Horsethief Lake

Horsethief Lake Campground is one of the best-positioned campgrounds in the Black Hills — tucked into a forest of towering ponderosa and lodgepole pine, adjacent to the lake, and just 2 miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial. It sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation, 10 miles south of Hill City off Highway 244. The small mountain lake is open for swimming and fishing for trout and bass — crayfish are commonly spotted along the shoreline. A trail leads from the campground directly to the water. Rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking are all accessible from camp, including the George S. Mickelson Trail and trails connecting to Black Elk Peak. The campground offers a mix of tent, RV, and walk-to tent-only sites tucked among the pines. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water are on site. No electrical hookups or showers available. An on-site camp store sells firewood and ice. Roads are paved.