By:
Submission
Horsethief Reservoir Campground (HRC) is owned by the State of Idaho, under the auspices of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG). IDFG and the Treasure Valley Family YMCA (YMCA) formed a partnership whereby the YMCA manages the campsites at the HRC and the IDFG manages the facilities, reservoir, wildlife and all real property. The YMCA manages the campsites under the rules and regulations as specified by the IDFG and participates with the IDFG in determining best campground practices and campground operational issues. Campground Host(s) are jointly selected by the IDFG and YMCA, and managed by the YMCA on behalf of the IDFG.
Horsethief Reservoir is located approximately 75 miles north of Boise and 9 miles east of Cascade, Idaho. This 260-acre, IDFG-owned and operated reservoir is surrounded by pine forests and granite-capped mountains. These lands are relatively undeveloped, offering very scenic views with little noise or distractions. The reservoir is managed as a trout fishery and is owned by the State of Idaho, and all but the southern shoreline is accessible for walk-in fishing. Much of the east side of the reservoir (outside the 30 foot strip owned by the State of Idaho) is privately owned - please respect private property. There are also boat-launching facilities for small fishing boats on both the east and west sides of the reservoir. The entire shoreline of the reservoir is shared by a small summer home development and the Treasure Valley Family YMCA Camp.
The public campground area has a semi-primitive nature with no electrical hookups, pressurized water, or sewer hooks-ups for public use campsites. Cell coverage may vary depending on your wireless provider.
The nearby community of Cascade offers a wide variety of services: laundromat, groceries, restaurants, auto mechanics, barbers, and clothing shops.
Campers and Day Use Visitors must "pack out" all garbage. The campground does not provide trash collection points. Fire rings must be fully doused and any unburned wood removed from the campsite. Current "extreme fire conditions" pertain for the entire Campground property with the exception of the campsite fire rings.
From State Hwy 55 north of Cascade, turn east on the Warm Lake Highway. In 6 miles turn south on Horsethief Reservoir Rd and go 3 miles to the reservoir.
Lots of clean spaces to camp and clean restrooms. Great fishing
At $20 a night it is a good deal. Most sites are pretty flat with a fire pit, picnic table, and sand for your tent if you aren’t fancy enough to have a trailer. Pit toilets were literally the cleanest I have ever seen. Overall a great spot for a weekend of easy camping.
Love this place. We have stayed at a few of the campgrounds all are great; but I won't tell you my favorite. I don't want you to steal my spot. They also do get cell service if you get up high enough.
What a wonderful place to spend some time. Easy 2 hour drive from Boise. Beautiful Raptors that fish right along with you. Plus I always catch fish.
