Ponderosa State Park

WOW! Gorgeous park. We did not camp here, just spent the day. Whether you are driving through, biking or walking you can't get a better location. Great walking trails, many right along the lake. Beautiful marsh area you can walk around. Don't miss a stop at Osprey point for a stunning view of Payette Lake. There are 4 camp ground loops.

We’ve been camping at Ponderosa for many years (with and without dogs and/or kids); it’s a popular and safe spot for solo campers, families, friends and couples. From the most expert or beginner camper. There’s full and partial hookup RV sites at the Park which works really well whether you’re a tent camper or have a tent trailer, RV, travel trailer, or motor coach. There’s pull through and back in spots available in all of the loops but you have to book early as this is a spot that fills up quickly. The Park is well maintained with incredible staff available to help should you need it. Some of the spots are a little tricky to get into so take a good look online before you reserve. There’s a dump station on site and lake views within walking distance from the campsites. In the park you’ll have places to boat, hike, take your side by side out, or bike ride with a few small beaches too. There’s a covered picnic area and the park is minutes away from downtown McCall where you’ll find shopping, restaurants, beer, coffee, grocery stores, a hospital, bike repair, tire store and farmers markets. Visitors like mule deer are sure to cross your site in the morning and evenings as you hear the breeze through the pines and crows caw. It’s a gem of a park in our Gem State.

On-line booking was straightforward. Campsite infrastructure was great. Public areas were clean. Camp host was attentive. Access to Payette Lake and the Peninsula Trail was excellent. They even sent a 'Thank you' email after our visit!

The campgrounds are well spaced providing even during the busiest times ( excluding 4th of July holiday) providing tranquility, beauty and access to the beaches and quiet trail hikes. The camping hosts are excellent and the park ranger was able to resolve my error caused by the new reservation system implemented this year. One of the best campgrounds in the Northwest.

The state park is beautiful. There are several trails you can do. The most popular is the bike trail. The beach by the visitor center is excellent. There are cabins you can rent. The staff at the park is very friendly. The campground sites are clean and spacious.

It's a very pretty State park. The campgrounds are very nice and well equipped. They've done a nice job of spreading out the campsite so that you're not right on top of your neighbors. The trails around the area are easily accessible and offer a variety of different challenges for people of different skill levels and ages. You're never too far from a bathroom and they do have showers.

Great place to hike near McCall. There is a $7.00 entry fee. We enjoyed the Lily Marsh trail. It took us about an hour to do the loop. I would simply do the out and back next time to avoid walking on the road.

This park is beautiful. Employees and volunteers are fabulous. Drive or hike to the viewpoint. Lots of hiking and biking trails. Beautiful area.

As a born Idahoan I am ashamed to say I had never been here, mostly because as a kid we just went to the winter carnival every year. That being said better late than never! This park has a FANTASTIC visitor center! I mean it's not packed with tons of info but it's got a solid little bit, nice folks, a good little gift shop, clean bathrooms, what more could you want? There are so many trails with an abundance of options for difficulty, or even just driving through was tranquil. We saw a huge variety of birds, wildlife, flowers, and just incredible views. It's worth a visit, take a day and explore, we went in late June and saw many adorable fawns and deer!

July Spot 6 has intense afternoon sun despite what that YouTube guy said. Anyway it's great if you have a bike and inflatables for the lake. Mosquitos out so prepare for that. Beautiful area

Ponderosa State Park is Idaho's premier park, set on Payette Lake in McCall, about two hours north of Boise. We enjoy going there on spring and summer weekends to camp, set among Ponderosa pines and numerous wildflowers. There are two campgrounds in the main portion of the park, Peninsula Campground and the unimaginatively named RV Campground. Peninsula, the older of the two, has three loops with a total of 113 campsites, all with water and electricity. The RV campground has 50 campsites, all with water, electricity and a sewer connection. Their sites are more spread out than the ones at Peninsula. Idaho State parks allow you to reserve a campsite nine months in advance. And to get a spot, you need to get your reservation early. The entire park sells out months in advance. Deer are plentiful in the campgrounds, adding to the peaceful ambiance. The staff is friendly and it's a great place to relax.

