How much does camping cost at Sagehen Creek?

Camping fees at Sagehen Creek range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sagehen Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Sagehen Creek accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Sagehen Creek before I book?

Yes! Sagehen Creek has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Sagehen Creek?

Sagehen Creek is open May 22 - September 6, 2026. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Sagehen Creek?

Sagehen Creek does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Sagehen Creek?

Fire policies at Sagehen Creek: Fires are allowed within designated campfire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Sagehen Creek have?

Sagehen Creek has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sagehen Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sagehen Creek. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Sagehen Creek?

Sagehen Creek offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sagehen Creek?

Popular activities at Sagehen Creek include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sagehen Creek

3.94

79 reviews

EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT, 1805 HIGHWAY 16, #5, EMMETT, ID 83617, USA

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

4,997 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from May 22 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Emmett Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

4,997 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from May 22 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Emmett Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Sagehen Creek

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season nightly rate is $20. Additional vehicle fees may apply. Reservation fees are not included and may be up to $9 depending on the...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-351-1182

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.94

Mixed Reviews

Based on 79 reviews

49 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hikinglake

"User reviews of Sagehen Creek Campground highlight its natural beauty, helpful camp hosts, and diverse activities. However, recent logging and the presence of cattle have sparked some dissatisfaction."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT, 1805 HIGHWAY 16, #5, EMMETT, ID 83617, USA

Sagehen Creek

EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT, 1805 HIGHWAY 16, #5, EMMETT, ID 83617, USA

Nearby places

Emmett: approximately 40 miles, Horseshoe Bend: approximately 25 miles

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be obtained in Emmett (40 miles away) or smaller towns like Horseshoe Bend, which is closer and has limited options for fuel and essentials.

Driving directionsFrom Horseshoe Bend, Idaho take Highway 52 for 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 FS Rd 618, 18 miles to Sagehen Reservoir (FS Road 626). Turn right and continue on FS Rd 626 for 7 miles. Take a left on FS Rd 614 and travel about 2 miles to Sage Hen Reservoir. Sagehen Campground is on the east side of the reservoir.

The roads to Sagehen Creek Campground involve dirt and forest service roads, which can be challenging during certain seasons due to weather conditions such as snow, washouts, and narrow stretches. User reviews indicate that trailers may struggle during late May and some parts of the campground roads are narrow, making maneuverability difficult.

Best Time to Camp at Sagehen Creek

Summer brings the best conditions, with daytime temperatures reaching 80–90°F and nights dropping into the 40s–50s. The reservoir warms enough for swimming and water sports, while trails stay accessible for hiking and mountain biking. Holiday weekends in July and early August draw the heaviest crowds. Snowmelt and autumn rains can complicate access outside the summer window.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season: warm 80–90°F days, ideal for hiking, boating and swimming; most activity occurs summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 - September 6, 2026. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 22 to September 6 during peak camping season.
Current Alerts: Logging activities and logging-related disruptions have affected the area. Seasonal road closures and weather-related washouts may impact accessibility.

About Sagehen Creek

Sagehen Creek Campground sits at 4,997 feet in Boise National Forest, near Emmett, along Sagehen Reservoir. The campground has 20 sites for tents and RVs, with nightly fees of $20. Recent logging has altered the landscape, reducing shade at some sites while others remain forested near the water. Expect no cell service.

Sagehen Creek Campground offers a variety of camping options, including sites suitable for tent camping and small RVs. Some sites provide lake views and are partially shaded.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions, with daytime temperatures reaching 80–90°F and nights dropping into the 40s–50s. The reservoir warms enough for swimming and water sports, while trails stay accessible for hiking and mountain biking. Holiday weekends in July and early August draw the heaviest crowds. Snowmelt and autumn rains can complicate access outside the summer window.

