Sagehen Creek
4.0636 reviewsEMMETT RANGER DISTRICT, 1805 HIGHWAY 16, #5, EMMETT, ID 83617, USA
Quick Facts
4,997 ftPrice
$20/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
20 campsites
Season
Open from May 22 to ...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
4,997 ftPrice
$20/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
20 campsites
Season
Open from May 22 to ...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsSagehen 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
Total Campsite Fees$20.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider541-351-1182
What Campers Say
4.06
Satisfactory
Based on 36 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."
Fees & Passes at Sagehen Creek
$20/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.
Cancellation: Changes to reservations are permitted with a $10 fee. Cancellations before check-in incur a $10 fee ...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Emmett Ranger District website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceThe landscape surrounding Sagehen Creek tells a story of nature's resilience and adaptation. Recent forest management efforts addressing moth infestation have transformed the campground's character, creating a unique environment where new growth mingles with mature forest, offering visitors a firsthand glimpse at the ever-changing tapestry of our mountain ecosystems.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationPerched at 4,997 feet above sea level, Sagehen Creek Campground delivers that perfect high-country atmosphere where the air feels cleaner and the stars shine brighter. This ideal elevation brings refreshingly cool evenings that demand cozy sleeping bags, while daytime temperatures remain warm enough for swimming and sunbathing by the reservoir's edge.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living cathedral of towering Ponderosa pines, majestic Engelmann spruce, stately Douglas firs, and aromatic grand firs that shelter an abundance of mountain wildlife. Lucky visitors might spot grazing elk at dawn, catch glimpses of black bears foraging for berries, or wake to the calls of diverse bird species. Select campsites reward early arrivals with stunning lake vistas, while hidden patches of wild berries offer sweet treats for those who venture along nearby trails.
Geological RegionDeep within the heart of Boise National Forest, Sagehen Creek Campground occupies a spectacular mountain setting where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of gentle slopes and hidden valleys. At 4,997 feet elevation, this forested sanctuary showcases the region's botanical diversity with its impressive mix of conifers - from the vanilla-scented bark of Ponderosa pines to the Christmas-tree perfection of grand firs, creating a multi-layered canopy that has sheltered travelers for generations.
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Campsite details
AccessibilitySome campsites are accessible, ensuring availability for individuals with mobility needs.
Sites SizeCampsites are of varying sizes. Site 15 is noted as suitable for a tent camper or small RV, and site 9 is described as spacious enough for a 35' trailer but requires unhitching.
Sites PrivacyThe level of privacy varies by site. Some sites are shaded and near the lake, while others are in full sun due to recent logging activities.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 15 is ideal for tent campers with small RVs due to its shaded location and accessibility. Site 9 is recommended for waterfront views and a quiet atmosphere.
Best Campsites
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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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Campsites accommodate small groups or families. Maximum number of guests per site is not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is laid out with single-family sites, some accessible, and grouped near Sagehen Reservoir.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 22 to September 6 during peak camping season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAdditional first-come, first-served sites are available, but availability is limited and may vary seasonally.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations are permitted with a $10 fee. Cancellations before check-in incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Late cancellations and modifications may carry additional penalties depending on timing.
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.
Hiking
Numerous 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.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include rainbow trout in the Sagehen Reservoir. However, some users noted a lack of fish during their visits.Swimming
The lake is shallow and warm enough for swimming, making it safe for children under supervision.Biking
Mountain 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.Boating
Boating, including canoeing and kayaking, is popular. A boat ramp and dock are available for camper use.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife in the area includes deer, elk, black bear, goshawk, woodpeckers, and boreal owls.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are noted for this campground.Water Sports
Water sports such as canoeing and paddleboarding are available on the reservoir.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed within designated campfire rings.
- Quiet hours are observed, with most users describing compliance even from louder groups.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Weather at Sagehen Creek
35
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 82%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services include Emmett Ranger District and regional emergency facilities in Emmett, ID.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 22 - September 6, 2026
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' campground without trash pickup. Campers must take their trash with them.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Sagehen Reservoir, the campground offers boating, canoeing, and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention clear-cutting of trees, high numbers of cattle, logging debris, poor water quality from hand pumps, and inaccessible sites for trailers.
HostCamp host Tim is frequently praised for being helpful, diplomatic, and accommodating. Hosts sell firewood on-site.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.1
36 reviews
Sagehen Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 36 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...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
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....
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Some sites are accessible, and user reviews highlight the cleanliness and maintenance of vault toilets.
Based on 36 reviewsPet-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 36 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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