Ponderosa
00 reviewQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
11 campsites
Season
May 1, 2025 - Octobe...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
11 campsites
Season
May 1, 2025 - Octobe...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsPonderosa
$0.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates vary by season dates, with fees ranging from $0.00 to $10.00 for standard non-electric sites. Displayed rates do not reflect...
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$10.00
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3 Google reviews
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Fees & Passes at Ponderosa
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Cancellation: There are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan & Pay pay...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official reservation website.
Best Time to Camp at Ponderosa
The camping season at Ponderosa unfolds under Idaho's generous skies, where comfortable 67°F afternoons give way to crisp 46°F evenings perfect for campfire storytelling. Late summer and early fall paint the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures, with week 39 historically delivering spectacular weather—imagine 63% of your days bathed in sunshine with crystal-clear skies and dry trails beckoning exploration. Pack layers for cool mountain mornings that warm into perfect hiking weather by midday.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: May 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025.
About Ponderosa
Nestled along the pristine waters of the Secesh River, Ponderosa Campground invites adventurers to claim one of its 11 intimate campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. This rustic retreat embraces the simplicity of traditional camping—no hook-ups, just you and the raw beauty of Idaho's wilderness. Wake to the gentle murmur of the river and fall asleep under a canopy of stars, where the only reservation you need is a spirit ready for adventure.
The campground offers standard nonelectric campsites. There are 11 sites available for use, but no cabins, group camping, or glamping options are provided.
Weather and SeasonsThe camping season at Ponderosa unfolds under Idaho's generous skies, where comfortable 67°F afternoons give way to crisp 46°F evenings perfect for campfire storytelling. Late summer and early fall paint the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures, with week 39 historically delivering spectacular weather—imagine 63% of your days bathed in sunshine with crystal-clear skies and dry trails beckoning exploration. Pack layers for cool mountain mornings that warm into perfect hiking weather by midday.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Secesh River serves as Ponderosa's liquid heartbeat, its crystalline waters carving a scenic corridor through towering evergreen forests. From your campsite, watch morning mist dance above the river's surface while osprey dive for breakfast. The surrounding forest creates a natural amphitheater of Douglas fir and ponderosa pines, their vanilla-scented bark warming in the afternoon sun. Every vista frames the timeless dialogue between water and wilderness, offering photographers and nature lovers endless inspiration.
Geological RegionPerched alongside the meandering Secesh River, Ponderosa Campground showcases the sculptural beauty of Idaho's river country. Here, centuries of flowing water have carved a stunning riparian corridor through the landscape, creating a natural sanctuary where the river's gentle curves reveal new perspectives with each bend. The campground's riverside setting offers front-row seats to this ongoing geological performance, where water continues its patient work of shaping stone and soil.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campground includes 11 sites. Specific sizes of individual sites are not provided.
Sites PrivacyNo explicit information is given regarding the degree of privacy between campsites.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Groups
There are no designated group sites at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 11 individual campsites in a single layout.
Open and Closed SeasonMay 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made via Scan & Pay on-site using the Recreation.gov mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites cannot be reserved in advance, and visitors must physically arrive to claim a spot.
Cancellation PolicyThere are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan & Pay payments.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
At Ponderosa Campground, visitors can enjoy fishing and access to nearby trails.
Hiking
Trail access is available, but no details on trail lengths, difficulty levels, or specific routes are provided.Fishing
Fishing is permitted, but no information is provided about fish species or fishing conditions.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing are mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are permitted within designated pits.
Hazards
General hazardsRemote location with limited or no cellular service. The South Fork Road poses potential driving hazards due to blind corners and narrow lanes.
Weather at Ponderosa
39
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingVisitors must pack out their own trash as the campground operates on a pack-in/pack-out policy. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located adjacent to the Secesh River.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom McCall, go 31 miles northeast on Lick Creek Road #48. The South Fork corridor is about 30 miles from Cascade along the Warm Lake Highway. Usually by July, Lick Creek Pass (Road #48) is snow-free, providing a faster access from McCall (35 miles) to the South Fork corridor.
The South Fork Road is a paved, narrow, one-lane road with two-way traffic and many blind corners.Reviews from booking and map sources
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0 reviews
Ponderosa has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There are no user reviews available.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No user reviews are available to highlight positive aspects.
Common Concerns
No user reviews are available to highlight concerns or complaints.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user reviews are available to provide tips or recommendations.
Seasonal Insights
No user reviews are available to analyze seasonal trends.
Camper Quotes
No user reviews are available to provide direct quotes.
Site-Specific Reviews
No user reviews are available to provide information about specific sites.
Accessibility Features
No user reviews are available to address accessibility experiences.
Pet-Friendly Features
No user reviews are available to provide information related to pets.
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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