visit if you haven’t already. Then you can get to the good stuff of fishing, hiking, rock climbing, and campfire cookouts while overlooking Horsethief Lake. A variety of RV, tent, and walk-in sites are ripe for the picking, so you can choose your level of luxury and stay awhile.

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

No sewage hookups

No electric hookups

22 sites

RV, Tent

Explore 195 campgrounds near Black Hills National Forest

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Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Black Hills National Forest

Horse Creek Resort

6.4mi from Horsethief Lake Campground · 29 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Rapid City, SD

theHCresort.com Centrally-located on 18 acres between two of the Hills’ largest and most beautiful lakes, and less than 15 miles from Rapid City and Mount Rushmore, Horse Creek Resort is the perfect creekside oasis for your next adventure. The resort is located off Highway 385, the main thoroughfare through the Black Hills National Forest, yet is peacefully nestled in a quiet valley, completely surrounded by national forestland with a tranquil year-round creek meandering throughout the property. Rock outcroppings, hiking trails and offroad trails are within footsteps of every cabin. The serene space is an outdoor sanctuary centrally-located within 20 miles of Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Eye Tunnel / Highway, and Black Elk Peak. Your adventure will also take you near Hill City, Keystone, Custer, and Historic Deadwood. Drive a little further, and end up in Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Sturgis, or Devils Tower National Monument. *****NOTE: HWY 385 Road Construction***** South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) began Highway 385 road construction , which is the main highway that runs through the Black Hills, from Deadwood through Custer, in the fall of 2023. They recently just started construction along the section next to Horse Creek (fall of 2024), which will continue through summer of 2025. Please use the following link for any updates: us-385 dot com

HTR Black Hills

10mi from Horsethief Lake Campground · 102 sites · RVs, Lodging · Rapid City, SD

Explore the beauty of HTR Black Hills (formerly American Buffalo Campground). This unique destination is home to Mount Rushmore as well as numerous national and state parks, local attractions, and iconic events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. So, stay awhile when you tour all the mountains, canyons, caves, and rock formations with the spectacular backdrop of South Dakota. Nestled under tall pine trees, in the heart of the wonderful Black Hills, our on-site recreational facilities include a heated swimming pool & hot tub (open Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting), mini golf, a playground area for children, basketball court, horseshoe pits, and wooded walking trails offer something for everyone!

Tent camping near a pine forest

13mi from Horsethief Lake Campground · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · Custer, SD

These tent sites are located in a campground, bordered by the Black Hills National Forest. While staying here you have access to free hot showers, flush toilets, a dish washing station, a charging stations for electronics, a game room and a laundry room.

Nomad VanCamp And RV Park

11mi from Horsethief Lake Campground · 10 sites · RVs · Custer, SD

Urban Camping - Wilderness Adventure! Stay with us in the heart of Downtown Custer, SD. Enjoy all the Southern Black Hills has to offer and the dining and shopping in Custer! 7 Full Hookup RV sites AND 3 VAN or car camping sites with shared water/electric access, shower house and tables in a shaded yard.

Bear Den Cabins & Camp

11mi from Horsethief Lake Campground · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging · Hermosa, SD

Bear Den is a small camp with 3 Glamping Tents, 2 cabins and shower house. Outdoor spaces for relaxing. We are located approximately 5 miles from Custer State Park, 11 miles from Keystone the Gateway to Mt. Rushmore in the beautiful southern Black Hills. Cabins have electricity, our tents do not have electricity. Cabins and showers are heated and open year round! All sites including 'bring your own tent' sites have access to the shower house and outdoor grilling areas. Pick a spot to pitch your own tent, one tent per space. If you have 2 tents please book 2 sites. We have 3 spots cleared. Hang your hammock in trees around the property. This option includes all access to the shower house and outdoor grilling areas!

Battle Creek Camping Resort

11mi from Horsethief Lake Campground · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hermosa, SD

BCCR arrived in the late summer of 2023. We have RV sites and glamping options spread out over 80 acres, in the foothills of Hermosa, South Dakota. We are a family owned and operated glamp ground. We provide a unique experience for families, couples and solo travelers to unplug and unwind. We do not have Wi-Fi nor televisions at our campground. We are known for our stargazing friendly environment which is why we do not have street lights. We love to see kids outside riding their bikes and making lifelong friends with other guests. This has been one of the most rewarding compliments that we continue to receive. Each glamp site has a gas and wood fire pit. Families gather around the campfire at nights, roasting smores and telling stories. The laughter is pure joy and memories that will last a lifetime. The lodges, domes and tents that we have are fully furnished with linens, towels and a fully stocked coffee bar. Our most praised amenity is our bath house. This features private full restrooms with individual sinks, showers and toilets. We strive to provide a family friendly campground. Therefore, our quiet hours are from 10pm to 7am. No loud music or disruptions to other guests, of any kind, are allowed. At any time during your stay, you need assistance, please reach out by phone call, text or email. We thank you for choosing to stay with us and are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your families memories. Check In: Check in time is 4:00-9:00pm MST. We are self-check in but it is very dark when the sun goes down and the phone service can be spotty. Please reach out asap if you know you may be arriving late so we can be prepared to assist if needed. Calls after 11pm, will go to voicemail and be returned the next day. Check Out: Please do not leave us, but if you must go, please check out by 11:00am MST.

