About This Park
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.
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All campsites 1-9 are horse sites with corrals.
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.
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.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (605) 574-4402.
Charges & Cancellations
No refunds will be given for weather or related events.
Quick Information
- Type: RV Resort, National Park, State Park, Overnight Parking
- Network: Federal – Other
- Price Range: $15-35
- Rating: 4.25 / 5
Amenities
- ✓ Electric Hookup
- ✓ Pet Friendly
- ✓ Fire Pit
Contact & Location
Forest Recreation Management, Inc P.O. Box 1168
Hill City, SD 57745
Phone: 605-673-9200
Book This Park
Electric hookups are available, though water and sewer are shared — a good balance of convenience and simplicity. Sitting at elevation brings cooler temperatures, thinner air, and the kind of sweeping views that make the drive worthwhile. Grills and fire rings on-site set the stage for classic campfire evenings.