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Reviews for Elk Haven Horse Camp & Black Hills National Forest
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Keystone, SD

Overall TRAIL RATING with 19 votes:
Overall CAMP RATING with 19 votes:
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Individual Reviews

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The owner and his wife are very friendly and helpful. Jim made us several racks of ribs for dinner one night that were the best! He also serves breakfast and lunch which is an added bonus, as the nearest town or restaurant is about 30 min. away. It was very nice to be able to park our rig right next to the horse pens and saddle the horses at our trailer. The pens are big enough for two horses, are covered at one end, which is important for the hot afternoon sun, and matted. There is a shower house and laundry - both very adequate. The front porch of the lodge is wonderful to sit on and look at the gorgeous views. Trails are either ride one direction into Custer State Park with the buffalos, or the other direction where you most probably will NOT encounter a buffalo! Either way the trails were great and you could ride all day.
Reviewed by: JeannieJ on 7/22/2016 6:03:29 PM
More reviews by JeannieJ 		Experience: Expert Ride Date: 7/5/2016 Hometown: Aiken, SC

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Made reservation for an RV site. Prior to my trip, Jim the owner/manager called and asked if he could switch sites with me, due to over booking issues. Was very confusing and stressful, thinking I was going to have to move camp halfway through the week. When I arrived at the camp late in the day, after a 15 hour drive, I was shown to my "campsite". (literally a stop in the middle of a gravel road). There were NO hook-ups at my site. Jim stated that I would have to hookup at the next site over, which was just under 100 feet to the plug in and water. Me thinking I had an RV site reserved brought a normal 25' water hose and a 110 extension cord for other electric things, Having a normal 30 amp plug on my trailer, I did not bring a 30 amp adapter. When I asked Jim about an adapter, he stated that he didn't have one, and could get me one the next day. He was very non-caring, almost to the point of being rude, about the fact I had no power or water. He did say, he could get me water for the evening. So, after dragging out 100ft of water hose and my having to ask other campers, if they had an adapter, I was able to get water and electric. (Mind you, the electric cord and water hose, not only ran through my camp, but also the camp next to mine where I had to plug up, since it was on the backside of their trailer.) I also had requested two pens and was only given one. The Store/Restaurant hours are 7 am to 7 pm, but this is only if Jim does not have other errands to run and does not consider the customers in camp a priority. Many campers went without a hot meal on Tuesday night, due to rainy weather and the store/restaurant was closed before 5 pm, because Jim had to go to Rapid City to buy Ribs for a big dinner he was hosting on “Thursday”! I felt this was very inconsiderate and unprofessional. And last but not least. The camp did not really feel like a “Horse Camp”, other than there are horse pens. The camp is right on a Very BUSY highway. There is constant traffic, with a lot of motorcycle traffic and noise. Nothing quiet or relaxing about the location. When you first pull up, the Store has two huge flags, saying STURGIS on them. And when you enter the store, everything you first see if Sturgis and Motorcycle orientated. The horse stuff is actually on the backside of the store. As a whole this was a bad experience with this camp site. I camp all over the country and normally do not have these type of issues. I will not be recommending this camp. (Actually heard Hays Creek was nicer), and I won’t be returning to this camp. **Only decent thing is right on the trail head, no major riding to get to it.
Reviewed by: SusanM on 7/5/2016 10:45:45 AM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 6/27/2016 Hometown: Cassville, , MO

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The campgrounds have electric hookup, tent camping, and cabins. The cabins are small, about the size of dorms, and even though they advertise that you can fit up to five people in a cabin, ideally, two would be enough. There's no air conditioning or heat in the cabins. The bathrooms are okay, but they are not as clean as they should be, especially the showers. I used flip flops in the shower because the floor was gross. The owners seemed nice, but there was something about them a little off. They didn't give us receipts for our stay, and they charged us for an extra person when we shared meals. The prices on their meals and other services were pretty expensive. They also didn't know of any farriers in the area when one of our horses lost a shoe. I would maybe go back, but I wish the grounds were nicer and that the owners were more accommodating. They just seemed very disorganized, frustrated, and distant. The trails, of course, are unlike anything you've ever seen. One great thing about Elk Haven is that you can ride to Custer State Park or the Black Hills from there. It is an eight hour round trip to Mount Rushmore and a twelve hour round trip to Harney Peak. Unfortunately, we didn't make it to either because it had rained so badly there that we heard the mud was so bad it took some horses down. Definitely shoe your horse all the way around, and definitely have your horse in shape for this ride. There are easier trails if you prefer, but overall, the trails are challenging. Also, beware of the stair steps into the creek crossing in the Black Hills National Forest. When it floods, you cannot see these steps, and it made my horse very, very nervous when he plunged into the water. Trails are not very well marked, so it is important you get a map and remember where you've been. Beware of bison - we saw some in Custer. Also, make sure you take along all-weather gear as the weather can change in a heartbeat.
Reviewed by: CorazonLock on 7/29/2015 3:17:54 PM
More reviews by CorazonLock 		Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 6/22/2015 Hometown: Garner , IA