Pine Haven Lodging

7.8mi from Horsethief Lake Campground · 34 sites · RVs, Lodging · Rapid City, SD

Pine Haven Lodging is situated right in the center of the Black Hills of South Dakota. We're located on 19 acres of Black Hills National Forest at the base of Storm Mountain, 15 minutes from Mount Rushmore and 10 minutes from food and shopping hub Rapid City. We offer full hook-up RV sites and single-family cabins.

Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

10mi from Horsethief Lake Campground · 32 sites · Tents, RVs · Custer, SD

Custer's Last Chance RV Park Conveniently located on the East side of Custer with easy access to the Custer Spur bike trail. The French Creek runs through the property, lots of wildlife frequents the area. The creek features a couple of wide pools. The rest of the creek is fairly narrow with slow moving water. The kids will have a great time exploring the lower acreage. Full hookup sites are available with 50, 30 or 20 amps. We still have dry camping sites as well. We hope you enjoy your stay!

Camp Custer in Star Valley

14mi from Horsethief Lake Campground · 1 site · Tent, RV · Custer, SD

Dry camping RV spot located in the southern Black Hills on 3 acres. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, visiting wildlife and occasional hot air ballons from the fire pit & picnic table just steps from your RV. Located 5 miles South of Custer. Enjoy your days visiting nearby Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, Jewell Cave. Walk, bike or run on the 109 mi Mickelson trail. We are also 2 hours from Badlands National Park. This area is rich in beauty and history so be sure to get out and explore!

Lake Park Campground

15mi from Horsethief Lake Campground · 66 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Colonial Pine Hills, SD

We look forward to serving you on your vacation! Located just minutes away from the entire Black Hills Area, our fully equipped vacation homes, cottages, and full-service RV sites will be your home away from home during your stay! For over 25 years, Lake Park Campground has taken pride in helping you create memories of a lifetime on our amazing properties. A recipient of Great Service Awards from the SD Department of Tourism for 25+ years, Lake Park will help make the most of your vacations with a unique combination of location, natural beauty, and convenience.

Naked Acres WY

34mi from Horsethief Lake Campground · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging · Newcastle, WY

Naked Acres WY welcomes you with 20 private acres located in the heart of the Wyoming Black Hills! With a private pond fed by a natural cold water spring, cool off with a swim or paddle board, sit on the dock and watch the wildlife, or enjoy the prettiest sunset this side of Mount Rushmore! The property is bordered by 200 acres of Forest Service land that you get access to, perfect for our biking and hiking friends! We are located close enough to some beautiful tourist attractions, without being too close! 54 miles to Devils Tower for all of your climbing needs. 1 hour 20 minutes to Mount Rushmore. 1 hour to Hill City, SD 36 miles to Deadwood, SD 45 miles to Spearfish Canyon, SD Naked Acres WY also boasts some amazing wildlife year round including Wild Turkey's, Gosling Hawks, Deer, Elk, Mountain Lions, and tons of different butterfly, bird, and dragonfly species. A nature lovers dream! We can't wait to welcome you with our weekly community fire social around the fire pit!

The Wilderness

16mi from Horsethief Lake Campground · 1 site · Tent, RV · West Pennington, SD

Learn more about this land:Tired of the city? Want to get away from people? This 80 acre site is perfect for getting away from civilization and experiencing nature as it was meant to be. Hike in the beautiful Black Hills or make the short trip to Lake Pactola for boating or fishing. If relaxing isn't your speed, take a bike ride on the Michelson Trail or travel one of the many off road trails nearby.

More to explore nearby

100%

11 ratings · 1 review

Recommends

· July 2025

Great campsite

Tent · With kids

Nice, clean campground for tents on a clear lake, which my daughter enjoyed swimming in! It was also a short drive to Mt Rushmore. Camp host was friendly and welcoming.

J

Jaime W.

2 reviews

LocationHorsethief Lake Campground, Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota, United States

Is anything missing?Suggest edits to improve this listing for fellow campers.

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

No sewage hookups

No electric hookups

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