Horse Campsites
In South Dakota, an Old West adventure awaits behind every rock and around every turn. After a day exploring a new trail, sit back and relax by the fire. Horse camps are found in 10 state park areas and are often found near the trailhead. These camps offer horseback riders a place to bed down with their horses after a day of riding.
Fees and Locations
- Electricity
- $26 Lewis & Clark, Newton Hills, Pelican Lake, Union Grove
- $40 French Creek Horse Camp (Custer State Park)
- No Electricity
Horse Camp Accommodations
- Campsites designed exclusively for horse campers
- Trailer parking
- Corrals
- Water (available at most, check with specific camp for details. Bring your own containers.)
- Electricity (available at most, check with specific camp for details)
Reservations
- Reservations recommended. A few campgrounds have first-come, first-served sites.
- Reservations open 90 days before arrival except at Custer, which open one year before arrival.
- Some campsites are available year-round. Check with each individual park for date details.
Regulations
- Only open to those camping with horses.
- Check in: Check in time is 4 p.m., except at Custer where check in time is noon.
- Check out: Check out time is 4 p.m., except at Custer where checkout time is noon.
- Please be aware of current feed and inspection requirements.
- Brand inspection areas
- Health certificate requirements
- Coggins or ELISA EIA test requirements
- Weed-free hay
- Certified weed free weed forage is encouraged on all state park equestrian trails and campgrounds. It is required in Custer State Park, on the George S. Mickelson Trail, in the equestrian campground and on the trails at Sheps Canyon and in the Bear Butte equestrian campground.