ElevationPerched at 4,997 feet above sea level, Sagehen Creek Campground delivers that perfect high-country atmosphere where the air feels cleaner and the stars shine brighter. This ideal elevation brings refreshingly cool evenings that demand cozy sleeping bags, while daytime temperatures remain warm enough for swimming and sunbathing by the reservoir's edge.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies gentle mountain terrain where ponderosa pines, Douglas firs, and grand firs create a mixed-conifer forest, though recent logging operations have opened up portions of the canopy. Sagehen Reservoir provides the focal point, warming enough for swimming in summer months. Wildlife includes elk, black bears, and diverse bird species, most visible at dawn and dusk. The forest floor supports wild berry patches along nearby trails. Cattle from permitted grazing sometimes share the area.

Geological RegionDeep within the heart of Boise National Forest, Sagehen Creek Campground occupies a spectacular mountain setting where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of gentle slopes and hidden valleys. At 4,997 feet elevation, this forested sanctuary showcases the region's botanical diversity with its impressive mix of conifers - from the vanilla-scented bark of Ponderosa pines to the Christmas-tree perfection of grand firs, creating a multi-layered canopy that has sheltered travelers for generations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Official check-in time is not specified.

Check-out

Official check-out time is not specified.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsites accommodate small groups or families. Maximum number of guests per site is not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites spread around Sagehen Reservoir, with spacing that varies throughout the campground. Shade coverage depends on location: some sites remain forested near the lake, while others face full sun where logging removed trees. Site 9 requires unhitching for larger trailers.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityAdditional first-come, first-served sites are available, but availability is limited and may vary seasonally.

Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations are permitted with a $10 fee. Cancellations before check-in incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Late cancellations and modifications may carry additional penalties depending on timing.

AccessibilitySome campsites are accessible, ensuring availability for individuals with mobility needs.

Site SizeCampsites are of varying sizes. Site 15 is noted as suitable for a tent camper or small RV, and site 9 is described as spacious enough for a 35' trailer but requires unhitching.

PrivacyThe level of privacy varies by site. Some sites are shaded and near the lake, while others are in full sun due to recent logging activities.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 15 is ideal for tent campers with small RVs due to its shaded location and accessibility. Site 9 is recommended for waterfront views and a quiet atmosphere.

Need help booking Sagehen Creek?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Sagehen Creek Campground offers a range of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, boating, biking, and wildlife viewing. The non-motorized Sagehen Reservoir Trail and Joe's Creek Trail provide options for exploration.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include black bears, falling caterpillars during moth infestations, and rough road conditions. Cattle frequently roam campsites, causing disruption.

Active AlertsLogging activities and logging-related disruptions have affected the area. Seasonal road closures and weather-related washouts may impact accessibility.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed within designated campfire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are observed, with most users describing compliance even from louder groups.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services include Emmett Ranger District and regional emergency facilities in Emmett, ID.

Trash & RecyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' campground without trash pickup. Campers must take their trash with them.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on Sagehen Reservoir, the campground offers boating, canoeing, and fishing opportunities.

Camp HostCamp host Tim is frequently praised for being helpful, diplomatic, and accommodating. Hosts sell firewood on-site.

Weather at Sagehen Creek

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.9

79 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Sagehen Creek has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Sagehen Creek Campground highlight its natural beauty, helpful camp hosts, and diverse activities. However, recent logging and the presence of cattle have sparked some dissatisfaction.

Review Summaries

Based on 79 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive sentiments often note the beauty of the area, the helpfulness of the camp hosts, and the range of outdoor activities available. For example, one user stated, 'Great camping area! The lake is...

Based on 79 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the effects of recent logging, which has removed much of the shade and aesthetic appeal, as well as issues with free-ranging cattle and their waste. One user remarked, 'The...

Based on 79 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing shade equipment and potable water due to the lack of shade and the poor quality of water from the on-site pump. Additionally, they advise checking site conditions, as some...

Based on 79 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most active season, but some users have noted that water levels in the reservoir can drop late in the season, affecting boating and fishing opportunities. Winter activities are not...

Based on 79 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Absolutely beautiful place. Camp host was super helpful. A definite must-visit place.' 2. 'The lake and views are great; however, some campsites are very narrow and many are in areas where trees...

Based on 79 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 15: Described as perfect for tent campers or small RVs, offering shade and a level tent spot. Site 9: A waterfront site with ample shade and space for a 35' trailer, but unhitching is necessary....

Based on 79 reviews