Ponderosa
Open for the season on a first-come first-served basis. As of early May 2026, the drinking water system is not yet operational for the season; bring your own water. Lick Creek Pass access from McCall typically becomes snow-free by July. Check-in 2:00 p.m., check-out 11:00 a.m.
Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.
Fireworks and Spark Arrestor Order 04-2021-01
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR §261.52(t)Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order as described…
Explosives and Exploding Target Order 04-2021-02
This order prohibits the use of explosives and exploding targets on National Forest System lands within the Intermountain Region.
Northern and Intermountain Regions Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
This order implements visitor use requirements for activities within the Restricted Area and on the Restricted Trails, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
Northern and Intermountain Regions Salmon Wild and Scenic River: Occupancy and Use
This order enacts visitor use restrictions for activities within the 80-mile-long wild segment of the Salmon Wild & Scenic River corridor, including a one-quarter mile buffer from the river, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
Granite Mountain Over Snow Vehicle Closure
The purpose of this order is to protect public safety during commercial cat skiing and grooming operations.
Chamberlain Airstrip Campground Restriction
The purpose of this Order is to protect resources, and the quality and wilderness character of the area as well as to avoid user conflicts between agency stock and private stock users in the area.
Big Flat Campground Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety prior to and during reconstruction of Big Flat Campground, which was severely damaged during the 2024 Lava Fire. The purpose of this order is to protect the public from hazards associated with post fire events, such as flooding and falling…
Wilderness Camping and Grazing Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect fragile, high elevation, water-based natural resources within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness from stock and user impacts.
Big Creek Area Boating Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect Chinook Salmon and steelhead.
South Fork Salmon River East Trail Prohibitions
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety due to unsafe creek crossings on the Described Trail.
Lost Valley Closure Area
The purpose of this order is to protect a federally listed, threatened species and its occupied habitat.
Calf Pen Area Closure
The area adjacent to NFS Road #50073 has been identified as a sensitive area for a federally listed, threatened species.
Commercial Hauling
The purpose of this order is protect public safety and National Forest resources.
South Fork Salmon Road Weight Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and prevent potential resource damage during spring thaw conditions.
Over-Snow Vehicle Closure
The purpose of this order is to protect public safety and natural resources.
Payette Occupancy and Use- 14 Day Stay Limit
The purpose of this order is to address competition for campsites and to protect public safety and natural resources.
Frank Church Wilderness Occupancy and Use
The purpose of this order is to implement visitor use requirements for activities within the restricted area and on the restricted trails, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
Brundage Mountain Resort Snowcat Route Closure
The closure of the snowcat routes to over-snow vehicles provides for the safety of persons recreating or using the area.
Gordon Titus Upper Elevation Parking Lot Winter Restrictions
To provide for public health and safety related to noise and to reduce user conflicts at high usewinter recreation areas.
South Fork Salmon River and Big Creek Float
The purpose of the order is to implement permit requirements for float boating on the South Fork of the Salmon River and Big Creek as required by the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan.
About
Ponderosa Campground is a quiet, primitive campground located along the banks of the Secesh River in the Payette National Forest. The 11 campsites offer scenic river views and serve as a base for fishing the Secesh River and exploring nearby trails. The Secesh River Trail #080 trailhead is located just across the road by the Secesh Bridge, providing hiking access along the river corridor. Facilities are basic but functional: vault toilets, drinking water from a hand pump (when seasonal water systems are operational), fire pits, and picnic tables. There are no hookups or dump stations. Campers must pack out all trash. The campground operates on a first-come first-served basis with no advance reservations. Payment can be made on-site via the Recreation.gov Scan and Pay feature. Access is via Lick Creek Road #48 from McCall (31 miles). Lick Creek Pass is typically snow-free by July. The South Fork Road provides an alternative route from Cascade. Note that South Fork Road is a narrow, paved one-lane road with two-way traffic and many blind corners.
Directions
From McCall, travel 31 miles northeast on Lick Creek Road #48. Alternative access from Cascade via Warm Lake Highway to South Fork Road (FS Rd #674), approximately 30 miles. Note: South Fork Road is a narrow, paved one-lane road with two-way traffic and many blind corners.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 634-0600 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| Payette NF - Ponderosa Campground |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!