Cartwright Ridge Campground
Overview
Cartwright Ridge Campground is located on the shores of the scenic Sage Hen Reservoir in the Boise National Forest, perched at an elevation of 4,800 feet. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring the Sage Hen Reservoir Trail. The 5 Sage Hen campgrounds are a beautiful, scenic destination for recreation and adventure.
Natural Features:
The campgrounds are situated in a forest of towering Ponderosa pine, Engelmann spruce, Douglas fir and grand fir. Most sites have plentiful shade and some have partial lake views. Summer temperatures range from 80-90 degrees during the day to crisp, cool nights.
A variety of berries and mushrooms can be found throughout the area. Local wildlife includes deer, elk, black bear, goshawk, woodpeckers and boreal owls.
Recreation:
Sage Hen Reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, and rainbow trout fishing. A boat ramp and dock are located within the campground.
Hiking, biking, horse and off-road vehicle trails are abundant in the area. The Sage Hen Reservoir Trail, a 4-mile loop around the lake, offers great fishing spots, beautiful viewpoints and abundant wildlife watching opportunities.
The Sage Hen and KYAOTT ATV Trail Systems can be accessed near the reservoir, offering more than 35 miles of trails for off-road vehicles and motorcycles, but hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders can enjoy these trails as well. Check with the Emmett Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use map (MVUM) and the Boise National Forest map for open trails and roads in the area.
At a Glance
Operational Hours: | May – September |
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Reservations: | No reservations are necessary. This campground is first come, first serve. |
Fees: | This campground is a first come, first serve, fee area. Fee envelopes and a collection box are provided near the entrance. Please bring cash or check. Total of 6 sites. |
Usage: | Medium |
Closest Towns: | Emmett, Idaho |
Water: | Not for Drinking |
Restroom: | Vault |
General Information
Directions:From Boise, Idaho, travel north on State Highway 55 to Horseshoe Bend, Idaho approximately 30 miles.
At Horseshoe Bend, turn west and travel State Highway 52 for 9 miles to the junction with the Sweet/Ola Highway. Then turn north and travel 16 miles to Ola, Idaho.
From Ola, continue 10 miles northeast on Forest Service (FS) road 618, then 7 miles on FS road 626. Lastly, travel approximately 2 miles northeast on FS road 614 and you will arrive at Sage Hen Reservoir.
Cartwright Ridge Campground is on the north end of the reservoir. Campgrounds are located in a circular pattern around the reservoir.
General Notes:
The Sage Hen Nature Trailhead is a signed site with visitor information and picnic table.
It is located near several campgrounds that surround Sage Hen Reservoir, including Sage Hen Creek, Cartwright Ridge, Antelope, Hollywood and Eastside Campgrounds.
Activities
Campground Camping
Total of 6 sites.Lake and Pond Fishing
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game keeps the reservoir stocked with trout. Fishing is good to excellent most of the year. Fishing occurs from lakeshore and from small boats.Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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Day Hiking
There are several trails in the surrounding mountains. With the exception of Joe's Creek Trail and portions of West Mountain Trail, all trails are non-motorized. Joe's Creek Trail, located on NF-614, is motorized to Tripod Lookout and down the West Mountain Trail to NF-626. This trail has both ATV and motorbike use. Other trails in the area are Sagehen Reservoir Trail, Sagehen Nature Trail, Renwyck Trail, West Mountain Trail, and Antelope Trail.Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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Big Game Hunting
Hunting in the area is good during the legal season. Big game (deer, elk & bear) is located throughout the surrounding mountains.Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
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Picnicking
Picnic tables are in the surrounding area.Boating - Motorized
Small boats are allowed on the reservoir. There is a 15 mph speed limit on the lake. The lake is 700 acres. Two boat docks exist.Boating - Non-Motorized
The lake is 700 acres.