Can you reserve a site at Willow Creek Horse Camp?

Yes, Willow Creek Horse Camp is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Willow Creek Horse Camp?

60 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Willow Creek Horse Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Willow Creek Horse Camp.

Are campfires allowed at Willow Creek Horse Camp?

Campfires are allowed at Willow Creek Horse Camp. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Willow Creek Horse Camp — 9 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

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.

The facts

9 bookable sites
Vehicles up to 60 ft
Up to 8 people per site
Loops: 1

Site types

9 Equestrian Nonelectric

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Fire pits
Shade
Pets allowed
Water hookups — not available
Sewer hookups — not available

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, picnic tables, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

9 campsites at Willow Creek Horse Camp

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
0	1	Equestrian Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	24 ft	8	🐾
1	1	Equestrian Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	26 ft	8	🐾
2	1	Equestrian Nonelectric	Parallel	Gravel	32 ft	8	🐾
3	1	Equestrian Nonelectric	Pull Through	Gravel	60 ft	8	🐾
4	1	Equestrian Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	60 ft	8	🐾
5	1	Equestrian Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	50 ft	8	🐾
6	1	Equestrian Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	50 ft	8	🐾
7	1	Equestrian Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	58 ft	8	🐾
8	1	Equestrian Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	58 ft	8	🐾

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.

43.90306, -103.53500 · 43°54'11.0"N 103°32'6.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 83°F in Jul, down to 41°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	41	41	49	56	65	75	83	82	74	60	49	41
Low °F	10	10	19	26	37	45	51	48	39	28	18	10
Precip in	0.4	0.7	1.1	2.5	4.2	3.4	3.5	2.3	1.5	1.6	0.6	0.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 2.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

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

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Common questions about Willow Creek Horse Camp

Can you reserve a site at Willow Creek Horse Camp?: Yes, Willow Creek Horse Camp is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Willow Creek Horse Camp have?: 9 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Willow Creek Horse Camp?: 60 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Willow Creek Horse Camp?: Yes, pets are allowed at Willow Creek Horse Camp.
Does Willow Creek Horse Camp have hookups?: No hookups are recorded here.
Are campfires allowed at Willow Creek Horse Camp?: Campfires are allowed at Willow Creek Horse Camp. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Willow Creek Horse Camp

Horsethief Lake Campground 2.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
South Dakota's Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration Lottery 4.3 mi · Tickets · we watch it
Oreville Campground 4.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Grizzly Bear Campground 5.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Sheridan Lake 6.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Sheridan North Cove GRP CG 6.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Iron Creek Horse Camp 6.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Palmer Creek Trailhead (Lost Cabin #2) 1.5 mi · Facility
Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center 4.3 mi · Facility
Information Center 4.4 mi · Facility
Grizzly Bear Campground 5.1 mi · Campground
Sheridan Lake South Campground 5.3 mi · Campground

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-16.

Willow Creek Horse Camp