Overview Located at the foothills of Bear Lodge Mountain Range, Sundance Horse Camp is a favorite among horse enthusiasts. It makes an ideal base for enjoying recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. Expansive grassy areas offer scenic views of the valley and surrounding hills. The Sundance Trailhead i…
Overview Located at the foothills of Bear Lodge Mountain Range, Sundance Horse Camp is a favorite among horse enthusiasts. It makes an ideal base for enjoying recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. Expansive grassy areas offer scenic views of the valley and surrounding hills. The Sundance Trailhead is located adjacent to the campground, providing access to miles of non-motorized trails suitable for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. The campground was completely renovated in 2025 using funds generated from campground fees. These updates enhanced access for modern-sized trailers, improved fire safety, reduced maintenance costs, and ensured that all sites meet federal accessibility requirements.Recreation Black Hills National Forest offers a multitude of recreational opportunites throughout all seasons. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles are popular in summer and early autumn. Winter landscapes are ideal for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling. The popular Sundance Trail System can be accessed from this area. The secluded trails of this system weave through a network of densely forested canyons and open ridges that form the Bear Lodge Mountains. Some ridge tops look out to the Custer Expedition Route, Devils Tower, and the Twin Missouri Buttes. Elk, deer and turkey are some of the more common wildlife seen along the trail. Parts of the trail system have existed since the 1800s. As routes to reliable water and the only access to some parts of the Bear Lodge Mountains, they played a key role in the rich mining history of the area. The trail system is maintained for hiking, horseback riding, bicycling and cross-country skiing. Motorized vehicle traffic is not allowed; however, some portions of trails follow existing Forest Service roads open for motorized use.Facilities Sundance Campground has sites able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings.
Photos
Horse Feeder — USFSHorse Corral — USFSHorses using Feeder — USFSPipe Horse Pen — USFSSundance Campground and Trailhead Entry Sign — USFSRestrooms — USFSHorse in Corral — USFSHorse Corrals — USFSSelf-service fee station — USFSWater at the campground — USFSCorral with Horse — USFSCorral — USFS
How to Get There
To access the Sundance Horse Camp from Sundance, travel east to County Road 123, Government Valley Road. Turn left onto County Road 123 and travel north for 3 miles.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to SUNDANCE
Heading to SUNDANCE? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for SUNDANCE?
No central reservation system listed for SUNDANCE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232334) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at SUNDANCE?
SUNDANCE has 19 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to SUNDANCE?
To access the Sundance Horse Camp from Sundance, travel east to County Road 123, Government Valley Road. Turn left onto County Road 123 and travel north for 3 miles.
