Horsethief Reservoir Campground, near Cascade, Idaho, is a unique spot that offers a mix of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. With designated sites for both tents and RVs, it’s a great place to kick back and enjoy nature, though you should be prepared for a more rustic experience.

The campground is known for its lovely fishing and kayaking opportunities, with many sites conveniently located near the water. Visitors have enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, especially during mid-week, and have spotted plenty of wildlife, including bald eagles. One camper mentioned, “We enjoyed taking the boat out and enjoying the quietude of nature.”

While the campground has undergone some changes, including paved sites that some feel resemble a parking lot, many appreciate the cleanliness and the well-maintained picnic areas. Campers have noted that the sites can be a bit close together, but this can foster a friendly community vibe, especially for family gatherings. 

If you’re looking to explore, the surrounding area is perfect for hiking and enjoying the stunning sunsets over the reservoir. Just remember to pack out what you bring in, as there are no trash services on-site. Whether you’re fishing, kayaking, or just soaking in the views, Horsethief Reservoir Campground has a lot to offer for a memorable outdoor getaway.

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.

Horsethief Reservoir Campground

Looking for the best campgrounds near Cascade, ID? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Idaho camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Cascade, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Cascade

The Best Camping Near Cascade, Idaho

This is a dry campground with no hook-ups for RVs. They do have restrooms and potable water around the campgrounds. It's pretty much first-come, first-serve basis. We were able to find 2 spots (group campsite) where we parked our 27' Jayco Travel Trailer and our friends were able to park and pitch 2 tents around us. The surroundings were really nice at the time we went. The reservoir water level was on the low side so the boat ramps for the reservoir were out of the water. We were told that they had drained the lake the year before and it is filling back up again. They have been stocking it with trout and did we experience the benefits of that! We had our kayaks with us and were able to troll around to catch our limit for dinner on both nights :-) It was nice and quiet in the evenings as well. There is a near by boy scout camp down the road on the dam side. It was far enough so that we did not bother them or they did not bother us :-)  I would camp here again!

Great Trout Fishing - Summer and Fall Months :-)

This is our favorite FCFS campsite. We make sure to get there Thursday evening for a campsite. It will be full by Saturday afternoon. Campsites are rugged, but great to enjoy wildlife. The reservoir is beautiful and great for fishing. We enjoyed taking the boat out and enjoying the quietude of nature.

First Come, First Served

Great place to kayak and fish. Most camp spots are near the water. Camp spots are a bit to close to eachother for my liking, but great for family camping. Area has multipul outhouses. Lots of waterfowl and beautiful flower first come first serve. Campsites fillup fast

Great for family camping trips and fishing

Great bird life can be seen here all year round. There are ample fish in the water, which are also fun to spot. It can fill up pretty quickly, but is decently quiet during the mid-week, if you are able to make it. Saw two bald eagles during my last trip!

Bird watching!

Enjoyed satiating here with my family. Only problem was there were dog off leash running around and our dogs don’t good good around dogs they don’t know 

Very clean

We had tons of fun out here. The lots are decently spaced out and everything was kept clean. Very nice host. 

Very nice campground

Horsethief reservoir is at about 5,000 feet just east of Cascade Idaho off Warm Lake road. There are 5 public campground loops around the north and northwest shores under Idaho Fish and Game jurisdiction and managed by the Boise YMCA. Most of these loops have just been renovated and re-opened as of May 2022. ALL sites are first come, first served, no reservations. I was told there are about 115 camp sites between the 5 loops. One loop is unrenovated and more primitive/informal at the furthest east loop. We stayed in Osprey cove loop #24 which is one of very few pull-throughs. Most loops are paved with gravel camp site parking. Nice level camping/picnic pads at each site and new metal picnic tables. This lake offers great fishing and kayaking. Motorized boats OK, but NO WAKE allowed so you are just trolling at idle. Many camp sites are shaded. NO water/electric/sewer or dump stations or garbage. Take everything out that you brought in.

Lakeside multi-loop campgrounds

We used to love camping at Horsetheif. The reservoir is so beautiful. Gorgeous sunsets as well. But the camp spots have all been paved now. It felt like we were camping in a parking lot. So much beauty lost. 

Camping in a parking lot 

they have absolutely destroyed what we use to love..they put sand in every camping spot with railroad ties and huge spikes make sure you like sand in your shoes and in your tents and campers.. the placement of the fire pitts make it where you cant sit around the fire ..carry a flashlight at all times so you dont trip over the ties that they have placed …they took family sites big enough for 10 people and made them so close you can actually hear the next site breathing in their sleep..the camp host by the Name of Tod Had a nasty additude towards my wife when we had first woke up at 8:00 am hounding us about money..sorry we got there at 3:00 in the morning we were going to stay for 14 days and left in 3 they made nature into a aparment style camp ground i guess thats what happends when greed takes over..we have never had problems before ..camp hosts were great and now they need blue and red lights on top of their wheelers..now you look out your front window used to see the lake and mountains now you see the top of some ones tents…way to go IFAG..

Photos of Horsethief Reservoir Campground

Real photos from real campers