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Very nice campground and cabins, new owners are making improvements daily. Beautiful views and good trails. Anxious to go back for the fall colors.
Reviewed by: Cyndi on 7/19/2013 4:55:39 PM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 6/17/2013 Hometown: Ballard, MO

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We stayed at Elk Haven for 10 days. First time to South Dakota, worth the 26 hours of driving. Mona & Doug & staff were more than helpful with anything that we needed. The food was great when we ate in the cafe. The campground is clean & conveniently located to Custer State Park, which we rode to from camp. There is so much to see in that area of the state. It was awesome! We will be back. Thanks so much.
Reviewed by: Tammy & Tim on 9/26/2011 3:44:53 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 9/5/2011 Hometown: Athens, TN

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This was our first trip to South Dakota to ride. The riding from Elk Haven was great. When we pulled into the campground, later than we expected, we were a little afraid at how crowded the camp looked, but as we got comfortable, we realized we were pulling in at a busy time. We had never met Mona, but she was in the campground, directing the organized chaos of a busy campground. We couldn't have had a better stay. The grounds and facilites were spotless, the cafe had great food and was priced very reasonably and with the covered pens, our horses were very comfortable. We couldn't have asked for a better "first trip" to the Black Hills and we can't wait to go right back to Elk Haven. The riding was great, too. We were too busy too get our horses into the best shape, but there were plenty of trails that were easy enough for our horses. The views from trails are fantastic. When the website says you need shoes all around, they mean it! Lots of rocks.
Reviewed by: Kris Ray on 8/3/2011 10:28:24 AM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 7/9/2011 Hometown: Lydia, MN

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We stayed at Elk Haven for a week, and were extremely happy! The camp is great...the owners are wonderful people and their hospitality cannot be beat. The campsites have everything you need (full hookups) and their general store is well stocked, food is good and reasonably priced, and the comraderie is fun in the cafe or on the big front porch! Laundry & indoor showers if you need them are very nice. Lots of trails available right around the camp, and you can ride into Custer State Park, Black Elk Wilderness area, the National Forest, etc....LOTS of great riding for beginners to experts, and wonderful scenery. We will definitely go back.
Reviewed by: Bonnie on 6/11/2011 2:55:36 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 6/10/2011 Hometown: Washington, IA

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Mona is awsome,the food they serve is great and reasonable priced,anything you need the store has it,nice covered stalls for the horses and very roomy,camp suites ok,may have to level out,make sure you bring a long sewer hoses to reach,shower house very clean,trails are kept up,trails are marked pretty well,views are breathtaking,Some trails are very rocky and steep,all 4 shoes a must! may even want to pad fronts.If you don't want to ride in and out of same trails everyday you may need to trailer horses to other locations to ride,roads getting anywhere in that area very tight,sharp turns,alot of traffic and tour buses,will go back for sure someday
Reviewed by: DF on 9/27/2010 11:39:26 AM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 9/12/2010 Hometown: Casey, IA

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We have been to Elk Haven 4 times and are planning again for 2010.Put simply.....great facilities,trails,and hosts. Mona and Doug make you feel welcome ! We usually have 4 to 6 riders (plus hikers!) in our group and everyone has a great time.
Reviewed by: David Towle on 7/25/2010 8:07:48 AM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 9/2/2009 Hometown: Bloomington, MN

