Willow Creek Horse Camp

About this site

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. 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. Facilities 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. 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. contact_info For facility specific information, please call (605) 574-4402. 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. Charges & Cancellations No refunds will be given for weather or related events. Additional Info: The horse camp offers 9 sites with camping pads, picnic tables, fire grills, and corrals for stock. Sites 1-3 accommodate horses with corrals; sites 4, 6, and 9 are also equestrian nonelectric sites. One toilet is available, along with a gravity feed water line that provides two troughs for watering horses. Certified weed-free feed is required for livestock. Generators may run from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. only. The campground is normally available from mid-May through mid-December and is closed for winter and early spring seasons. Advanced reservations are available for dates starting in mid-May through early September (peak season), with reservations allowed up to 180 days in advance. Shoulder season dates are not reservable; all camping sites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Amenities & access

Maximum vehicle length

35 feet

Contact

• 605-574-4402
• https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231843

Location

43.896027, -103.537939