Nestled in the heart of Idaho, Ponderosa State Park is a stunning lakeside haven that offers an array of outdoor activities for every adventurer. With its diverse hiking trails and scenic bike paths, visitors can explore the natural beauty at their own pace. The park features breathtaking views from Osprey Point, where you can soak in panoramic vistas of the shimmering lake below. For those looking to immerse themselves in nature, camping at Ponderosa State Park is a fantastic option.
Your itinerary and your map in one view
No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.
On-line booking was straightforward. Campsite infrastructure was great. Public areas were clean. Camp host was attentive. Access to Payette Lake and the Peninsula Trail was excellent. They even sent a 'Thank you' email after our visit!
We’ve been camping at Ponderosa for many years (with and without dogs and/or kids); it’s a popular and safe spot for solo campers, families, friends and couples. From the most expert or beginner camper. There’s full and partial hookup RV sites at the Park which works really well whether you’re a tent camper or have a tent trailer, RV, travel trailer, or motor coach. There’s pull through and back in spots available in all of the loops but you have to book early as this is a spot that fills up quickly. The Park is well maintained with incredible staff available to help should you need it. Some of the spots are a little tricky to get into so take a good look online before you reserve. There’s a dump station on site and lake views within walking distance from the campsites. In the park you’ll have places to boat, hike, take your side by side out, or bike ride with a few small beaches too. There’s a covered picnic area and the park is minutes away from downtown McCall where you’ll find shopping, restaurants, beer, coffee, grocery stores, a hospital, bike repair, tire store and farmers markets. Visitors like mule deer are sure to cross your site in the morning and evenings as you hear the breeze through the pines and crows caw. It’s a gem of a park in our Gem State.
WOW! Gorgeous park. We did not camp here, just spent the day. Whether you are driving through, biking or walking you can't get a better location. Great walking trails, many right along the lake. Beautiful marsh area you can walk around. Don't miss a stop at Osprey point for a stunning view of Payette Lake. There are 4 camp ground loops.
On-line booking was straightforward. Campsite infrastructure was great. Public areas were clean. Camp host was attentive. Access to Payette Lake and the Peninsula Trail was excellent. They even sent a 'Thank you' email after our visit!
We’ve been camping at Ponderosa for many years (with and without dogs and/or kids); it’s a popular and safe spot for solo campers, families, friends and couples. From the most expert or beginner camper. There’s full and partial hookup RV sites at the Park which works really well whether you’re a tent camper or have a tent trailer, RV, travel trailer, or motor coach. There’s pull through and back in spots available in all of the loops but you have to book early as this is a spot that fills up quickly. The Park is well maintained with incredible staff available to help should you need it. Some of the spots are a little tricky to get into so take a good look online before you reserve. There’s a dump station on site and lake views within walking distance from the campsites. In the park you’ll have places to boat, hike, take your side by side out, or bike ride with a few small beaches too. There’s a covered picnic area and the park is minutes away from downtown McCall where you’ll find shopping, restaurants, beer, coffee, grocery stores, a hospital, bike repair, tire store and farmers markets. Visitors like mule deer are sure to cross your site in the morning and evenings as you hear the breeze through the pines and crows caw. It’s a gem of a park in our Gem State.
WOW! Gorgeous park. We did not camp here, just spent the day. Whether you are driving through, biking or walking you can't get a better location. Great walking trails, many right along the lake. Beautiful marsh area you can walk around. Don't miss a stop at Osprey point for a stunning view of Payette Lake. There are 4 camp ground loops.
Reserve campsites in advance to secure preferred locations at the park
Visit during summer or fall for picturesque scenery; avoid winter seasons when some roads may not be plowed
Check out canoe and kayak rentals on the other side of the lake for water activities
Purchase firewood at the visitor center before it closes at 6pm if needed for campfires
Reviews
Ponderosa State Park is a stunning and peaceful destination with a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. From sandy beaches along Payette Lake to hiking and biking trails through Ponderosa Pines, quaking Aspen, and other evergreens, the park offers opportunities for camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, and wildlife sightings like deer and squirrels. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained campgrounds with different utility options and accessible facilities. The park's scenic views from basalt cliffs formed by ancient lava flows provide breathtaking overlooks of the lake. Overall, Ponderosa State Park is highly recommended for its natural beauty, recreational amenities, clean facilities, friendly staff, and diverse experiences.
On-line booking was straightforward. Campsite infrastructure was great. Public areas were clean. Camp host was attentive. Access to Payette Lake and the Peninsula Trail was excellent. They even sent a 'Thank you' email after our visit!
We’ve been camping at Ponderosa for many years (with and without dogs and/or kids); it’s a popular and safe spot for solo campers, families, friends and couples. From the most expert or beginner camper. There’s full and partial hookup RV sites at the Park which works really well whether you’re a tent camper or have a tent trailer, RV, travel trailer, or motor coach. There’s pull through and back in spots available in all of the loops but you have to book early as this is a spot that fills up quickly. The Park is well maintained with incredible staff available to help should you need it. Some of the spots are a little tricky to get into so take a good look online before you reserve. There’s a dump station on site and lake views within walking distance from the campsites. In the park you’ll have places to boat, hike, take your side by side out, or bike ride with a few small beaches too. There’s a covered picnic area and the park is minutes away from downtown McCall where you’ll find shopping, restaurants, beer, coffee, grocery stores, a hospital, bike repair, tire store and farmers markets. Visitors like mule deer are sure to cross your site in the morning and evenings as you hear the breeze through the pines and crows caw. It’s a gem of a park in our Gem State.
WOW! Gorgeous park. We did not camp here, just spent the day. Whether you are driving through, biking or walking you can't get a better location. Great walking trails, many right along the lake. Beautiful marsh area you can walk around. Don't miss a stop at Osprey point for a stunning view of Payette Lake. There are 4 camp ground loops.
The campgrounds are well spaced providing even during the busiest times ( excluding 4th of July holiday) providing tranquility, beauty and access to the beaches and quiet trail hikes. The camping hosts are excellent and the park ranger was able to resolve my error caused by the new reservation system implemented this year. One of the best campgrounds in the Northwest.
Great place to hike near McCall. There is a $7.00 entry fee. We enjoyed the Lily Marsh trail. It took us about an hour to do the loop. I would simply do the out and back next time to avoid walking on the road.