Beautiful walk along the Payette lake. It was great when we visited during fall. Not crowded at all. Just some locals walking their dogs. There is supposed to be a $7 entrance fee but there was no one at the gate to collect. You pay at the box and take a ticket to put under your window. If you have younger kids who don't walk far you can just drive really close to a view point and just take pictures. But the walk around the lake is lovely. When the trail forks the huckleberry trail keeps going along the lake. The water was crisp and there were some picnic tables along the water. The walk is flat for the most part unless you climb down to the water. Lots of cute small black squirrels and chipmunks around. We saw quite a bit of deer droppings. Saw some geese in the water. Very peaceful walk.

My husband and I were visiting his parents in Idaho and decided to visit McCall. They told us about this beautiful park that they had camped at before. It looks like they were doing a little bit of upgraded at the campsite. There were some people still camping at the sit though. They also had some deforestation going on with massive piles of cut down trees. My FIL explained that they do this to prevent forest fires. They thin out some of the samller ones and make room for the bigger trees. We saw tons of gigantic trees. These were some of the tallest trees I have ever seen up close. They have scenic routes to drive through when visiting the park. We decided to drive through instead of hiking because we were tired after hours and hours on an ATV and fishing. This place is definitely an amazing place to visit to hike on the many trails they have to offer. It is a great place to camp at as well.

I came here last week to snoeshoe with some family. Ponderosa is one of my favorite places in McCall to hang out at, especially in the winter. Super close to downtown, it's easy to reach even when road conditions are less than ideal. The grooved paths make it easy for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. It's an absolutely beautiful view the entire way. Northern Lights (1.0 mile) and Easy Does It (2.3 miles) trails are very easily accessible and you're treated with a gorgeous overlook of Payette Lake. Take the Through the Woods (0.6 miles) trail for astounding 360° views of towering Ponderosa pines being weighed down by piles of fresh snow. This trail is great for pictures! If you're really in the mood for a workout and have the time, energy and stamina, take the trek to Osprey Cliff Overlook and you'll be rewarded with views unlike many others in the area. But trust me, you gotta be up for it, as this hike is nearly 7.5 miles round trip which can be difficult in snowshoes. My one complaint is lack of dog friendly trials. There is one! Rover Round-A-Bout is a 1.0 mile loop that sees extensive use due to this feature. There's not much to see, but it's what you gotta utilize if you want to bring Fido along. I understand the choice of prohibiting dogs is largely due to the destruction of cross country skiing paths, but it would be nice to have at least 2 dog friendly options so you don't have to be stuck with the one.

We drove from Hillsboro Oregon to meet our friends from Boise at one of there local camp spots. Absolutely loved this place. We will definitely come back yearly to meet them. The lake was close so we could paddle and kayak and swim. We walked around and rode bikes lots. The deer all around the camp were so used to humans and around lots, loved it. Great campground.

Absolutely a beautiful place! Had a great time here! Great outdoors lots of bike riding and checking out the lakes and downtown McCall

We had an amazing time coming through to hike, picnic, and drive, and I'd recommend this park to anyone visiting the area. With a plethora of activities available for all ages, this park is where it's at! We loved picnicking on the grass near the welcome center and hiking the huckleberry bay loop and ridge line trails with our 9 month old. We will absolutely be recommending the day use aspect (can't speak to the overnight bit) and hope to be back!

The trails were so nice! Very well kept! We didn't see any wildlife besides chipmunks but a few people we passed said they saw some deer! We went on a 5mi trail loop and all-in-all, a very enjoyable experience!

