Willow Creek Horse Camp Campground Black Hills National Forest South Dakota

Willow Creek Horse Camp Overview

Willow Creek Horse Camp has 10 campsites and is located at the confluence of Willow Creek and Palmer Creek near the Black Elk Wilderness area of the Black Hills National Forest.  The campground offers hikers and horseback riders access to a network of backcountry trails.

Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Sites 4-9 have corrals for horses. The corrals can accommodate up to 6 horses each.  Each site also has a table, fire ring and grill. The campground is generally open mid May to early September. One toilet is available, along with a gravity feed water line that goes into 2 horse troughs for watering horses. You can also purchase firewood from the camp host. Trash collection is provided. Cell service is not available in the area.

Other campgrounds in the area include Horsethief Lake, Oreville, Grizzly Creek, Sheridan Lake, Iron Creek Horse Camp, Bismarck Lake and Bear Gulch.

Area Recreation & Activities

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. Other activities include fishing, picnicking and wildlife viewing.

Make a Reservation for Willow Creek Horse Camp

Amenities

• Campground Host
• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service - None
• Corrals
• Drinking Water
• Equestrian Facilities
• Equestrian trail
• Fire Pit
• Fire Rings
• Firewood Available
• Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
• Grills
• Pets OK
• Picnic Tables
• Trash Collection

Activities

• Bird Watching
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Mountain Biking
• Nature Trails
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Stargazing
• Wildlife Viewing