FAQs
Are there horse trailheads directly accessible from camp or do you need to trailer to them?
We have endless riding (hundreds of miles) right out of our front gates. No need to trailer anywhere unless you want to.
Do you offer horse trailer rentals?
We currently have a 4 horse stock trailer available to rent if you want to trailer to other destinations like Black Elk Peak or Mount Rushmore. Trailer rental is available first come first served.
Are the trails marked?
All of our trails run through the beautiful Northern Black Hills National Forest, which does not allow us to mark trails. We instead have printed maps available HERE and in the office at camp. We also recommend downloading Gaia map app (or Avenza, but we prefer Gaia). We have several trails mapped out that we can send to you by text to add into your Gaia or Avenza apps. Just stop in the office in the morning for coffee and Ami or Randy will set you up with the maps.
Can I bring our dog?
Well behaved, non-aggressive dogs are allowed if they are spayed/neutered. Pets should be on a leash when walking around camp. Dogs are allowed in the cabins if they stay off the furniture and are crated at night. Please clean up after your dogs.
I've been to some horse camps that just feel like an RV park. What is it like at Hay Creek?
We often hear from guests that Hay Creek is the opposite of an RV park. Our sites are spacious and shaded. Our camp is usually quiet and peaceful, with the sound of horse whinnies to serenade our campers during their stay.
Do you have trails for mountain biking?
The trails we have at camp are for horses only. However, the Mickelson trail is close by with endless mountain bike riding. There are many trailheads for the Mickelson Trail in Deadwood, Brownsville and Lead. There are other biking trails in Lead, and Spearfish has many as well.
Is it true that you are booked solid a year in advance?
No. The month of June does tend to fill up a few months in advance, but in general you should be able to book your preferred date. Booking as early as you can is always recommended for peace of mind! Of course you can always call us and we will try to get you in.
Do you offer refunds for cancellations?
We have a sliding scale refund policy, and require a two-night minimum stay. Please read our Cancellation Policy for more details here.
WiFi?
We have free WiFi with an easy to remember password displayed in the office. WiFi is available throughout most of camp and we are always working to improve the WiFi coverage area at Hay Creek Ranch.
Why is Hay Creek better than the other horse camps in the Black Hills?
What sets us apart is our unique location in the Northern Black Hills, away from the busyness of Custer. We are a 45 minute drive from Rapid City and close to some of the hidden gems of South Dakota including Wonderland Cave, Deadwood Rock Maze, and the gorgeous Spearfish Canyon. Our trails have numerous creek crossings, terrain for every experience level, and the most breathtaking scenery. We have heavily invested in making Hay Creek the best horse camp in the hills, with amenities like WiFi, remodeled cabins, a large gift shop, laundry, trail maps and covered corrals. We like to keep in touch with our campers all year long and host an annual photo contest and merchandise and lodging giveaways. Read our Google reviews here.
Can you navigate the road into camp and the camp grounds with big rigs?
The gravel road leading into camp can only accommodate one rig at a time, which is why we have our campers check out and exit the camp by noon, and begin checking in new campers at 1 pm. This way we avoid vehicles meeting on the road. We have had large 50+ foot rigs navigate our camp and we will help you park when you arrive.
What is the rule on hay? Are we allowed to bring in our own hay?
We are located in the Black Hills National Forest and the Forest Service requires weed free hay. We have plenty of weed free hay available for purchase at camp. Although we cannot reserve hay for you, we always have enough for our campers here at the ranch. Pellets or Standlee Bales from a feed store are also acceptable alternatives.
What size are your horse corrals?
Small pens are 10x12 and large pens are 20x12 (2-3 horses).
Can I camp near my horse?
We always place campers near their horses. If you have any special requests, please use the "Notes" section in our online reservation system to let us know.
Can I reserve covered horse pens?
Unfortunately, no. Because we always put horses closest to their owner’s rig or cabin, we cannot offer corral reservations.