This was my first time here, I came here strictly for hiking. Came to the visitor's center first to get a map. Park ranger told me to go park at the Activity Center and pickup the trails from there. Not sure if it was just me, but I had a hard time understanding where the trails start up from the Activity Center, I didn't see any clear marking telling you where to go. Nevertheless, I finally found the Meadow Marsh trailhead. My overall hike went like this: Meadow Marsh to Lilly Marsh, then Lilly Marsh to Ridgeline, and from there I arrived to the Osprey Point & Narrows Overlook. Lots of opportunities for great pictures along the way. I kept a good pace, as well as took some pictures and some stops, and it took me about 2 hours to get from the Activity Center to Osprey Point by foot, maybe a little more. I took the Huckleberry Loop & Peninsula Trail back to the Activity Center. Lilly Marsh & Ridgeline trails can get pretty steep with lots of rocks, if you're somewhat athletic you'll be fine, if you're a little older or not in best shape, take it slow and definitely watch your step. I had a good time, trails were very clean, didn't see any litter. People working there were friendly, same goes for other hikers. If this is your first time here, and you came to hike, then I'd recommend you doing the exact hike I did. You will hit every major trail (there are a lot of smaller side trails as well, save those for another day), and you'll see which you'd like. When I come back here for my second time, I think I'll return from Osprey Point to the Activity Center by taking the Ridgeline, Lilly Marsh, and Meadow Marsh trails. I just enjoyed those more. Other quick tips, if you have the Idaho State Parks Pass on your windshield, you can drive in the right lane when you're entering the park without stopping (I didn't know that, this was my first time at any state park). Trust me, bring lots of water. This really is a hiking 101 tip, but don't bring a lot of salty snacks that will make you thirsty, instead bring fruit and anything that contains water (apple, orange, grapes, cherry tomatoes, etc). I'd also recommend bring bug spray, especially while hiking those marsh trails. Also, I think the best times to hike would either be as soon as they open, or close to closing time. I started Meadow Marsh trail early in the AM, it was still cool, cloudy, misty, and I heard a woodpecker in the distance. Felt like I was in some scary movie lol. If you want to take pictures when you get to Osprey Point (which you will), the best time to be there is in the evening. The sun is literally in front of you at any other time, and photography 101 is always take pictures with the light BEHIND you. You can probably get some amazing pictures up there when it snows, I'll definitely be trying to get up there in the winter (snow shoe).

I've camped here in the past, but this time visited for the sole purpose of hiking, which I didn't get to do on my previous visit. The park has miles and miles of hiking and biking trails, and gorgeous beaches- don't miss North Beach. Without realizing it was a bike trail, we ventured on the huckleberry bay loop, and it was a stunner. Payette Lake is beautiful, and this trail (and several others) has consistent views and water access. When in McCall, don't miss this wonderful park.

Decided to check out the park in March 2022 and there was a $7 entrance fee which we paid. We drove maybe less than a quarter mile and found the road was closed since it was not plowed. The grouchy woman at the ticket booth was chatty about everything (her sisters, blah, blah, blah) and failed to tell us about the park being only available only for winter sports like XC skiing, snowshoeing or snow biking. We returned to the ticket booth within 5 minutes and asked for our money back and she said she couldn't refund us. She then insinuated that we should have known better (she should not have assumed we were locals since we have out-of-state license plates). Nothing ruins your day more than a mean and grouchy woman who takes your money and gives you attitude. Ugh!!! Seriously pissed off!

If I could live out the rest of my life in one place- this would be it. It is so beautiful and so natural. There are plenty of easy hiking trails throughout the park. They have designated swimming areas and locations to host get together. It is probably one of the most amazing places. I almost don't want to post a review because I would love for it to stay my little secret happy place.

We LOVE camping at Ponderosa State Park. We go almost every summer, and it never disappoints. The views are breathtaking, the air is crisp, the trees are so tall & majestic and beautiful. The employees & rangers are kind and accommodating, which we really appreciate since we normally camp there with a very large group. Their double campsites are great! The bathrooms are well kept and it's so nice to have flushable toilets and showers.

This campground never disappoints me. I recommend bringing bikes. You are a quick ride from the town of Mc Call where you can find a variety of shops and restaurants. The park has great trails that meander along Payette Lake . You are sure to see fox, deer , squirrels , and the occasional eagle . The beach area next to the visitor center has a great , safe swim area for the kids. My only complaint is that it's very busy during the peak summer season. It's great for kayaks , floaties, and paddle boards. If you want to stay here , reserve at least 6 months in advance. It fills up quickly.

What a beautiful campground and park! We spent 4 days in McCall and our best days were spent here! The campground is clean and well maintained. The campsites are a nice size and you don't feel like you are right on top of your neighbor. We spent one day at one of the sandy beaches you can walk to and one day we rented a boat and spent it on the lake. There were even deer wondering through our campsite one night which was really neat! The kids loved it! The bathrooms were clean, free hot showers and friendly service. They also sell ice and firewood at the visitor center right there which is really nice and convenient. We will be back for sure!!!

