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.
Spring 18-60 F
Summer 40-81 F
Fall 20-70 F
Winter 11-33 F
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.
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.
Outside Ponderosa State Park
When you're ready to expand your adventures outside of Ponderosa State Park, McCall and the surrounding areas offer plenty of options. From backcountry fly-fishing to watersports, this vacation hotspot has something for everyone. The town might be small, but it's packed with delicious restaurants and adorable boutiques, and many sit within walking or biking distance of the park, so you never need to worry about driving and parking.
Restaurants
Lago Chapala Mexican Restaurant
Enjoy a burrito and a margarita with a view of the lake at Lago Chapala Mexican Restaurant. In the summer, the best seats in the house are located on the outdoor deck.
Type: Mexican
Location: 317 E Lake St, McCall, ID 83638
Rupert's Restaurant
Located inside Hotel McCall, Rupert's Restaurant offers an upscale culinary experience. Try the venison meatballs to start, and dig into delicious dishes such as Himalayan yak ragu or herb-roasted salmon.
Type: International
Location: 1101 N 3rd St, McCall, ID 83638
Fogglifter Cafe
Looking for coffee and a hearty breakfast? Head straight to Fogglifter Cafe, which offers traditional egg meals and a selection of light lunch sandwiches. With delicious fried pub appetizers and a wide range of salads and burgers, there's a dish for every taste. Don't miss the legendary baked macaroni and cheese.
Type: American
Location: 1003 N 3rd St, McCall, ID 83638
Salmon River Brewery
After a day of hiking and biking, refuel with a burger and a house-brewed craft beer at Salmon River Brewery.
Type: Brewpub
Location: 411 Railroad Ave, McCall, ID 83638
Toll Station Pizza
A favorite among families, Toll Station Pizza serves classic pies in a relaxed environment. When the weather is nice, sit outside for a warm, breezy meal.
Type: Pizzeria
Location: 410 Railroad Ave, McCall, ID 83638
Shopping
Mountain Monkey Business
Mountain Monkey Business isn't your average gift shop — this fun and funky shop carries an impressive range of locally made jewelry, world goods, and beautiful outdoor gear.
Location: 501 Pine St, McCall, ID 83638
44 Degrees North
Whether you're searching for a souvenir coffee mug or a McCall T-shirt, 44 Degrees North has you covered. Packed with colorful and beautiful items, it's a great place to find home goods, gifts, and art.
Location: 309 E Lake St, McCall, ID 83638
McCall Christmas House
It's never too early to prepare for the holidays at McCall Christmas House. Pick up a new ornament, or find the perfect addition to your festive village. The shop also carries decorations for Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Valentine's Day.
Location: 136 E Lake St, McCall, ID 83638
Backcountry Boutique
Shop for women's clothing at Backcountry Boutique. Located in downtown McCall, this shop offers outerwear, casual clothing, accessories, and more.
Location: 1000 N 2nd St #101, McCall, ID 83638
Keep Me In Stitches
If you're the type of RV traveler who always has a knitting project in camp, you don't want to miss a trip to Keep Me In Stitches. With its selection of unique, hand-crafted yarns from around Idaho, this small shop has colors and designs that you can't find anywhere else.
Location: 136 E Lake St, McCall, ID 83638
Sightseeing
McCall Golf Club
Work on your swing during your visit to Ponderosa State Park at the McCall Golf Club. This city-run golf course is open to the public; book a tee time, rent a cart and clubs, and spend the day exploring the well-maintained greens. If you need to brush up on your skills, the club offers lessons.
Location: 925 Fairway Dr, McCall, ID 83638
Central Idaho Historical Museum
Learn about the unique history of the McCall region at the Central Idaho Historical Museum. Learn about the local logging industry, and find out about fire-fighting efforts in the forest. While you're there, make sure to check out the Fire Warden's House, a Finnish-inspired log cabin that was built in 1937.
Location: 1001 State St, McCall, ID 83638
Little Payette Lake
Little Payette Lake is famous among Idaho anglers — it's home to a number of tiger muskies. These large, exceptionally smart fish are notoriously difficult to catch; it's a good idea to stop by a local fishing shop for recommendations for lures and heavy-duty fishing line. Bring sturdy shoes, and prepare to hike around the lake and cast from the shore.
Location: Lick Creek Road and Laur Lane, McCall, Idaho 83638
Brundage Mountain Resort
Drive 11 miles northwest of Ponderosa State Park to reach Brundage Mountain Resort. In the winter, the resort offers skiing and snowboarding on the "best snow in Idaho." When the snow melts, you can take your mountain bike up the ski lift and race down thrilling singletrack. Alternatively, take a relaxing ride on the lift and enjoy the views, or enjoy an outdoor concert on the slopes.
Location: 3890 Goose Lake Rd, McCall, ID 83638
Zip McCall Adventures
If your crew is in the mood for something new and exciting, drive over to Zip McCall Adventures. Here, you can fly through the treetops on a zip line, walk over suspension bridges, and explore a treehouse that rises 100 feet off the ground. The park also offers access to trails for hiking and mountain biking, so there's an activity for everyone in your group.
Location: Boulder Lake Rd, McCall, ID 83638
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.
Entry fee per vehicle : $10
Entry fee per person, winter access, in addition to vehicle fee : $5
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.