Ponderosa State Park

4.47

68 reviews

PO Box 89, McCall, Idaho, 83638-0089, United States

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,085 ft

Price

$7 - $67/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

113 campsites

Season

Camping is seasonal;...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Idaho State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,085 ft

Price

$7 - $67/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

113 campsites

Season

Camping is seasonal;...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Idaho State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Ponderosa State Park

$7.00 - $67.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $7 for a day-use Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee to $67 per night for out-of-state residents staying in campsites. Additional charges may...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 68 reviews

1683 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhiking

Some mention

crowded

"Ponderosa State Park is highly praised for its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and well-maintained facilities. However, some users note it can be expensive for out-of-state visitors."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 89, McCall, Idaho, 83638-0089, United States

Ponderosa State Park

PO Box 89, McCall, Idaho, 83638-0089, United States

Driving directionsFrom Highway 55 in the town of McCall turn east onto Railroad Avenue. Proceed on Railroad to the 2nd 4-way stop (Wooley & Davis). Turn left (north) onto Davis Street and continue straight for approximately 1.5 miles. Directional signs are posted to guide visitors from the town of McCall to the park entrance.

The roads leading to Ponderosa State Park are well-marked and accessible. Visitors are guided by directional signs from McCall, Idaho. However, user reviews indicate that larger RVs might face challenges on some narrow and winding sections of the scenic road.

Nearby places

McCall (1.5 miles, 5 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in McCall, which is a short 1.5-mile drive from the park.

Best Time to Camp at Ponderosa State Park

Each season paints Ponderosa State Park with its own spectacular palette. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-draped wonderland where Nordic skiers glide through hushed forests and snowshoers discover hidden corners of pristine wilderness. As summer arrives, the park awakens with warm sunshine that beckons swimmers to the lake's refreshing embrace and calls hikers to explore sun-dappled trails. Spring brings a symphony of renewal with wildflowers pushing through melting snow, while autumn sets the forest ablaze with golden larches against evergreen backdrops. Though spring and fall weather can be delightfully unpredictable, these shoulder seasons offer their own rewards for those who come prepared for nature's whims.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak: lake swimming, boating, hiking and biking dominate reviews.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Western larch and mixed conifers change seasonally; fall colors and quieter trails noted.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers trails and wildlife viewing; fewer reviews detail spring conditions specifically.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Nordic skiing and snowshoeing available, but camping is seasonal and limited in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Exact peak season dates are not provided, but summer and winter (for snow activities) are noted as high traffic periods.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Camping is seasonal; snowshoeing and Nordic skiing are available during winter.

About Ponderosa State Park

Imagine a pristine 1,000-acre peninsula stretching into the crystal-clear waters of Payette Lake, where towering pines whisper ancient stories and adventure awaits around every bend. Ponderosa State Park, nestled near the charming mountain town of McCall, Idaho, beckons outdoor enthusiasts with an irresistible blend of land and water activities. Whether you're seeking the perfect hiking trail through old-growth forests, yearning for a peaceful paddle across mirror-like waters, or hoping to spot majestic wildlife in their natural habitat, this remarkable park delivers experiences as diverse as its ecosystems. With thoughtfully designed campground loops catering to every camping style, from backcountry solitude to family-friendly convenience, Ponderosa has become Idaho's beloved basecamp for unforgettable outdoor memories.

The park offers a variety of camping options including RV camping, tent sites, group camping areas, and deluxe cabin rentals.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Ponderosa State Park with its own spectacular palette. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-draped wonderland where Nordic skiers glide through hushed forests and snowshoers discover hidden corners of pristine wilderness. As summer arrives, the park awakens with warm sunshine that beckons swimmers to the lake's refreshing embrace and calls hikers to explore sun-dappled trails. Spring brings a symphony of renewal with wildflowers pushing through melting snow, while autumn sets the forest ablaze with golden larches against evergreen backdrops. Though spring and fall weather can be delightfully unpredictable, these shoulder seasons offer their own rewards for those who come prepared for nature's whims.

ElevationElevation information is not provided.

