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Ponderosa State Park RV & Campground Guide

Idaho

Deep in central Idaho, Ponderosa State Park spreads across a densely forested peninsula that juts out into the cold waters of Payette Lake. Covering more than 1,500 acres in one of Idaho's most popular outdoor destinations, the park is a favorite retreat for residents and visitors. Take advantage of the clean mountain air and hike high onto the ridges overlooking the lake, paddle into hidden inlets, or fish for Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout from the shore. A large trail network snakes throughout the park, offering easy-access hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. The resort town of McCall is a short walk away, and Boise lies 100 miles south.

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Weather
Spring 18-60 F
Summer 40-81 F
Fall 20-70 F
Winter 11-33 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Ponderosa State Park

McCall is one of the busiest and most beautiful mountain towns in Idaho, so there are plenty of camping options in and near Ponderosa State Park. An RV is a great way to stay comfortable on cool summer evenings and snowy winter nights. Don't have an RV? An RV rental offers all of the benefits without the long-term commitment.

Ponderosa State Park Campgrounds

If you're hoping to explore the park for multiple days, the Ponderosa State Park campgrounds put you in the center of the fun. The main campground has 113 sites, each with water and electric hookups. The park also features an RV group campground with 50 sites that comes with full hookups. Bathrooms, hot showers, and a dump station are available in the park. All campsites offer a fire ring and a picnic table to help you maximize your time outdoors. The campgrounds in Ponderosa State Park are closed in the winter. Nightly rates start at $50.

McCall RV Resort

Camp near Ponderosa State Park any time of year at the McCall RV Resort. Set in a beautiful location next to the Payette River, this campground offers water, sewer, electric, phone, and cable hookups. Every site comes with Wi-Fi. Bring your big rig or small travel trailer; the driveways are paved, and the pull-through sites make parking a breeze. Once you've set up camp, head over to the indoor pool to take a swim or soak in the hot tub. The park also offers a steam room. Bring the kids for daytime fun, and return in the evening for a relaxing adults-only swim. Rates start at $65 per night in the summer and $46 per night in the winter.

Black Bear RV Park

Black Bear RV Park offers a quiet setting south of McCall. This family-run spot features RV sites with plenty of shade, concrete pads, and partial hookups. The Wi-Fi service is free, and there's a store and a laundry area within walking distance. After a day on the water, head to the new hot showers to clean up in comfort. If you're staying for more than seven nights, the park offers a free pump-out service; for shorter stays, there's a dump station in the park. Sites start at $48 per night.

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What to Do at
Ponderosa State Park

Inside Ponderosa State Park

The majority of Ponderosa State Park consists of dense forests, an easily accessible shoreline, and 12 miles of trails. Spend your time hiking up to Osprey Point or riding the Huckleberry and Fox Run mountain bike trails. Near the visitor center, you'll find junior ranger programs for little ones, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and great places to fish. Rent a kayak or canoe in the park and launch from the boat ramp, or enjoy a relaxing afternoon of swimming and sunbathing on the beach. When the snow falls on McCall, you can glide through the silent forests on cross-country skis or snowshoes.

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How to Get to
Ponderosa State Park

Depending on traffic and road conditions, the fastest way to reach Ponderosa State Park is to take ID-55 north from Boise. This route travels through the mountains until it gets to McCall. 

If you prefer a less hilly route, take I-84 north from Boise and get off on US-95 north at Palisades Corner. When you reach Cambridge, turn west to continue on US-95. At New Meadows, the road turns into ID-55 west, which takes you into McCall.

Entering Ponderosa State Park

Ponderosa State Park is open year-round.

Ponderosa State Park Entry fee per vehicle : $10.0

Ponderosa State Park Entry fee per person, winter access, in addition to vehicle fee : $5.0

You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Ponderosa State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ponderosa State Park

Are pets allowed at Ponderosa State Park?

Pets are allowed in all areas of Ponderosa State Park other than in the cabins. However, all pets in the park need to be on leashes or always confined.

What is the climate of Ponderosa State Park?

The climate of Ponderosa State Park is mild during summer but harsh during winter. The winter months experience heavy snowfall and temperatures as low as 11 degrees Fahrenheit. The summers typically range anywhere from 40 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the best time of year to visit Ponderosa State Park?

If you enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, then winter is an excellent time to visit Ponderosa State Park. For other outdoor activities, the best times to visit are during the summer months.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Ponderosa State Park?

Ponderosa State Park is inhabited by many cool wildlife species. You'll want to keep your eyes open for moose, beavers, muskrats, bears, deer, osprey, bald eagles, songbirds, Canada geese, wood ducks, and mallards.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Ponderosa State Park?

The main campground at the park features 113 RV campsites with water and electrical hookups. The park also contains an RV group campground, which boasts 50 RV campsites equipped with full hookups.