Antelope Campground

Facilities

Signs and Info

Boat Ramp

Campsites

Name: Antelope Campground

I visited Antelope Campground again in August 2021 to see how much logging had been done due to the Tussuck Moth infestation and am happy to report that Antelope Campground has lost very few trees. Yay! I took a lot more pictures and have refreshed this review. The description below is from our original review and is still accurate.

The campgrounds along Sagehen Reservoir are some of my favorite campgrounds. The area is heavily wooded with pine trees and has cozy wooded surroundings. Antelope Campground is located along the north shoreline of Sagehen Reservoir. The area around Sagehen Reservoir is one of the better areas for huckleberry picking. In late summer you can enjoy fresh huckleberry pancakes made from huckleberries picked near your campsite. We normally use Krusteaz pancake mix when we go camping. Make your batter as you would normally. You can either add the fresh washed huckleberries to your batter, or arrange some on the top of each pancake after pouring onto the heated skillet. Finish cooking in your usual way and serve them with a thin coating of butter and sprinkle sugar over the top. Yummy! Antelope Campground is very popular in the summer and you should reserve your site ahead of time, but some sites are first come first serve basis. If you get there and the sites are in use, you can usually find a place to camp in the area, although holiday weekends may be more difficult. There are other campgrounds along the shore, Cartwright Ridge Campground across the way, Sagehen Creek Campground and Hollywood Point Campground as well as many off-road areas if you are self-contained. ATV's are used a lot in the area, but not much in the campgrounds. Temperatures run between 80 and 90 degrees in the summer. For those of you interested in Native American activities, I have found chips of obsidian along the shore between Antelope Campground and the dam. Definite arrowhead making workings.

Campsites: Antelope Campground has 29 campsites(includiong the Annex)which includes 1 group site for up to 30 people. Campsites 1, 2, 5, 9, 10 and 21 are first come first served plus the campsites in the "Annex". The sites are irregular and nestled among trees with most of them having plenty of privacy. The sites include a fire pit, standing barbecue grill, and a picnic table. There are places to put a tent or you can park an RV. Some sites can handle bigger RV's than others, but there are no electric hookups. There is a host on site.

Water: There is water in the campground. I wouldn't drink it although it is suppose to be safe for drinking. It doesn't look that great either.

Garbage Services: You must carry out your own garbage from Antelope Campground.

Electricity Available: There is no electricity at Antelope Campground.

Restroom: There are vault style toilets throughout the campground which are handicap accessible. They are maintained daily.

Handicap Accessible: The outhouses are handicap accessible and the roads and drivaes are paved.

Firewood: As of August 2021 firewood is available from the camp host for $6 per bundle.

Pets: Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash.

Picnic Area: There are picnic tables near each boat launch but not very many. The main "picnic area" is below the dam. People picnic along the stream or hike a short distance to the dam to enjoy the lake.

Recreation: Recreation at Antelope Campground includes campiing, hiking, trail riding(ATVs), huckleberry picking and fishing from the shore or small boat and rafts. 

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: There is a dock and boat ramp at Antelope Campground. Motorized boats are welcome, however, there is a speed limit and no skiing is allowed at Sagehen Reservoir. Extra parking is available near the marina area.

Swimming: Families do swim near the dock and along the shoreline near the dock. 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 is a nature trail near Sagehen Creek Campground, and there is a hiking trail that circles the lake.

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 Antelope 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 reception at all.

Nearest Shower: No Showers

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. Paved road turns to gravel a few miles north of Ola. It turns back to pavement 2 miles from Antelope Campground.

Coordinates: 44.334391,-116.185583

Elevation: 4994 Feet

Reviewed Date: August 2021

Fees And Reservations: Other than the first come first served campsites listed above you may reserve your campsite at Recreation.gov. The cost of a campsite for as of August 2021 was only $16 per day/night.

This information is accurate as of the date of the review.