Willow Creek Horse Camp
WILLOW CREEK HORSE CAMP
Part of Black Hills National Forest
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.
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.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.Important Notices
Sites one - three are now horse sites with corrals!
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.
Notifications and Alerts
Please be aware that Willow Creek Horse Camp sites 1-3 will now accommodate horses and has corrals for each site!
Available Activities
- HORSEBACK RIDING - Horseback Riding
- HIKING - Hiking
- CAMPING - Camping
Directions
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.
Cancellation Policy
<p>No refunds will be given for weather or related events.</p>
Contact Information
Phone: 605-673-9200
Forest Recreation Management, IncP.O. Box 1168
Hill City, SD 57745
Rental Options
Available Campsites
- Site 8, Loop 1, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 9, Loop 1, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 1, Loop 1, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 7, Loop 1, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 4, Loop 1, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 3, Loop 1, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 5, Loop 1, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 6, Loop 1, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 2, Loop 1, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
