At Hay Creek Ranch, it’s all about the little things. Whether you’ve been coming to Hay Creek Ranch in Nemo, South Dakota for years or are going for the first time, you’re in for the equestrian adventure of your life. It starts when you arrive and we get you set up and sweep out your trailer. From there, hundreds of miles of trails await you and your horse. After your ride, relax in your cozy cabin, sit by the fire, or upload all your new pics with our free wifi.
As you step out of your trailer and take in the surroundings, you are greeted by the breathtaking beauty of Hay Creek Ranch. The vast grasslands that stretch out as far as the eye can see provide a serene backdrop to the majestic hills in the distance. The clear blue skies and the refreshing breeze add to the ambiance, making you feel right at home in this peaceful oasis. The horses graze contently on the lush green grass, and you can hear the sounds of nature all around you. The mornings at Hay Creek Ranch are particularly enchanting, as the sunrise fills the sky with a warm glow and a sense of tranquility that washes over you. No matter where you turn, Hay Creek Ranch has something beautiful to behold.
Hay Creek Ranch offers the following facilities and 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 is 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 hookups
- Dump station access
- Picnic tables
- Fire rings & firewood
- Small grills are provided for cabins & campsites
- Honor system for an easy, one-time check-out
- Cabin kitchenettes have mini-fridge, microwaves, stove top, coffee makers, cookware, dishware, and utensils
- Pavilion area with grills and picnic tables
Here are the types of accommodations you can enjoy at Hay Creek Ranch
1. Diamond W & Circle T Cabins
These two larger cabins can comfortably sleep 2-4 people. They are equipped with a full private bath, dining table, and kitchenette with stovetop, sink, mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker.
2. Flying H & Lazy J Cabins
The two smaller cabins can comfortably sleep 1-3 people with the optional single cot. They are equipped with a full private bath, dining table, and kitchenette with stovetop, sink, mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker.
3. Original Cowboy Line Shack
Hay Creek’s original Line Shack, this rustic cabin is heated with a wood stove and includes two full-size beds. There’s no electricity or water, but you’ll have an outhouse close by.
4. RV Sites
Plenty of room for your rig, with water and electric hookups, and dump station access. Private bathrooms and showers are nearby in the shower house.
5. Tent Sites
Hay Creek has five tent sites for the true outdoorsy equestrians. You’ll have a spacious spot complete with a mix of shade and sun, a fire pit, and a picnic table. Private bathrooms and showers are nearby in the shower house.
Policies:
- Hay Creek Ranch is a BYOH (bring your own horse) campground- NOT A DUDE RANCH. And please, no ATVs or side-by-sides.
- Check-in is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Late check-in is from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. for a $50 fee.
- 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.
- Required: current health certificate and negative Coggins test for horses
*More details about their policies are below.
Cost Details:
Cabins
- Circle T & Diamond W: $145 per night
- Flying H & Lazy J: $115 per night
- Line Shack: $80 per night
RV / LQ Sites - $45 per night
Tent Sites - $30 per night
Horses - $15 per horse per night - includes a water tank
Notes: All credit cards are accepted with no credit card fees
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST - Dalton Lake
BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST - Little Elk Creek Trail
BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST - Osprey Trail
Hay Creek Ranch requires reservations for overnight accommodations. Please visit their page here on Top Horse Trails - Hay Creek Ranch for more information.
Hay Creek Ranch General Policy
General
- Check-out is by noon.
- Reservations require a two-night minimum stay.
- Camp quiet time is 10:30 pm.
- 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 guests.
- Be responsible for your campfires- only use provided fire rings and firewood, and put fires out completely when done.
- Please dispose of all trash in the camp dumpster 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.
Horses
- Required: current health certificate and negative Coggins test
- No studs/stallions allowed
- Certified weed-free hay is required in the National Forest and is available for purchase at Hay Creek Ranch.
- Guests are responsible for their horses and for cleaning their corrals daily. Use provided wheelbarrows and haul them to the manure dumpster located behind the West corrals. The 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: $12 per horse per night, includes feed bunks and water tanks
- Ice: $3 per bag
- Firewood: $6 per bundle or 3 bundles for $15
- Charcoal: $7
- Propane: $6
- Snacks & drinks: $1-$2
- Horse treats: $15-$30
- Apparel & accessories in the gift shop: prices range