Within Boise National Forest, Cartwright Ridge provides a forested setting with both drive-in and walk-in access options. The US Forest Service manages this established campground from May through September, accommodating RVs up to 30 feet alongside tent camping. Access roads can be rough, requiring careful navigation to reach the sites.
The campground features standard amenities including restrooms, picnic tables, and allows campfires with firewood available for purchase. A camp host makes regular rounds, offering local area knowledge to visitors. Lake access requires only a short drive from the sites, making this location suitable for campers who want proximity to water activities while staying in a forested environment with camping near Boise National Forest.
Description
Overview Cartwright Ridge Campground is located on the shores of the scenic Sage Hen Reservoir in the Boise National Forest, perched at an elevation of 4,800 feet. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring the Sage Hen Reservoir Trail. The 5 Sage Hen campgrounds are a beautiful, scenic destination for recreation and adventure. Natural Features: The campgrounds are situated in a forest of towering Ponderosa pine, Engelmann spruce, Douglas fir and grand fir. Most sites have plentiful shade and some have partial lake views. Summer temperatures range from 80-90 degrees during the day to crisp, cool nights. A variety of berries and mushrooms can be found throughout the area. Local wildlife includes deer, elk, black bear, goshawk, woodpeckers and boreal owls. Recreation: Sage Hen Reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, and rainbow trout fishing. A boat ramp and dock are located within the campground. Hiking, biking, horse and off-road vehicle trails are abundant in the area. The Sage Hen Reservoir Trail, a 4-mile loop around the lake, offers great fishing spots, beautiful viewpoints and abundant wildlife watching opportunities. The Sage Hen and KYAOTT ATV Trail Systems can be accessed near the reservoir, offering more than 35 miles of trails for off-road vehicles and motorcycles, but hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders can enjoy these trails as well. Check with the Emmett Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use map (MVUM) and the Boise National Forest map for open trails and roads in the area.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCartwright Ridge is located in Idaho near Ola
Directions
Cartwright Ridge is located 45 miles north of Emmett, Idaho. Take State Highway 52 north to the Sweet/Ola Road (12.3 miles). Turn left towards Sweet, drive north to Ola (17 miles), pavement ends at Ola. Take National Forest Road 618 (NF-618) to the junction of NF-626 (10 miles). Take NF-626 to NF-614 (7 miles). Take NF-614 to NF-614B. The campground is located on the right. The majority of this route is a gravel surface and can be successfully driven with a passenger car during drier weather.
Coordinates
44.32700053 N
116.19600055 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 22 min from Boise, ID
- 4 hrs 5 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 4 hrs 18 min from Lewiston, ID
- 5 hrs 18 min from Walla Walla, WA