Natural Features and SceneryStand beneath the majestic canopy of 150-foot Ponderosa pines and feel the centuries of growth towering above you. This remarkable forest tapestry weaves together Douglas firs, grand firs, lodgepole pines, and the stunning western larch, creating a living cathedral that changes with every season. The park's dramatic landscape unfolds like chapters in nature's storybook - from windswept sagebrush flats that echo the high desert's call, to intimate forest trails that hug the lakeshore's edge. Dramatic cliffs plunge toward the water while hidden marshlands nurture delicate ecosystems. Keep your camera ready as deer browse in meadows, magnificent moose wade through wetlands, bald eagles soar overhead, and industrious beavers engineer their watery domains. Every visit promises wildlife encounters that transform a simple camping trip into an unforgettable nature documentary.

Geological RegionJutting boldly into the sapphire expanse of Payette Lake, this remarkable 1,000-acre peninsula serves as nature's masterclass in ecological diversity. Here, the landscape tells a compelling story of contrasts - where arid sagebrush flats meet verdant forest groves, where tranquil wetlands give way to dramatic cliff faces, and where dense coniferous forests open suddenly to reveal spectacular lake vistas. This unique geography creates a mosaic of microhabitats, each supporting its own community of plants and wildlife. In spring and summer, wildflower enthusiasts discover a botanical treasure trove as meadows burst with color, from delicate woodland blooms to hardy alpine species. The peninsula's varied terrain ensures that whether you're a geology buff, a botany enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates nature's artistry, you'll find endless fascination in this extraordinary meeting place of land and water.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not explicitly stated.

Check-out

Not explicitly stated.

Stay Limit

Camping is allowed in designated areas only, and reservations are capped at specific durations.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site accommodates up to 8 guests in most cases.

Groups

Group sites are available, accommodating up to 16 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe park features several campground loops, including RV-friendly areas and tent sites. Cabins are situated near the lake shore.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Idaho State Parks online system or via phone.

Walk-in AvailabilitySome campsites, such as those in Northwest Passage Campground, are designated as non-reservable and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly stated in the source materials.

AccessibilityADA-accessible yurts, cabins, and group facilities are available, not requiring proof of disability.

Site SizeCampsites can accommodate equipment up to 40 feet in length.

PrivacySites provide a mix of privacy levels, with some grouped and others more secluded.

Total Campsites113 campsites

Recommended SitesBlackberry Loop is recommended for families and those seeking nearby recreational facilities. Companion sites are suitable for larger groups.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers recreational opportunities year-round, including hiking, biking, swimming, and seasonal winter sports such as snowshoeing. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy abundant sightings of deer and other creatures.

HikingThe park has numerous trails for all levels of hikers. A user (Harley Parker) praised the trails, saying, 'They also have really good trails to go on.'

FishingFishing is available at Payette Lake, but specific details on types of fish or quality of fishing are not provided.

SwimmingSwimming areas are located in Payette Lake, as highlighted by several users.

BikingNumerous biking trails are available on-site, described as suitable for all skill levels. Liz Christopherson commented on biking, saying, 'Our family put our bikes in the back of our truck and took them to the top of the scenic drive and rode them down.'

BoatingBoating opportunities include access to Payette Lake via a deep-draft boat launch.

Wildlife viewingCommon wildlife includes deer, moose, and birds such as ospreys and bald eagles.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLarger RVs may have difficulties on some narrow and winding roads. Wildlife such as bears and deer are present; visitors should exercise caution.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed only in designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesMcCall houses the nearest hospital and emergency medical facilities, approximately 1.5 miles from the park.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available on-site, but details on collection schedules are not provided.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located on a peninsula within Payette Lake, providing easy access to water activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing.

Camp HostCampground hosts are available, but further details are not provided.

Weather at Ponderosa State Park

Reviews

4.5

68 reviews

Recommended

Ponderosa State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Ponderosa State Park is highly praised for its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and well-maintained facilities. However, some users note it can be expensive for out-of-state visitors.

Review Summaries

Based on 68 reviews

What Campers Love

Common themes include the park's clean facilities, abundant wildlife, and excellent recreational options like biking, hiking, and swimming.

Based on 68 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mentioned high costs for non-residents, noise from neighboring sites, and occasional thefts.

Based on 68 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book early for cabins; bring mosquito spray; use the bike trails.

Based on 68 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight snowshoeing and skiing, while summer reviews focus on lake activities.

Based on 68 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The lake there is fantastic as well!' - Liz Christopherson - 'This park is really wonderful.' - Tanner Jones - 'We stayed in a beautiful cabin along the lake.' - Melissa Lane

Based on 68 reviews