Campground

Willow Creek Horse Camp

Near Hill City, South Dakota

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.

Facilities

Each site has a picnic table and campfire ring. Corrals are provided for horses in sites 1 through 9. Each corral accomodates up to 6 horses. A horse waste container is located in the campground and we request that campers remove horse waste from the corrals on departure.
Camping without horses? You are still welcome to reserve these campsites, and enjoy this campground that has wonderful access to hiking trails and Black Elk Wilderness. Vault toilets are available. Drinking Water may NOT be available!

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.

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.

Recreation Sites

Standard Nonelectric
Overnight

Activities

Horseback Riding
Hiking
Camping

Amenities

Accessible Campsites
Accessible Grills
Accessible Sites
Accessible Vault Toilets
Campfire Rings
Horse Corrals
Horse Staging Area
Horse Watering Station
Horseback Riding Trails
Tables
Host
Parking Area
RV Parking
Shade
Self Pay Station
Horse Stall/Corral
Accessible Drinking Water
Trash Collection
Water (Seasonal)
Trailheads

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.

Getting Here

Latitude

43° 54' 11.0002" N

Longitude

103° 32' 6.0000" W

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.

Need to Know

There are no discounts at this facility. We do not honor the Senior or Access passes.

These campsites are non-electric sites. Generators may run from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. only.

Certified Weed-Free Feed is required for livestock in Willow Creek Horse Camp

Click here for more information about Black Hills National Forest

Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Drinking Water may NOT be available!