Helpful links:
Giddy up and follow us:
Amenities
Warm welcome with parking & rig leveling assistance (if needed), trailer sweep out & fresh hay for your horses.
Horse pens for 1-3 horses, with covered and shaded options
Hundreds of miles of trails
Hay & horse treats
Horse trailer rental available
AM coffee in the office. While you’re there- grab a few complimentary horse treats for your trail partner!
Gift Shop with merchandise, snacks, drinks, ice cream, and ice
Laundry facility available
Private showers and bathrooms
Free wifi
Water & electric hook ups
Dump station access
Picnic tables
Fire rings & firewood
Small grills provided for cabins & campsites
Honor system for an easy, one-time check-out
Cabin kitchenettes have mini-fridge, microwave, stove top, coffee maker, cookware, dishware, and utensils
Pavilion area with grills and picnic tables
All credit cards accepted with no credit card fees
Need something? Let us know and we will get it for you.
Hay Creek Ranch Policies
General
Check-in is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. There is a $50 fee for check-ins after 6pm. IMPORTANT: You must arrive for check-in by 8 p.m. on the day of your arrival. The road into camp is only wide enough for one rig and it is unsafe to park and unload after dark.
Check out is by noon.
Reservations require a two-night minimum stay.
Camp quiet time is at 10:30pm.
Please note that daily housekeeping is NOT provided.
No smoking in any Hay Creek Ranch buildings.
You will be required to sign a liability waiver form at check-in.
Please bring your own bath and kitchen towels.
Restrooms & showers are available in the shower house and the office.
Broken or missing items from cabins will be charged to guest.
Be responsible for your campfires- only used provided fire rings and firewood, and put fires out completely when done.
Please dispose of all trash in the camp dumpster, located behind the Lazy J cabin near the shower house.
Well behaved, non-aggressive dogs are allowed if they are spayed/neutered. Dogs are allowed in the cabins if they stay off the furniture and are crated at night. Please clean up after your dogs.
NO ATVs or SIDE-BY-SIDES without approval from Hay Creek Ranch.
Cancellation Policy
Reservations require a two-night minimum stay
25% deposit required at time of reservation
60 day cancellation notice – full refund of deposit
30-59 day cancellation notice – 50% refund of deposit
Cancellations less than 30 days prior to reservation require full payment
20% processing fee deducted from all refunds
NO REFUNDS for the week of:
- Sturgis Bike Rally
- Memorial Day
- July 4th
- Labor Day
After arrival payment is due for full reservation period. We cannot offer discounts for early departure.
Horses
REQUIRED: Please note that we require health papers dated within 30 days of arrival and Coggins for every horse (both local and out-of-state) in your party.
No studs / stallions allowed
Certified weed free hay is required in the National Forest and is available for purchase at Hay Creek Ranch. We cannot reserve hay for you, but we always have enough for our campers at the ranch.
Guests are responsible for their horses and for cleaning their corrals daily. Use provided wheelbarrows and haul it to the manure dumpster located behind the West corrals. Cleaning fee ($50) applies at checkout for corrals that have not been cleaned out.
Extras
Laundry: $2.50 per wash and dry
Hay: $18 per bale
Corrals: $15 per horse per night, includes water tank
Ice: $3 per bag
Firewood: $6 per bundle or 3 bundles for $15
Need something? Forget something? Break something on your saddle? Let us know and we will get you what you need.
Please Remember:
Hay Creek Ranch is a BYOH (bring your own horse) campground- NOT A DUDE RANCH. And please, no ATVs or side-by-sides. If you have any questions just reach out to ami@haycreekranchsd.com. Let’s ride!
Check-In:
Check-in is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. There is a $50 fee for check-ins after 6pm. IMPORTANT: You must arrive for check-in by 8 p.m. on the day of your arrival. The road into camp is only wide enough for one rig and it is unsafe to park and unload after dark.
