Things to Do
RV & Site Information
For RV enthusiasts planning a visit, WILLOW CREEK HORSE CAMP accommodates recreational vehicles up to 99 feet in length. This USDA Forest Service is available for advance reservation, making it a reliable choice for planned trips.
Guests at WILLOW CREEK HORSE CAMP can enjoy essential amenities including Proximity to Water: Riverfront, Accessible Vault Toilets, and Accessible Drinking Water. The site is maintained by USDA Forest Service, ensuring consistent upkeep and facilities management.
Popular activities at this location include Camping, Hiking, and Horseback riding. The campground's proximity to Hill City offers convenient access to additional outdoor recreation opportunities in the SD region.
Located in Hill City, SD, WILLOW CREEK HORSE CAMP provides bookable camping options for visitors exploring America's public lands. Contact the site directly for real-time availability and current conditions.
About this place
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.
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. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (605) 574-4402.Charges & Cancellations No refunds will be given for weather or related events.
Getting There
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.