Camp near Grizzly Bear Creek in the Black Elk Wilderness

Grizzly Bear Creek can be accessed from 3 different trailheads: the Blackberry Trailhead from the parking lot at the southwest end of Mt. Rushmore Parking lot (does cost to park at Mt. Rushmore), Trail #14 from the south side of Horsethief Lake, or from multiple trailheads for the Centennial Trail #89. I will be describing the route from Horsethief Lake.  

Park at the Southern end of Horsethief Lake, about 1/4 mile off of Highway 244. You will see the trailhead on the left side before you park (coordinates: 43*53'19.8"N 103*28'56.0"W).The trail is #14 and it starts with an easy uphill climb on a nice wide trail and follows a little creek. You will need to register since you are entering the Black Elk Wilderness (no cost). Eventually about 1 mile up the trail it will fork and take the left trail, which is the Centennial Trail #89. Follow this for just under 2 miles. You will eventually come to another fork, this is where the Blackberry trail meets the Centennial, stay on trail 89. Only about 2-300 yards from the fork you will cross a very small tributary for Grizzly Bear Creek. Only 20 yards after the creek crossing there will be a great area for pitching a tent on the left side of the trail (43°51'57.8"N 103°27'36.0"W). It is nice and flat, open with a good mix of deciduous and evergreen trees. 

From here the trail meets up in just a short distance with Grizzly Bear Creek, if you follow the creek downstream there are multiple small waterfalls then one being close to 10 feet tall. The easiest way down it to boulder hop rather than bushwhack. There are a few spots where the creek pools up that you can swim or even jump off the rocks, use caution if you do jump.

Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash or under voice control. If my 15-year old border collie can do this hike then just about anyone can.