Ponderosa State Park is a beautiful campground in the woods in McCall. This is precisely the sort of camping I enjoy. Trees everywhere, a lake nearby, and campfires are allowable. They have a variety of campsites from those with hookups for trailers to tent sites and even one KOA style camp cabin. They also have full blown cabins for rent. They have bathrooms and showers (no additional charge), which are kept clean. They are in proximity of a great beach on the shore of Payette lake which is great for swimming. Near the beach is a good sized field among the trees which is a large enough to enjoy a pickup game. There is wildlife all around. We saw squirrels, chipmunks, several varieties of birds, a fox, and a deer with her twin fawns. Magical! There are paved paths for getting around on foot or bike (in addition to the paved campground roads). The people that were working the front gate when we were there weren't terribly knowledgable about the ins and outs of the campground, so I would take any inquiries to the visitor center (they were quite knowledgeable). Overall, a great campground in a beautiful area of the world. And, only 2 hours from Boise to boot! Get to it!

Love it! Will be back for sure. We saw 3 foxes and did some bike riding. Grandkids had a blast as well.

What a beautiful experience Now one of my favorite places to camp. Close to McCall and great mountain biking. Very serene, good access to water. Just lovely

Always clean and well maintained. Tough to tent camp next to all those campers but this place is about convenience. Great showers, close to town and on the lake.

Staff drew us a map to show us exactly where to go. Backing in was not too bad. Spacious campsite and a beautiful lake to swim in. Only downside was the Idaho fires were taking off and it was pretty smoky

It's like entering a gateway to forestry heaven. Lots of spots to stop and take a peek at the lake or toss the ball with my dog off a dock. Drive to the tippy top and see the whole lake from an amazing view point. Trails are everywhere, trails within trails as well.

We visited and unfortunately only had a little time to explore, mostly just used the park for a campsite to spend one night. The campsites are basic with hookups if you choose those loops, paved, nice and flat. They are average in privacy. The park itself is very spread apart and to pay for your campsite you need to drive or ride a bike or something way back out to the entrance, which is a little inconvenient. There are very tame deer all over, they were driving our dog nuts! The park offers miles of trails for hiking or biking and waterfront too. I really wish we could have stayed longer. On our list for a future visit for sure!

This is a beautiful state park. It is located in the woods & on the lake. Several cabins can be rented or you can bring your own rv or tent.

This is a nice family state park located in the resort town of McCall Idaho. Campground is located up from the lake in the trees. So bring big dope. Bathrooms are not fancy but not terrible. There are 3 bathroom stalls and 3 shower stalls. To get a good shower without having to wait I recommend going really early in the morning or really late at night. The visitor center sells firewood and the town of McCall has a variety of restaurants to dine at if you get tired of camp cooking. The lake is huge, nice small sandy beaches with parts sectioned off for swimmers and plenty if room for jet skis and motor boats.

Beach and loads of trees- what else can you ask for?!! There's also some covered picnic tables that are shaded in the woods. We went during a back to school week so it wasn't crowded or loud with kids screaming: and that is perfect for me as relaxing involves quiet and listening to waves crash. There were still families and kids but not hundreds where you can't hear yourself think or have any personal space surrounding you. I will be visiting again! $5 to get into the park. It's worth it- bring some snacks and a book and enjoy!

Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful!!! A wonderful place to camp but we have a summer home close by so we enjoy walking and biking through the park. It's location on Payette Lake is Spectacular! Can't go to McCall without visiting! Outstanding.

I had to find something to do since my plans to go white water rafting were ruined. I chose to go for a hike with my son and I was not disappointed. The park had so many areas to pull over and check out, camping, boating and hiking. I really enjoyed it. I chose to hike the Huckleberry Trail and it was really pretty but I do not think the trails are properly labeled. I started on the Huckleberry and somehow I got on the Lily Marsh and got back on the Huckleberry Trail. I stopped near the water on one of the trails, not quite sure which one since I was going back and forth and it was so pretty. My son and I had a water and snack break in the shade by the water and it was so peaceful. I would definitely go back there and hike again when we are in the area.

I'm writing this at 3:30 AM from my campsite in Ponderosa. Why are you writing at such an hour you ask? Well it's because the camp host, if there is one, isn't doing their job and there is a group of drunk people blaring their music a few spaces away. We saw park managers drive thru once during our weekend but apparently there is no one to contact at night with problems. You can't put this many people in a campsite and then just expect all to go well. The TP has been out in one bathroom stall all morning and there's no hand soap or sani. For the price you pay, things are disappointing. It will probably be our last time here.

Huge state park with a good variety of actvties including swimming Biking and hiking. Also very close to town.

Been going here for years with friends and family. Always a pleasant and fun trip. My kids love it. Facilities are clean and prices reasonably. Plan ahead they book out fast