Map showing campground location near Cascade, Idaho

Camper submitted image from Horse Thief Campground

Horse Thief Campground

Anglers and paddlers find Horse Thief Campground positioned along a reservoir east of Cascade, with direct water access for launching canoes and fishing from shore. The US Forest Service facility sits within Boise National Forest at $15 per night, accommodating both RVs up to 30 feet and tent campers across multiple loops.

The campground features pit toilets, drinking water, and picnic tables with fire rings at each site. Cable A. notes the basics: "Toilets, water and trash. No other amenitiesz." Several reviewers mention the facility's cleanliness, though one visitor reported issues with flies at the restroom facilities during peak season.

Access involves turning off the main highway and choosing between older sections and improved loops managed through a partnership with the YMCA. The improved areas provide better road surfaces and parking for larger RVs. Wildlife includes hawks and ducks around the waterfront, with bear activity reported in the area. Campers planning longer stays in the region can explore campgrounds near Cascade or visit nearby Buttercup about six miles southwest.

The reservoir offers kayaking opportunities and shoreline hiking, with the town of Cascade providing dining and supply options within easy driving distance.

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Map & DirectionsHorse Thief Campground is located in Idaho near Cascade

Public Campground

Coordinates

44.51320033 N
115.5452004 W

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

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Verizon
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AT&T
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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

3 hrs 33 min from Boise, ID
5 hrs 4 min from Twin Falls, ID
6 hrs 37 min from Lewiston, ID
7 hrs 2 min from Walla Walla, WA

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Horse Thief Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Many visitors appreciated the peaceful, quiet atmosphere and found it family-friendly for camping and water activities. Some feedback indicated mixed experiences with restroom conditions and pricing concerns for basic amenities.

Cable A.

Ranger

Reviewed Oct. 20, 2025

Beautiful and peaceful

Nice place to camp, fish and relax. Very family friendly. Toilets, water and trash. No other amenitiesz

Month of VisitJune

(8) View All

Mike E.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2023

Nice off the beaten track camping

This location is not too far east out of Cascade, Idaho and easy to access. Once we turned off the warm spring highway to the right, southbound, we made a decision at the Y to go left. it turns out that this is older camping going clockwise around. The lake itself And these campgrounds were kind of rundown and less attractive to us with our travel trailer. we came back out and went to the right. at the Y so that we were going to go counterclockwise around the lake. And we wound up in the improved campgrounds that are run by the YMCA. nice little loops with good parking, good roads and easy access Pulling our 30 foot travel trailer. We really enjoyed staying here. It was quiet, peaceful, not overrun, not full at every space in the campground. Great little reservoir for kayaking and fishing and hiking around the shores. we really like this place 'cause all of the various campground loops were well taken care of. we also liked the fact that if we wanted to run back into Cascade for dinner or supplies, it wasn't very far at all. we'll come back to this place and put it on our list of

Month of VisitJune

Roseann C.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 6, 2021

Good time

We had amazing time,so relaxing we already came 2 times and coming again this weekend we love it so peaceful and clean restroom

Month of VisitJuly

Roseann C.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2021

Relaxing

I enjoy it and restroom are clean and peaceful and very quiet

Sitefish and went on little boat

Month of VisitJuly

Kathy H.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 20, 2019

Gorgeous waterfront

Fish and game property, but managed under YMCA. $15 with no discount for anyone. Picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilet that is in desperate need of a simple fly strip! I had to wipe live flies off the toilet seat to sit down. Haul your garbage out. No electricity. Bear sites in campground but no notifications! No potable water. Seemed a bit pricey ! Perfect for canoes. Boat launch area.

Hawks, ducks, gorgeous waterfront!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at Horse Thief Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Horse Thief Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Horse Thief Campground have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Horse Thief Campground does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Horse Thief Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.

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