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Absolutely love this place. This was my third year out there for a week. We are taking all the kids with next year, as they will be a little older to hit the trails with us. Saw lots of critters in the park and out. Love it, love it, love it!!!!
Reviewed by: Anonymous on 6/2/2010 4:43:06 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 5/24/2010 Hometown: , MN

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We have stayed at Elk Haven Horse Camp for a week in each of the past two years. It offers virtually limitless riding through Custer State Park and into the Black Hills surrounding Mount Rushmore. Riding in Custer State Park ranges from the plains to steep ridges through mostly open terrain without trails. The amount of wildlife you see from horseback (bison, burros, antelope, etc.) is simply stunning. Riding in the Norbeck Wilderness Area surrounding Mount Rushmore offers everything from unmarked wilderness trails, broad trails through the forests and steep mountainous areas. There is something for everyone. The camping area is easy to get around and the hospitality can't be beat. The camp store and cafe are very affordable.
Reviewed by: John Deutsch on 2/9/2010 8:53:43 AM
 Experience: Beginner Ride Date: 9/1/2009 Hometown: Niangua, MO

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This was a vacation in the planning for many years and everything lived up to our expectations. Camp facilities were great. (be sure to take extra sewer hose if camping at full facility spot). Corrals for horses were covered, roomy, well maintained and dry. The owners made us feel right at home and were always very helpful. If riding to Mt. Rushmore from camp, be sure to allow for at least an 8 hour round trip. Eight hours will get you there and back with no stopping. We stopped for lunch and lots of pictures and was on the trails for 10 hours. A trip highly recommended and we'll be staying at this campground again.
Reviewed by: Christina on 8/25/2009 7:59:41 AM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 8/14/2009 Hometown: Neosho, MO

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I can't say enough about how much fun we had on this vacation. The people were friendly and very helpful. Campground and facilities were excellent. Cafe was very good and reasonably priced. Trails were easy to follow and even found some unmarked trails. Our experience while visiting was exceptional!!!! Will definitely plan a trip back again to Elk Haven.
Reviewed by: Mandy & Joe on 7/8/2008 8:56:46 AM
 Experience: Not Specified Ride Date: 1/1/2004 Hometown: De Berry, TX

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Gorgeous trails right from camp. You can ride anywhere in Custer State Park (just be careful around the buffalo) and go up to Mount Rushmore. We also rode Harney Peak (my favorite). Wonderful experience!! It's our 4th year going and we love Doug and Mona and her family...they treat you great!
Reviewed by: Margie on 6/26/2007 12:14:57 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 6/20/2007 Hometown: , MI

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Convenient laundry, store, and cafe; shower pressure was a trickle and cold. Only 2-3 of the campsites are shaded. Nice trails.
Reviewed by: Anonymous on 6/26/2007 10:38:16 AM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 6/23/2007 Hometown: ,

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First trip to Elk Haven. Our group really enjoyed the trip, the trails both in the Black Hills and Custer state park and the folks running the place are great too. Hopefully we will be able to return again.
Reviewed by: Mike on 6/22/2007 11:44:30 AM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 5/30/2007 Hometown: Shiloh, KY

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We made it back to Elk Haven on Sept.2 and stayed through the 10th. We love the rustic charm and the owners are fantastic! The trails are wonderful and you are provided a mix of easy to difficult. We rode to Rushmore and into Custer State Park. We trailered about 30 minutes to Willow Creek and rode to Harney Peak. Lots to see and we'll be back in the spring of 2006!
Reviewed by: Libby Woodson on 9/12/2005 2:39:35 AM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 9/5/2005 Hometown: Manning, IA

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We made it back in the fall and again this spring. Love the change of ownership. Mona and family are very accomodating. Trails are still awesome! Never see it all. We found caves and mines and wildlife galore! We're headed back in September 2005.
Reviewed by: Libby on 7/14/2005 4:37:02 AM
 Experience: Not Specified Ride Date: 7/14/2005 Hometown: Manning, IA

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We have camped in the Black Hills for the last 6 years and only recently found Elk Haven. We love the location and the facilities. They are making changes for 2005, so check with them on that. The trails are topnotch and the variety is outstanding. Capming facilities are perfect for horsepeople and the hosts are accomodating. You can easily ride to Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park. We already have reservations for the fall!
Reviewed by: Liiby Woodson on 2/24/2005 2:35:07 AM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 6/4/2004 Hometown: Manning, IA