Cartwright Ridge Campground
02 reviewsCartwright Ridge Campground, Sage Hen Reservoir, Boise National Forest, Idaho
Cartwright Ridge Campground
$20.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Exact fee details are unavailable, but user reviews and sources imply fees range between $20 and $50.
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About this campground
Nestled among towering evergreens near the pristine waters of Sage Hen Reservoir, Cartwright Ridge Campground stands as one of five premier camping destinations in this corner of Boise National Forest. Here, adventure seekers find their perfect basecamp for days filled with fishing, boating, and hiking, while thrill-seekers can explore miles of ATV trails that wind through the forest. As evening falls, the campground transforms into a wildlife watching paradise, all while you're enveloped in the cool shade of ancient trees.
Cartwright Ridge Campground provides traditional camping options. Official sources mention proximity to Sage Hen Reservoir and describe the campground's natural features.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Cartwright Ridge bring warm, comfortable temperatures between 80-90°F, perfect for outdoor adventures, while evenings cool down dramatically, inviting cozy campfire gatherings under star-filled skies. The dry mountain climate keeps rain at bay during peak season, though early and late season visitors might wake to a magical dusting of snow on the pine boughs—a reminder of the high country's ever-changing moods.
ElevationPerched at 4,800 feet above sea level in the heart of Boise National Forest, the campground offers that perfect high-altitude escape where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and every breath feels refreshingly pure.
Natural Features and SceneryA living cathedral of Ponderosa pine, Engelmann spruce, Douglas fir, and grand fir creates a natural sanctuary where filtered sunlight dances through the canopy. Glimpses of Sage Hen Reservoir peek through the trees, while the forest floor reveals nature's bounty—wild berries and mushrooms that paint the understory with seasonal treasures. This thriving ecosystem plays host to an impressive cast of wildlife: majestic elk and deer move silently through the shadows, black bears forage in the distance, while goshawks circle overhead and the haunting calls of boreal owls echo through the night.
Geological RegionRising 4,800 feet into Idaho's mountain wilderness, Cartwright Ridge occupies a spectacular setting within Boise National Forest's diverse ecosystem. The landscape tells an ancient story through its magnificent stands of Ponderosa pine, Engelmann spruce, Douglas fir, and grand fir—each species perfectly adapted to this unique elevation where the campground meets the sparkling waters of Sage Hen Reservoir.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no information provided regarding accessibility features.
Sites SizeSite sizes are not specified in the available information.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews mention that campgrounds are far apart and provide a sense of seclusion.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites with partial lake views are likely preferable. Bring firewood due to lack of sales on-site.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers are not detailed.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Likely up to 14 days per common Forest Service rules.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified but typically standard for Forest Service sites.
Groups
There is no information available about group sites.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampgrounds are located in a circular pattern around Sage Hen Reservoir.
Open and Closed SeasonMid-May to end of September
Reservation PlatformsContact the Emmett Ranger District or check official Boise National Forest reservation platforms.
Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews indicate no host sales, so walk-up might be available but not confirmed.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details are not stated.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Cartwright Ridge Campground provides a range of recreational activities centered around the scenic Sage Hen Reservoir. Official sources highlight boating and fishing opportunities, a 4-mile hiking trail loop around the lake, and nearby ATV, biking, and horseback riding trails. User reviews also note the popularity of ATVs and mountain biking.
Hiking
Visitors can access the Sage Hen Reservoir Trail, a 4-mile loop around the lake, which offers scenic viewpoints, fishing spots, and wildlife watching opportunities.Fishing
Rainbow trout fishing is available in Sage Hen Reservoir, which is described as offering excellent fishing opportunities.Biking
User reviews indicate several good trails in the area for mountain biking enthusiasts.Boating
Sage Hen Reservoir supports both motorized and non-motorized boating activities. A boat ramp and dock are available within the campground.Wildlife viewing
The area is abundant in wildlife, including deer, elk, black bear, goshawk, woodpeckers, and boreal owls.Winter Activities
No winter activities are explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Boating and fishing are noted as key water activities; there is no further mention of non-motorized water sports such as paddleboarding or kayaking.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are permitted but no firewood sales are noted; deadfall can be gathered.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife like black bears and uneven terrain on access roads.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are likely in Boise, Horseshoe Bend, or Ola, but specific facilities are not detailed.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere is no information available regarding trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresOn the shores of Sage Hen Reservoir. A boat ramp and dock are available within the campground.
Common complaintsRoad conditions described as 'fairly bumpy' by users. No potable water is available at the site.
HostUser reviews mention no host availability for Cartwright Ridge.
Campground Map
Cartwright Ridge Campground, Sage Hen Reservoir, Boise National Forest, Idaho
Driving directionsFrom 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.
The road access includes several miles on dirt roads, described as 'fairly bumpy' in user reviews. It is recommended not to attempt the route with vehicles unable to handle rough terrain.Nearby places
Boise (approximately 65 miles), Horseshoe Bend (approximately 30 miles), Ola (approximately 16 miles from Horseshoe Bend)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel would be accessible in Boise or Horseshoe Bend. No details are provided for closer smaller-scale supply locations.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Cartwright Ridge Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally appreciate the campground's cleanliness, seclusion, and proximity to recreational activities such as ATV trails and mountain biking. However, the lack of host and firewood sales is noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include clean campgrounds, a sense of privacy due to spaced-apart sites, and access to ATV and mountain biking trails.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
There are complaints about the bumpy dirt road leading to the campground and the lack of firewood sales.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing firewood due to the lack of on-site sales. Vehicles capable of handling rough roads are advised.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific seasonal trends are mentioned, but the campground is open from mid-May to the end of September.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Campgrounds were clean and far enough apart that it felt secluded.' 2. 'The road to get to the campgrounds was dirt and fairly bumpy, so don't attempt if your car can't take getting jostled...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
There is no specific information about individual campsites.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
There is no information available about accessibility reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There is no information available regarding pet-related reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025