Welcome to Horsethief Reservoir Campground, Cascade, Idaho
2025 Camping Season
The Campground will open May 19th through Labor Day Weekend (longer, weather permitting). The eastside campsite are closed due to construction.
Campsite Availability
The campsites are "no reservation", "first come, first serve" and our Campground Hosts forward availability info to our webmaster on our busiest days. We did not sell out once in 2024.
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 in July, 2017, 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.
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.
Overnight Camping Fee
A fee of $20 per night/site, cash or check only, (no credit card payments can be processed, no internet available). Please pay with 30 minutes of campsite(s) selection to eliminate disputes in who paid first.
Horsethief Campground requires ATV/UTV user respect other campers by creating no dust, driving safely and strictly adhering to State of Idaho Rules and Regulations. ATVs/UTVs operated on public/state land have very specific restrictions. On public land, operators under the age of 16 must be supervised by an adult (within 300 ft), must wear a helmet and must have completed an ATV/UTV safety course approved by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Have FUN, but, be SAFE and RESPECT other
FAQs
Question: Are reservations available?
Answer: Overnight camping is on a "first come, first serve" basis. Day picnicking, hiking and fishing, (with a fishing license), is always available. There is no internet access at Horsethief and minimal cell reception, so reservations would never be received. We are a mountain campground of course, just like folks want it to be. No day in 2024 was sold out. Campers have overwhelmingly stated their appreciation that Horsethief Reservoir Campground serves a much higher percent of local campers who may not be able to plan weeks or even months ahead as is the case with reservation required campgrounds.
Question: Are hook-ups available for RVs and camping trailers?
Answer: No. Each campsite "loop" provides vault toilets. 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 2024 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 roads are graded as often as practicable. Driving real slow will get you to the campsite of your choice and/or to great fishing with minimal dust and bounce.
Question: Does Horsethief Campground maintain ADA campsites? What is available?
Answer: Yes, Horsethief Reservoir Campground currently has four ADA campsites reserved exclusively for those with documented disabilities.
Question: What are the "leash rules" for dogs at Horsethief Campground ?
Answer: Dogs must remain on a leash at ALL times within the Campground unless they are within your tent, trailer, pop-up, 5th wheel or RV, etc.
