Cartwright Ridge Campground

Star4.67
11 reviews
Cartwright Ridge Campground, Sage Hen Reservoir, Boise National Forest, Idaho
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,800 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Mid-May to end of Se...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Emmett Ranger District site

Official Website
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Cartwright Ridge Campground
$20.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Exact fee details are unavailable, but user reviews and sources imply fees range between $20 and $50.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 11 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleansites

"Users generally appreciate the campground's cleanliness, seclusion, and proximity to recreational activities such as ATV trails and mountain biking. However, the lack of host and firewood sales is noted."

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Campground Map

Cartwright Ridge Campground, Sage Hen Reservoir, Boise National Forest, Idaho

Cartwright Ridge Campground

Cartwright Ridge Campground, Sage Hen Reservoir, Boise National Forest, Idaho

Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, travel north on State Highway 55 to Horseshoe Bend, Idaho approximately 30 miles. At Horseshoe Bend, turn west and travel State Highway 52 for 9 miles to the junction with the Sweet/Ola Highway. Then turn north and travel 16 miles to Ola, Idaho. From Ola, continue 10 miles northeast on Forest Service (FS) road 618, then 7 miles on FS road 626. Lastly, travel approximately 2 miles northeast on FS road 614 and you will arrive at Sage Hen Reservoir. Cartwright Ridge Campground is on the north end of the reservoir.
The road access includes several miles on dirt roads, described as 'fairly bumpy' in user reviews. It is recommended not to attempt the route with vehicles unable to handle rough terrain.
Nearby places
Boise (approximately 65 miles), Horseshoe Bend (approximately 30 miles), Ola (approximately 16 miles from Horseshoe Bend)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel would be accessible in Boise or Horseshoe Bend. No details are provided for closer smaller-scale supply locations.

Best Time to Camp at Cartwright Ridge Campground

Summer days at Cartwright Ridge bring warm, comfortable temperatures between 80-90°F, perfect for outdoor adventures, while evenings cool down dramatically, inviting cozy campfire gatherings under star-filled skies. The dry mountain climate keeps rain at bay during peak season, though early and late season visitors might wake to a magical dusting of snow on the pine boughs—a reminder of the high country's ever-changing moods.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in ID

Open mid-May to Sept; warm days (80–90°F), prime boating, fishing and trail use in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into fall; likely pleasant with fewer crowds but limited explicit fall info.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid-May; late spring access possible but early spring conditions unknown.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed mid-May to end of September; winter not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Mid-May to end of September

About Cartwright Ridge Campground

Nestled among towering evergreens near the pristine waters of Sage Hen Reservoir, Cartwright Ridge Campground stands as one of five premier camping destinations in this corner of Boise National Forest. Here, adventure seekers find their perfect basecamp for days filled with fishing, boating, and hiking, while thrill-seekers can explore miles of ATV trails that wind through the forest. As evening falls, the campground transforms into a wildlife watching paradise, all while you're enveloped in the cool shade of ancient trees.
Cartwright Ridge Campground provides traditional camping options. Official sources mention proximity to Sage Hen Reservoir and describe the campground's natural features.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Likely up to 14 days per common Forest Service rules.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Cartwright Ridge Campground provides a range of recreational activities centered around the scenic Sage Hen Reservoir. Official sources highlight boating and fishing opportunities, a 4-mile hiking trail loop around the lake, and nearby ATV, biking, and horseback riding trails. User reviews also note the popularity of ATVs and mountain biking.
HikingVisitors can access the Sage Hen Reservoir Trail, a 4-mile loop around the lake, which offers scenic viewpoints, fishing spots, and wildlife watching opportunities.
FishingRainbow trout fishing is available in Sage Hen Reservoir, which is described as offering excellent fishing opportunities.
BikingUser reviews indicate several good trails in the area for mountain biking enthusiasts.
BoatingSage Hen Reservoir supports both motorized and non-motorized boating activities. A boat ramp and dock are available within the campground.
Wildlife viewingThe area is abundant in wildlife, including deer, elk, black bear, goshawk, woodpeckers, and boreal owls.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife like black bears and uneven terrain on access roads.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Cartwright Ridge Campground

Reviews

4.7
11 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Cartwright Ridge Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally appreciate the campground's cleanliness, seclusion, and proximity to recreational activities such as ATV trails and mountain biking. However, the lack of host and firewood sales is noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean campgrounds, a sense of privacy due to spaced-apart sites, and access to ATV and mountain biking trails.
Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

There are complaints about the bumpy dirt road leading to the campground and the lack of firewood sales.
Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing firewood due to the lack of on-site sales. Vehicles capable of handling rough roads are advised.
Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No specific seasonal trends are mentioned, but the campground is open from mid-May to the end of September.
Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Campgrounds were clean and far enough apart that it felt secluded.' 2. 'The road to get to the campgrounds was dirt and fairly bumpy, so don't attempt if your car can't take getting jostled...
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Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There is no specific information about individual campsites.
Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

There is no information available about accessibility reviews.
Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There is no information available regarding pet-related reviews.
Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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