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

Nearby Attractions

Contact Info

Important Notices

• FYI: During the off season (from 10/01 until 10/31st) the USFS operates this campground. Their information is listed below:

  Black Hills National Forest / Hell Canyon Ranger District                                                         

  1019 North 5th Street, Custer, SD 57730                                 

  Phone 605.673.9200  www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills0

  Daily Fee is $15.00 per First Come First Served campsite

  Self-Pay at all open campgrounds. The stay limit is 14 days in a 28 day period.

  Drinking water is NOT available. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. Vault toilets are also available.

  Garbage and Trash "Pack It In Pack It Out" at all times.

  Please note that roads are not maintained during the off-season. Sites are open until weather prohibits access or closed on the date noted above. (10/31st)

  The information listed below is pertinent during the open season from May 15th to September 30th.

• • 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

• In accordance with standard industry practices, ExplorUS will be assessing an additional vehicle fee of $5.00 per night on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to the first vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site. In the case of motorcycles, the first two are considered to be one vehicle and the third and fourth are also considered to be one vehicle. No additional vehicle fees are collected for bicycles.

• • 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 Note: One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicles will be charged a per night fee that is collected at the campground.

• Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit all fires. Generators and fires or stoves that use liquid petroleum (LPG) fuels are permitted, but must follow specific rules.

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

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip