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Willow Creek Horse Camp
FSU.S. Forest Service — South Dakota · Black Hills National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Black Hills National Forest |
| Location | South Dakota · Black Hills National Forest · 43.90306, -103.53500 · Map |
| Sites | 9 public sites counted from the federal listing — 9 equestrian nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 9 sites Water hookups at 0 of 9 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 9 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 9 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 60 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 8 sites · 30 ft: 7 sites · 35 ft: 6 sites · 40 ft: 6 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | There are no discounts at this facility. We do not honor the Senior or Access passes. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 9 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Campground hostDrinking water |
| Phone | 605-673-9200 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-09-25.
From the official listing
Overview This 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. From this campground, hikers and horseback riders can access a network of trails into the backcountry. The campground is within the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve. Recently renovated by Forest Service and our Partners, Backcountry Horsemen of America, Willow Creek Campground is a good choice for horse campers.
All campsites 1-9 are horse sites with corrals.
Recreation Hikers and horseback riders can access the trailhead for the Willow Creek Loop, which provides scenic views of the Black Elk Wilderness. There is also easy access to the Lost Cabin Trail, which offers many views of Black Elk Peak on its descent. Willow Creek Horse Camp provides a good starting point for a day-long hike or horseback ride to Black Elk Peak and Harney Lookout Tower. Both the Willow Creek Loop and the Lost Cabin Trail connect with the Black Elk Peak Trail. Natural Features The Black Hills in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming feature a varied landscape of rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, tumbling streams and deep blue lakes. The Black Elk Wilderness is its only wilderness area, and it sits in the center of Norbeck Wildlife Preserve. Norbeck is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Its most prominent landmark is Black Elk Peak, which, at 7,242 feet, is the highest point in the country east of the Rockies.
Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420. Nearby Attractions Named for South Dakota's former governor and U.S. Senator, the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway offers 70 miles of outstanding sights including Mount Rushmore, which is only 6 miles from the camp, The Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road and Custer State Park. The Norbeck Overlook provides views of Black Elk Peak and Mount Rushmore. Charges & Cancellations No refunds will be given for weather or related events.
Directions, from the listing
From Hill City, South Dakota, take US 16/385 south for 7 miles. Go east on State Hwy 244. The campground is located across from the Mt. Rushmore KOA.
Nearest federal campgrounds
3 mi straight-line · South DakotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceOreville Campground
4 mi straight-line · South DakotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceGrizzly Bear Campground
5 mi straight-line · South DakotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceSheridan Lake
6 mi straight-line · South DakotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceSheridan North Cove Grp Cg
7 mi straight-line · South Dakota
Trip Card — Willow Creek Horse Camp
South Dakota · Black Hills National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | South Dakota · Black Hills National Forest |
| Fees | There are no discounts at this facility. We do not honor the Senior or Access passes. |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 60 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 9 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231843 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.