Elk Haven Horse Camp

They keep their reservations open for equestrian trailers, but under 30 days were willing to rent to us no horse RVers. Definitely eat breakfast at the Cafe and buy some beautiful and bargain souvenirs in the gift shop.

The horse folks were courteous, and the riders added atmosphere to this old west location by trotting out on their trail rides and galloping back under double rainbows when the showers broke out. Best breakfast of our 4 week trip at the Cafe. We might stay in the area again and would do the Sunday reservation for the Thursday BBQ ribs. Take your towed/tow car or truck on the Iron Mountain Hwy for a unique scenic drive and views of Mt Rushmore framed by single lane tunnels - astounding. We'd stay here again, but only if we couldn't find another spot - it was great, but a bit pricey and it is primarily for folks whose trailer has both human and equine accommodation!

NOTE: Do NOT use your GPS app to get routed here, as you will end up on narrow pigtail (corkscrew) bridges and low tunnels (~10 ft) of the 1933 Peter Norbeck Iron Mountain highway. Follow the directions emailed to you or on their website. We had the joy of pulling pulling past a "Road Closed" sign to set up a Y-turn with the spotter making friends with drivers in oncoming traffic returning from Mt. Rushmore while driver backed the trailer into the uphill lane to get away from these "traps".

Camp rules are called "how not to get shot" tongue in cheek, but you you are expected to read and follow with courtesy, all the more because of the sensitive and powerful beasts you'll be camping among. Electric and water were on opposite sides of our space.

We are not horse people and were the only ones without a horse there but it was fine. In fact our neighbor needed an extra stall so we let them use ours. Every site has a stall. It made us feel like part of the group! We had a little trouble leveling our big rig and the utility hookups are on the wrong side. So we had to run our electric and water under our rig . So we couldn’t hook up our sewer. Just dumped on leaving. The water is from a well and we have 2 filters but it still came out brown, so I would be careful. We weren’t that thrilled with food in restaurant. Internet on the porch of restaurant But after all that the location is superb for view as well as access to Mt. Rushmore and Custer state park.

“You don’t have to have a horse to stay here - you just have to like ‘em” says their website. And that was true for us. Access was touchy on curvy, hilly roads but we managed ok. Our FHU site was nestled in the shade with lovely views of surrounding hills. Quiet and dark at night with just the gentle nickering of horses. Bathrooms and showers were older and smallish, but clean. Very friendly and helpful owners, small store and cafe with great food on site. Wif-fi available at store but our own AT&T hotspot was adequate for necessities. No connection for Verizon. We arrived at the tail end of the Sturgis Rally so there were LOTS of motorcycles on the roads. Lots to do in this area. We’ll be back!