Sagehen Creek

Star3.94
79 reviews
EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT, 1805 HIGHWAY 16, #5, EMMETT, ID 83617, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,997 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from May 22 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Emmett Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Sagehen Creek
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season nightly rate is $20. Additional vehicle fees may apply. Reservation fees are not included and may be up to $9 depending on the...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
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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Provider
541-351-1182
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What Campers Say

3.94

Mixed Reviews

Based on 79 reviews

49 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hikinglake

"User reviews of Sagehen Creek Campground highlight its natural beauty, helpful camp hosts, and diverse activities. However, recent logging and the presence of cattle have sparked some dissatisfaction."

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Campground Map

EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT, 1805 HIGHWAY 16, #5, EMMETT, ID 83617, USA

Sagehen Creek

EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT, 1805 HIGHWAY 16, #5, EMMETT, ID 83617, USA

Driving directionsFrom Horseshoe Bend, Idaho take Highway 52 for 9 miles west to the junction with the Sweet/Ola Highway. Turn north and travel 16 miles to Ola, Idaho. Travel north through Ola and follow FS Rd 618, 18 miles to Sagehen Reservoir (FS Road 626). Turn right and continue on FS Rd 626 for 7 miles. Take a left on FS Rd 614 and travel about 2 miles to Sage Hen Reservoir. Sagehen Campground is on the east side of the reservoir.
The roads to Sagehen Creek Campground involve dirt and forest service roads, which can be challenging during certain seasons due to weather conditions such as snow, washouts, and narrow stretches. User reviews indicate that trailers may struggle during late May and some parts of the campground roads are narrow, making maneuverability difficult.
Nearby places
Emmett: approximately 40 miles, Horseshoe Bend: approximately 25 miles
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Emmett (40 miles away) or smaller towns like Horseshoe Bend, which is closer and has limited options for fuel and essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Sagehen Creek

Experience the perfect mountain climate where summer days warm to a pleasant 80-90°F, ideal for hiking and water activities, before cooling to crisp, star-filled nights perfect for campfire stories. While the campground shines brightest from late spring through early fall, adventurous souls should note that seasonal snowmelt and autumn rains can create challenging access conditions, adding to the site's remote mountain character.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (May 22–Sept 6): warm days (80–90°F), ideal for hiking, boating and swimming.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall offers cooler hikes and wildlife viewing with fewer visitors; aesthetics affected in spots by logging.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from May 22 so late spring usable; early spring largely closed and limited access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (seasonal May–Sept); winter activities not supported onsite.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 22 - September 6, 2026. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 22 to September 6 during peak camping season.
  • Current Alerts: Logging activities and logging-related disruptions have affected the area. Seasonal road closures and weather-related washouts may impact accessibility.

About Sagehen Creek

Nestled along the pristine shores of Sagehen Reservoir at nearly 5,000 feet elevation, Sagehen Creek Campground offers an authentic mountain escape where adventure meets tranquility. This family-friendly haven invites you to cast a line into crystal-clear waters, explore miles of ATV trails, or simply relax at your picnic table as the sun sets behind towering pines. Each thoughtfully spaced site comes equipped with essential amenities including vault toilets and hand-pumped fresh mountain water, ensuring comfort without compromising the wilderness experience.
Sagehen Creek Campground offers a variety of camping options, including sites suitable for tent camping and small RVs. Some sites provide lake views and are partially shaded.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Official check-in time is not specified.
Check-out
Official check-out time is not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Sagehen Creek Campground offers a range of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, boating, biking, and wildlife viewing. The non-motorized Sagehen Reservoir Trail and Joe's Creek Trail provide options for exploration.
HikingNumerous trails such as the Sagehen Reservoir Trail, a 4-mile loop around the lake, and Joe's Creek Trail are available. These trails cater to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.
FishingFishing opportunities include rainbow trout in the Sagehen Reservoir. However, some users noted a lack of fish during their visits.
SwimmingThe lake is shallow and warm enough for swimming, making it safe for children under supervision.
BikingMountain biking is supported on trails such as Joe's Creek Trail and the Sagehen Reservoir Trail. Additionally, the Sagehen and KYAOTT ATV Trail Systems offer 35+ miles of trails for biking.
BoatingBoating, including canoeing and kayaking, is popular. A boat ramp and dock are available for camper use.
Wildlife viewingWildlife in the area includes deer, elk, black bear, goshawk, woodpeckers, and boreal owls.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include black bears, falling caterpillars during moth infestations, and rough road conditions. Cattle frequently roam campsites, causing disruption.
Active AlertsLogging activities and logging-related disruptions have affected the area. Seasonal road closures and weather-related washouts may impact accessibility.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Sagehen Creek

Reviews

3.9
79 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Sagehen Creek has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Sagehen Creek Campground highlight its natural beauty, helpful camp hosts, and diverse activities. However, recent logging and the presence of cattle have sparked some dissatisfaction.
Review Summaries
Based on 79 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive sentiments often note the beauty of the area, the helpfulness of the camp hosts, and the range of outdoor activities available. For example, one user stated, 'Great camping area! The lake is...
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Based on 79 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the effects of recent logging, which has removed much of the shade and aesthetic appeal, as well as issues with free-ranging cattle and their waste. One user remarked, 'The...
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Based on 79 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing shade equipment and potable water due to the lack of shade and the poor quality of water from the on-site pump. Additionally, they advise checking site conditions, as some...
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Based on 79 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most active season, but some users have noted that water levels in the reservoir can drop late in the season, affecting boating and fishing opportunities. Winter activities are not...
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Based on 79 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Absolutely beautiful place. Camp host was super helpful. A definite must-visit place.' 2. 'The lake and views are great; however, some campsites are very narrow and many are in areas where trees...
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Based on 79 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 15: Described as perfect for tent campers or small RVs, offering shade and a level tent spot. Site 9: A waterfront site with ample shade and space for a 35' trailer, but unhitching is necessary....
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Based on 79 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some sites are accessible, and user reviews highlight the cleanliness and maintenance of vault toilets.
Based on 79 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews are mixed. Some users appreciated the adherence to leash laws, while others noted disturbances caused by cattle, which agitated their dogs.
Based on 79 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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