Horsethief Lake is a hidden gem for campers seeking a peaceful yet convenient retreat in the heart of South Dakota's Black Hills. Located just minutes away from the iconic Mt Rushmore, this charming campground offers a unique combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and friendly service. Whether you're pitching a tent, parking your RV, or simply looking for a cozy place to stay, Horsethief Lake provides everything you need for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
One of the standout features of Horsethief Lake is its proximity to Mt Rushmore. Visitors can enjoy a day exploring the iconic monument before returning to camp for a peaceful evening by the lake. The campground also caters to families, with plenty of kid-friendly activities and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Horsethief Lake is more than just a place to stay—it's an experience. With its stunning natural surroundings, proximity to major attractions, and friendly staff, this campground is perfect for anyone looking to escape into nature while staying close to the action. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoor lifestyle, Horsethief Lake offers something for everyone.
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Hiking
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Restroom
Running water
Tent sites
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
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.
This is our favorite campground! We tent camp next to the lake and catch trout for dinner (always on worms). It is very quiet and you can buy wood and ice at the gate. There are no showers but you can drive to the KOA and use theirs for free. The serene views of if the lake are priceless and it is beautiful. Trailheads are close if you are a hiker and you are minutes away from Mount Rushmore and Keystone.
The sites are gorgeous along the lake but I don’t think I’d camp here again. We tent camped at one of the walk-up sites. The latrine was drained the morning we got there but the putrid smell persisted throughout the entire campsite for the duration of our two night stay. Walk up sites are all gravel. There is water available. No showers. Do not expect any semblance of privacy between sites nor from visitors walking along the Horsethief Lake trail. Families with loud children and dogs walked right through our actual campsite several times, waking us up. Nowhere in my reservation did it say I needed to re-register in person but apparently the “company” that runs the campground requires a pen/paper registration in addition to your reservation online. Never heard of that in all my years of camping all over the US.
Fabulous small lake. Very clear water, great for swimming, quiet area. Adding more to the calming atmosphere. I highly suggest visiting or stopping to look at this lake when on a roadtrip.
Beautiful lake with swimming and fishing. Park is very nice and staff friendly. No electric or showers. Don’t go to the Horsethief Campground by mistake -two different places.
We enjoyed walking around this lake. You can make your way around the entire lake like we did, but would recommend staying close to the guardrails near the road as during the busy season I’m sure it’s a high traffic area.