Name: Cartwright Ridge Campground
This review is accurate as of the date of review and are our observations while on site. Last visited 8/11/21.
Cartwright Ridge Campground is such a cool place to camp! We like it because the sites have privacy, and there is plenty of room to park extra cars for our grown kids. This popular campground is heavily wooded with pine trees and is located across the road from Antelope Campground, which is on Sagehen Reservoir. In late summer, you can enjoy huckleberry picking nearby. The area around Sagehen Reservoir is one of the better areas for huckleberry picking in Idaho. This campground is across the road from the Reservoir so the shoreline campgrounds, Antelope Campground, Sagehen Creek Campground, Eastside Campground and Hollywood Point Campground, are usually full before this area fills up. Sites in this campground are first come first serve basis only. If you get here and the sites are in use, you can usually find a place to camp in the area if you are self contained. ATV's are used a lot in the area. Temperatures run between 80 and 90 degrees in the summer. For those of you interested in Native American history, I have found chips of obsidian along the shore between Antelope Campground and the dam. Definite sign of arrowhead making work. Remember to look only, we are not allowed to remove such artifacts.
Note: During a visit to revise this review I noticed some of the trees have been removed. Most campsites are still shaded though.
Campsites: Cartwright Ridge Campground has 6 RV camping sites. The sites are irregular and nestled among trees with most of them having plenty of privacy. The sites include a fire pit and a picnic table. There are places to put a tent or you can park an RV. There are no electric hookups, water or garbage service.
Host on Site: No however there is one at Antelope Campground just down the road.
Water: There is no water in the campground, however there is water in the campgrounds around Sagehen Reservoir. I wouldn't drink it although it is suppose to be safe for drinking.
Garbage Services: You must carry out your own garbage at Cartwright Ridge Campground.
Electricity Available: There is no electricity at Cartwright Ridge Campground.
Restroom: There is a vault style toilet in the campground which is handicap accessible. It is maintained daily.
Firewood: Is available for $6 per bundle from the Antelope Campground host.
Pets: Are welcome on a leash.
Picnic Area: There is a picnic area on the creek below the dam.
Recreation: Camping, fishing, playing in the lake and riding ATVs are the primary recreational activities. Many people come here to pick huckleberries.
Fishing: There is great trout fishing at Sagehen Reservoir. There are trails along the shoreline which allow easy access for the fisherman. We have caught fish from both the shoreline and the boat. If you are up to a challenge, try the creek below the road!
Boating: The lake is 1/4 mi. away. There is a dock and boat ramp at Antelope Campground along the north shoreline of the Reservoir. Motorized boats are welcome, however, there is a speed limit of 15, no wake.
Swimming: The lake is about 1/4 mi from this campground. Families do swim or wade along some of the shorelines. It can be very refreshing on those hot summer days. There is no life guard on duty.
Hiking: In addition to the fishermen trails, there are nature trails and various trails winding all the way around the reservoir.
Wildlife: We have actually seen black bear in the area a couple times. They have never been aggressive, they just like getting into the garbage. We have also seen osprey, deer, and a lot of friendly squirrels, ground squirrels and chipmunks. The kids have enjoyed watching the tiny frogs as well as bigger frogs down by the water.
Phone service: There is not a telephone at Cartwright Ridge Campground. You can get cell reception in a couple small areas and then only if you hold your phone just right! You may have to drive around a bit to get it and it depends on your carrier as to whether you can get it at all. I got no service on my visit in August of 2021.
Nearby Services: None.
Gas and Food: Is at least 18 miles away. Be sure to bring plenty of ice because it takes awhile to go get it when you run out.
RV Dumping Site: None.
Nearest Shower: None.
Location/Driving instructions: From Horseshoe Bend, take Highway 52, 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 the signs, 18 miles to Sagehen Reservoir and Cartwright Ridge Campground. Paved road turns to gravel a few miles north of Ola.
Coordinates: 44.333102,-116.193154
Elevation: 5060 Feet
Reviewed Date: August 2021
Fees And Reservations: this is a first come, first served campground and maynot be reserved. The day fee as of August 2021 is $15.
This information is accurate as of the date of the review.
