Welcome to Horsethief Reservoir Campground, Cascade, Idaho
2021 Opening Date
The Campground Opening Date will be posted as soon snow melts and warmer temperatures arrive. We hope to open on or soon after mid May.
Campsite Availability for Horsethief Reservoir Campground
Availability for overnight camping at Horsethief Campground is based on 1st come, 1st served. The Campground Host Manager posts campsite availability info on the Campground Facebook page, link below. Information is accurate at the time of posting. The chart to the left is updated on Thursday , Friday and Saturday.
About Us
BACKGROUND
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.
LOCATION & CAMPING CONDITIONS
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.
Lost & Found
Are you missing something?
Items not claimed by Sunday, October 4, will either be donated to a local charity or tossed out depending on the item.
Overnight Camping Fee
A fee of $20 per night/site is collected upon arrival for overnight camping
FAQs
Question: Are reservations available?
Answer: Currently, overnight camping is on a "space available" basis. Day picnicking, hiking and fishing, (with a fishing license), is always available. (see Facebook link, below)
Question: Are hook-ups available for RVs and camping trailers?
Answer: No. Each campsite "loop" provides toilet facilities. No campsite water, electrical or waste water connections are available. In nearby Cascade, Harpo’s Chevron, 823 Main St, Cascade ID 83611 / 208-382-3181, operates an RV dump station for $10 or less. Harpo's also has potable water available (shut off in winter).
Question: What about firewood, pets, vehicle limits, firearms, hunting, horses and ATVs/UTVs.
Answer: Each of these topics and much more can be found on the Horsethief Campground 2020 Brochure (downloadable above).
Question: How long can we stay at Horsethief Campground?
Answer: The entrance sign states that camping is limited to fourteen days.
Question: What is the condition of the gravel road accessing the Campground?
Answer: The gravel road was graded in early June and again just prior to the July 4th weekend. Driving real slow will get you to the campsite of your choice and/or to great fishing.
Question: Does Horsethief Campground maintain ADA campsites? What is available?
Answer: Yes, Horsethief Reservoir Campground currently has four ADA campsites. The Campground Hosts will attempt to keep at least two of these campsites available until 6:00PM each day, on days when the Campground is fully occupied. After 6:00PM, occupying, paid campers in ADA sites will not be asked to vacate the campsite.
