Overview

The Anderson Ranch Reservoir is a recreational paradise offering plenty of hiking, boating, and fishing. Located on the South Fork of the Boise River, the reservoir is formed by the Anderson Ranch Dam. With more than 50 miles of shoreline, the reservoir is 14 miles long, 1 mile wide and 315 feet deep.

Location & Information

The 7.4 square mile area is managed by the Boise National Forest and is open year round.

• Season: All Year
• Hours: Daylight
• Fees: Free

Directions From Sun Valley
To get to Anderson Ranch Reservoir from Sun Valley travel south on Highway 75. At the junction with Highway 20, head west. Travel past Fairfield and as you start into Cat Creek Pass, start looking for the signs which will be on the north side of the Highway.

Directions From Mountain Home
Drive about 20 miles east on U.S. 20 to Anderson Ranch Dam Road. Additional access around the reservoir is from the Anderson Dam or Fall Creek on improved dirt roads.

Facilities

Boating Facilities, Campsites, Dump Station, Food Service, Fuel, Parking, Restrooms Vault Toilets, Warming Hut.

Contact

Desert Mountain Visitor Center: (208) 587-4464

Activities

You will have no trouble finding things to do here. The Anderson Ranch Reservoir has something for everyone, from experienced anglers to novice hikers. While hiking, boating, and fishing are the primary activities at the reservoir, there is also camping, biking, hunting, and lots of opportunity to try out different water sports.

• Boating
  With the wide expanse of water and the beautiful surroundings, Anderson Ranch Reservoir is a popular place for boating and waterskiing, especially during the summer months.
• Camping
  North of the Reservoir are two little campgrounds; Elks Flat and Dog Creek. It is only a short drive from these campgrounds to a boat ramp on the shores of Anderson Ranch Reservoir. While there is a collection of campgrounds around the Reservoir, the level sites, good drinking water, and abundant shade found at Elks Flat and Dog Creek campgrounds make them very popular with motorhome and recreational vehicle campers.
• Hiking
  Camp Creek Trail is a moderately difficult 6 mile hiking/biking trail in the area. Elevation gain is 1,500 feet. Drive up Fall Creek Road about 3 miles then turn right on to FS Rd. 128 and go about a mile to reach the trailhead.
• Fishing
  The fishing on the Anderson Ranch Reservoir is some of the best in the state of Idaho, offering plentiful kokanee, Rainbow trout, small mouth bass, and more. An experienced Idaho fishing guide can help you navigate the Anderson Ranch Reservoir area and provide fishing tips for certain hot spots and what bait or lure techniques to be used or find a spot to simply throw a party and have fun. Fishing Licenses are required.