Willow Creek Horse Camp
Located near Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Willow Creek Horse Camp is nestled amongst the rocky outcroppings and pines between the confluence of Willow Creek and Palmer Creek. This beautiful campground is within the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve near the Black Elk Wilderness Area. The nearby wilderness area offers a network of trails that meander through the backcountry, providing incredible scenic views of the forest.
Recently renovated by the Forest and volunteer partner – Black Hills Back Country Horsemen of South Dakota - this site is one of the best of the best for horse campers. The horse camp offers 9 sites with camping pads, picnic tables, fire grills, and corrals for stock. One toilet is available, along with a gravity feed water line that provides two troughs for watering horses.
NOTE: Please respect that this campground is designed and constructed with features specifically for stock camper use and the care of their animals, vehicles, and gear. If you are camping without stock, the Forest encourages you to select an alternate site or visit other campgrounds online for additional options.
Reservations
Make Reservations HereVisit Recreation.gov to make your campground reservation online. Advanced reservations are available for dates starting in mid-May through early September (peak season). Reservations are allowed up to 180 days in advance.
NOTE: Shoulder season dates are not reservable; all camping sites are available on a first come, first serve basis.
General Information
Willow Creek Horse Camp is normally available from mid-May through mid-December. It is closed for the winter and early spring seasons.
Willow Creek Horse Camp closes for the shoulder season on December 15. Inclement weather conditions may cause an earlier closure date; shoulder season campers are encouraged to call the Ranger District for updated information.
Refer to Forest Passes for more information.
Willow Creek Horse Camp offers amenities that accommodate stock users, such as water troughs, manure dumpsters, and corrals. Please be aware that recreating near horse campgrounds can provide a different experience for non-stock users. Be courteous and select sites away from stock users or view alternative campgrounds for other options.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $30 per night
Peak Season: $30/night --- See Off-Season Information
Dogs in developed recreation sites, such as campgrounds, picnic sites, and day-use areas, must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Furthermore, dogs are not allowed on any swim beaches on the Forest. For the safety and comfort of fellow recreationalists and their stock, the Forest encourages guests to avoid leaving pets unattended at campsites and/or in parked vehicles.
Contact Name: Hell Canyon Ranger District
Contact Phone: (605) 673-9200
Address: 1019 N. 5th Street Custer, SD 57730
Phone: (605) 673-9200
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 43.8969856
Longitude: -103.5371742
Directions
From Hill City, South Dakota take US-16 W/US-385 S for 2.8 miles, then turn left on Highway 244 E and travel 3.1 miles.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Water is not available from approximately October 1 through May 15 (shoulder season). Depending on weather conditions, water availability may change in the spring and fall seasons, due to cold temperatures and the potential for freezing waterlines.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Each campsite offers one fire grill and one picnic table.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Horse Health Requirements:
Horses brought in from out of state require:
- Health certificate within the last 30 days (South Dakota does accept Extended Equine Health Certificates (EECVI) for up to six months).
- Negative Coggins or ELISA EIA test within the last 12 months.
- Exceptions: Native horses from North Dakota and suckling foals traveling with a mare can travel on the mare's negative test. Colt traveling without the mare must have a negative test regardless of age.
- SD law requires anyone transporting horses out of the ownership inspection area to have their horses inspected by a Brand Inspector. Contact: SD Brand Board (605) 773-3324, visit their website for more information.
Weed Free Forage Information
A person may not transport or possess any forage used to feed recreational livestock while in the Black Hills National Forest unless the forage has a tag or seal issued through the SD Department of Agriculture or another state that certifies the forage to be free of noxious weed species.
