Boise National Forest campgrounds expected to be open by Memorial Day weekend

Boise National Forest officials project most developed campgrounds and rental cabins will be open by Memorial Day weekend.

Recreation staff are inspecting facilities, testing water, removing hazard trees and cleaning sites to ensure public safety at over 70 developed campgrounds in the forest, according to a U.S. Forest Service press release.

Key takeaways from the Explore Act, one of the largest outdoor recreation bills ever

A list of developed campground projected date openings can be found on the Boise National Forest’s website. About half of the campgrounds can be reserved by visiting the Recreation.gov website.

Cartwright Ridge and Shady Pines (formally Antelope Annex) campgrounds, located near Sage Hen Reservoir, will be closed beginning May 28 through the rest of the year due to reconstruction. Work will include new roadways, vault toilets, furniture, signage and relocating infrastructure to better accommodate camping trailers. The four other Forest Service campgrounds surrounding Sage Hen Reservoir area will remain open, according to the release.

Forest visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and prepare by bringing extra food, water and warm clothing.

“Be prepared to pack out your trash and strive to leave no trace. Tell a friend where you are going and when you will be back as many areas of the forest have no reliable cell phone coverage,” the press release said.

Other safety tips for accessing public lands can be found at Recreate Responsibly Idaho.