Popular, Free Campground Switches to Pay-to-Stay Plan

The very popular, free campground at Horsethief Reservoir will switch to a pay-to-stay model of $15 per night starting July 1, as Idaho Fish and Game and the Treasure Valley Family YMCA partner to improve the facility.

The fees will go toward improvements to the camping experience, including having a paid employee for six to eight months of the year who will oversee the campground while working at the adjacent Y Camp: Horsethief Reservoir.

My son spent a week last summer at the Y Camp up there and had an incredible time. It's such a gorgeous place and really popular for camping fun!

I sure hope people aren't turned away because of the new camping fee and feel like it's definitely worth it, considering where the funds are going as well.

Fish and Game will handle fish stocking, rules enforcement and area maintenance. The YMCA will manage the campground.