SOUTH DAKOTA — Partnerships are key to help maintain and preserve facilities throughout our national forests and grasslands. Along those lines, the partnership between Black Hills National Forest and the Black Hills Back Country Horsemen of South Dakota will now allow equestrians recreating in the Willow Creek horse camp to safely corral their horses. This multi-day effort included clearing and leveling pads to install three new corrals as part of the campground renovation that started six years ago. Now, each of the camp’s ten sites is complete with a corral, picnic table and fire pit.

The horse camp, located within the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and near the Black Elk Wilderness area, is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Aside from its beautiful setting, the site provides access to several key backcountry trails.  

“Willow Creek horse camp is one of the premier camp sites for equestrian visitors,” said Chailenn Horton, recreation staff officer on the Hell Canyon ranger district. “With the partnership and support from BHBCH, this facility is ready for the 2025 summer season. Work like this doesn’t get done without partnerships and volunteers like BHBCH.” 

Fifteen volunteers from BHBCH spread gravel using personal skid steers. They also set up corral panels, anchored the corrals, removed six hazard trees from the campground and installed new partnership signs. BHBCH donated one of the corrals and some of the materials used to anchor the corrals. The USDA Forest Service provided three truckloads of gravel along with building materials for two of the corrals.  

“We were thrilled to help get this project completed,” said Alice Allen, president of Black Hills Back Country Horsemen. “This facility will provide recreational opportunities for public with stock for many years to come. We appreciate the continuing support that Black Hills National Forest provides to equestrian visitors to the Black Hills.” 

Shawn Cochran, forest supervisor for the Black Hills National Forest, expressed gratitude for the long-standing partnership shared with the Black Hills Back Country Horsemen. “I cannot express enough thanks for the 106 volunteer hours of hard work that this dedicated group contributed, and we look forward to continued collaborative efforts with the Black Hills Back Country Horsemen.” 

The Willow Creek Horse Camp campsites and corrals will be available for use in the 2025 summer season.