§ 02 — 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. All campsites 1-9 are horse sites with corrals.
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.
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.
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.
§ 04 — CONDITIONS
National Weather Service · seven-day outlook · updated hourly
§ 05 — SIGNAL
FCC broadband data · actual signal varies in remote terrain
§ 06—09 — FROM THE FIELD
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§ 07 — REVIEWS
§ 08 — TRIP REPORTS
§ 09 — COMMUNITY PHOTOS
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§ 03 — TRAILS NEARBY
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§ 01 — VITALS
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Based on FCC availability data. Actual signal may vary in remote terrain.
Today
64°F
Patchy Fog
7 mph N
Mon
69°F
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
1 to 7 mph S
Tue
67°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
6 mph N
Wed
66°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
0 to 5 mph E
Thu
69°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
0 to 7 mph S
Fri
79°F
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
1 to 7 mph S
Sat
81°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
5 to 9 mph SW