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.
Flash Flood Watch issued September 18 at 10:50AM MDT until September 19 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Boise ID
* WHAT...Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall are possible over the Wapiti, Crooked, Buckhorn burn scar areas. * WHERE...Portions of south central and southwest Idaho, including the following areas, in south central Idaho, Western Magic Valley. In southwest Idaho, Boise Mountains, Camas Prairie, Lower Treasure Valley, Upper Treasure Valley and West Central Mountains. * WHEN...Through this evening. * IMPACTS...Heavy rainfall over the Wapiti, Crooked, Buckhorn burn scar is expected up to and during the period of the watch. Residents near the Wapiti, Crooked, Buckhorn burn scar should prepare for potential debris flow. Be sure to stay up to date with information from local authorities. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding or debris flows in and near recent wildfire burn scars. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - National Weather Service Meteorologists are forecasting heavy rainfall over the burn scar, which may lead to flash flooding and debris flows. - Some locations that may experience flash flooding include... Idaho City, Fairfield, Lowman, Horseshoe Bend, Pine, Prairie, Atlanta, Anderson Dam, Corral, Centerville, Pioneerville, Garden Valley, Banks, Gardena, Crouch, Placerville, Trinity Lakes, Rocky Bar, Dutch Creek Guard Station and Featherville. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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…
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
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