2026 Camping Season

Campgrounds are open mid-May through Labor Day Weekend or longer, weather permitting/

Questions? Call the Recreation Department at (208) 382-4425. 

Fall and Winter 2026-27 Status:

Horsethief Reservoir Campground is CLOSED as of Oct. 1, 2026, for winter.

• As in past years, some public access remains open. Because of the construction at King's Point, off-season overnight and day-use sites will be available at Easter's Cove from October 2026 - April 2027. There is no water and campers must be self-contained.

• The King's Point boat ramp will stay accessible during the construction.

Wellington Campground is open(ish)

• The vault restrooms and snowmobile parking at Wellington is open. Camping is self-contained only, and may be limited by snowfall.

Brush Creek is CLOSED to camping for winter.

• All overnight parking at Brush Creek Parking Lot requires a permit, obtained from Valley County Recreation.

Wellington Campground

Wellington Campground and Snow Park is an under-the-radar gem on the North Fork Payette River. Enjoy spacious sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. The campground is suitable for tents, vans, and smaller (under 30') trailers and motor homes. This is a semi-primitive campground, without septic, water, or electric hookups at individual sites. At this time, the campground does not provide trash collection points. Campers and Day Use Visitors must "pack out" all garbage. The campground remains open as long as weather permits.

In the winter, this is one of the primary access points for many miles of groomed snowmobile trails and powder in the West Mountains. Thanks to the Cougar Mountain Club for partnering with the County to help maintain Wellington's facilities! 

Wellington is located on the west side of Highway 55 near Smith's Ferry, at approximately mile post 97. The address is 9701 ID-55, Cascade, ID. 

Campsites are “first come, first serve” with no reservation required. A fee of $10 per night/site, cash or check only, payable on-site. Please pay with 30 minutes of campsite(s) selection to eliminate disputes in who paid first. In the future, some campsites may allow advance reservations; when that happens, you’ll find reservation information here. 

More Information about Wellington

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Horsethief Reservoir Campground

Horsethief Reservoir Campground (HRC) is owned by the State of Idaho, under the auspices of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG). In 2026, Valley County Parks and Recreation (VCR) assumed management of the campsites under the rules and regulations as specified by IDFG and will participate with IDFG in determining best campground practices and campground operational issues.

View the rules and regulations for Horsethief Reservoir Campground: HRC Rules and Regs

Campsites are “first come, first serve” with no reservations. A fee of $20 per night/site, cash or check only, payable on-site. Please pay with 30 minutes of campsite(s) selection to eliminate disputes in who paid first. In the future, some campsites may allow advance reservations; when that happens, you’ll find reservation information here.

IDFG and the County are making ongoing improvements to the campground; please be advised of construction activity.

Fall and Winter 2026-27: because of the construction at King's Point, off-season camping will be available at Easter's Cove instead. There is no water available during this time and campers must be self-contained. Idaho Fish and Game will continue to patrol the property periodically.

More Information about Horsethief

Frequently Asked Questions

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Brush Creek

Brush Creek is a summer-season primitive camping area located at the Brush Creek Parking Lot. There are several fire rings, picnic tables, and a vault toilet facility. There is no trash pickup, no hookups, and no gray/black water disposal for RVs, so you must pack out what you pack in and bring your own drinking water. Fees are $10/night/site and camping is limited to 14 days.

More Information about Brush Creek