Ponderosa State Park

Closed — Campgrounds are closed for winter. Camping typically operates from spring through mid to late October, weather dependent. The park itself remains open year-round for day use and winter recreation.

About

Ponderosa State Park encompasses 1,000 acres on a picturesque peninsula jutting into Payette Lake, just 1.5 miles from downtown McCall. The park offers diverse camping options ranging from primitive sites to serviced campsites with hookups, set among towering ponderosa pine forests that give the park its name. Several camping loops provide access to different areas of the park, with some sites offering spectacular lakeside views. The park is a haven for outdoor recreation year-round. During the warmer months, visitors can explore extensive hiking and biking trails, participate in guided walks with park naturalists, and enjoy evening campfire programs. The park provides access to Payette Lake for canoeing and kayaking (rentals available), as well as beaches for swimming and relaxation. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with frequent sightings of Canadian geese, bald eagles, and beavers. The scenic overlook at Osprey Point offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. When snow blankets the peninsula in winter, the park transforms into a winter recreation destination with groomed Nordic ski trails and designated snowshoe routes. The park's year-round accessibility makes it a popular destination in all seasons, though camping is seasonal. Visitors should note that from mid-October until mid-May, water, showers, and flushing toilets may not be available near campsites.

Directions

From downtown McCall, Idaho, head east on Railroad Avenue. At the four-way stop at Wooley and Davis, turn left onto Davis Avenue and follow it into Ponderosa State Park.

Nearby Campgrounds