3.8211 reviewsPrice
$20 - $50/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Mid-May to end of Se...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
$20 - $50/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Mid-May to end of Se...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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Cartwright Ridge Campground, Sage Hen Reservoir, Boise National Forest, Idaho
Anglers, mountain bikers, and ATV riders who can handle a rough dirt road and pack all their water. The 4-mile lake loop trail and boat ramp make this worth the logistics for anyone who wants a quiet base camp with real recreation on the doorstep.
No potable water means hauling everything in, and the access road earned consistent complaints about rough conditions, high-clearance or capable vehicles are genuinely needed here, not optional. No host on site if something goes wrong.
Reference information about Cartwright Ridge Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>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.</p><p><strong>Natural Features:</strong></p><p>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.</p><p>A variety of berries and mushrooms can be found throughout the area. Local wildlife includes deer, elk, black bear, goshawk, woodpeckers and boreal owls.</p><p><strong>Recreation:</strong></p><p>Sage Hen Reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, and rainbow trout fishing. A boat ramp and dock are located within the campground.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>
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Summer delivers the best conditions, with daytime temperatures typically between 80 and 90°F and cool nights. The dry season keeps trails clear and water levels up for boating and warm-water fishing. Wildflowers bloom through the warmer months. Early and late season bring possible snow. Weekend crowds stay moderate even during peak times. Five sites don't draw the masses that lower-elevation campgrounds see.
Best season: 80–90°F days, good boating, warm-water fishing and dry trails in summer months.
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Potable water is not available at this site.
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