Horsethief Reservoir Campgrounds

Signs and Info

Facilities

Campsites

Recreation

Name: Horsethief Reservoir Campgrounds

Idahocampgroundreview.com does not own, manage or make reservations for this campground. We provide infomation about this campground based on our observations and conditions may change over time.

We have had several negative comments posted over the last couple years however we did not observe any of these negative  circumstances during our visit. I wonder if people and hosts were having a hard time adjusting to the $15 daily fee schedule. The hosts were available and did thier job well. The toilets were being sanitized daily.

The Horsethief Reservoir Campground is owned by the Idaho Dept of Fish and Game. It is not a state park as some other sites indicate. There are 270 acres on the north and west sides on the reservoir. Horsethief Reservoir is almost 2 miles long and one half mile wide. It is surrounded by gently rolling forested hills. During the summer, the lake can be very crowded. The YMCA has a large facility on the south end of the reservoir that is off limits to the general public. The east side of the lake is private property and is posted "Do Not Trespass". The YMCA administers the campgrounds and they have a good website. Towards the bottom of thier page there is a link to a brochure for the campground and it is well done.

Campsites: There are 5 loops in Horsethief Reservoir Campground. Trout Landing and Horsethief Creek are on the NE side of the lake. The name Horsethief Creek will be going away and both loops will be referred to as Trout Landing(15 sites).  While Osprey Bay(18), Easters Cove(8), Timber Bay(8), Kings Point(28) and Bear Knob(16) are on the west side. Kings Point has been paved, both roads and driveways. In addition,  they have cement paths to the toilets and  both boat launches are paved. Both Osprey Bay and Easters Cove are currently being remodeled so this review will have to be updated later. Trout Landing are graveled and the rest are dirt gravel mix. Each campsite has a fire ring. Picnic tables are being added as each loop is remodeled. Checkout thier facebook page for available sites.

Host on Site: There is always a host on duty in King's Point and another in the "admin" area near Trout Landing. 

Water: There is no potable water currently but you can get non-potable water from a well in Trout Landing which may be used for cooking and RV toilets/showers.

Garbage Services: This is a "Pack it in, Pack it out" campground.

Electricity Available: No.

Restroom: Vault Style outhouses are available and they were very clean and well stocked.

Handicap Accessible: Yes, the outhouses are handicap accessible as are the new docks. Kings Point has 4 handicap equipped campsites with cement paths to the toilets and paved roads throughout.

Firewood: Bring your own. Gathering firewood from the property is prohibited.

Pets: Pets must be leashed or under close control at all times.

Picnic Area: There is a small picnic area at the T dock with only 1 tables.

Recreation: People come here for the camping and fishing. However, many also come for the trail riding, hiking, bird watching and other fun.

Fishing: The reservoir is stocked regularly with some very nice trout.

Boating: Boating is allowed and there are several docks and ramps however it is a "no wake lake".

Swimming: I am sure campers swim, however there is no "swimming" area.

Wildlife: Deer are commonly seen. I have never heard of bear bothering this campground, but one would be wise to use caution with your food and garbage. Wolves are in this area so watch your dogs (although I have not heard of any problems with wolves either).

Additional Camping Opportunities: Warm Lake Area Campgrounds are available 20 miles up Warm Lake Rd with 3 campgrounds. There are many hunting camps in the National Forest all along Warm Lake Rd. Primitive camping may appeal to you, and I have seen people camping in these areas all summer.

Phone service: We had cell service until we got right to the campground, but we were able to get service on the T dock. The nearest pay phone would be at Cascade, Idaho.

Nearby Services: For services such as gas, ice, pop and food, I would recommend driving to Cascade.

Gas and Food: Cascade, Idaho

RV Dumping Site: There is no RV Dumping Station. Cascade would be your nearest location for a dumping station.

Location/Driving instructions: If you check google for directions from Cascade, it will give you 2 routes. I recommend Warm Lake Rd. Warm Lake road is well developed and paved. As you leave Cascade heading north on Hwy 55, Warm Lake Rd is a right-hand turn about a half mile out of town. Follow it about 6 miles to Road 443/Horsethief Rd, also a right-hand turn. It is about 2 miles on this road to Horsethief Reservoir.

Coordinates: 44.511948,-115.921111

Elevation: 5070 Feet

Reviewed Date: June 2020

Fees And Reservations: Campsites are $15 per night. There is the possiblilty a reservation system will be adopted in the near future.

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