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 

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 :-)

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

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. 