Ponderosa State Park

Signs and Info

Campsites

Facilities

Recreation

This Review is Under Construction!

Name: Ponderosa State Park

Ponderosa State Park is located near McCall, Idaho on Payette Lake. The majority of it is on a penisula jutting into Payette Lake while Northwest Passage camping loop and the North Shore beach area is on the far(north) end of the lake.This area is heavily forested which obviously includes ponderosa pine trees. The campground areas are mostly level with rolling hills as you get past the campgrounds. There are many recreational activities in the park with more nearby, checkout the info below.

Campsites: There are 163 campsites, 22 std campsites, 7 ADA campsites, 9 deluxe cabins(2ADA) and 1 camper cabin. Most, if not all, campsites are in a forested setting with partial to full shade. Campsites include a picnic table, fire ring, water access and 30 to 50 amp power service. Dogwood and Elderberry loops include full-service which includes water, sewer and 50 amp electrical hookups. Northwest Passage Campground doesn't offer water or electrical hookups.

Host on Site: There are several camp hosts in the park ready to help you.

Water: There are water hookups in Dogwood, Elderberry, Aspen, Chokecherry and Blackberry camping loops with a handpump equipped well for Northwest Passage loop.

Garbage Services: Garbage dumpsters are located near each campground and many other locationsscattered through the park.

Electricity Available: Electic hookups are available in Dogwood, Elderberry, Aspen, Chokecherry and Blackberry camping loops.

Restroom: Restrooms with flushing toilets and showers are located in Dogwood, Elderberry, Aspen, Chokecherry and Blackberry camping loops.

Handicap Accessible: Yes, there are several handicap equipped campsites available.

Firewood: Firewood is available for purchase in the park.

Pets: Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash or confined.

Picnic Area: There is a picnic area with a group shelter by the Visitors Infomation Center, there are group shelters in Dogwood and Elderberry loops and North Shore is a great shpp to picnic but has no tables. I found a few picnic tables on the south end pf the Penisula Trail. 

Recreation: Recreational oportunities abound in or near Ponderosa State Park. Camping, volleyball, horseshoes, fishing, hiking, biking, walking, sunbathing, wildlife viewing and swimming are a few of the recreations in the park itself. Shopping and dining is available in McCall. Moutain biking at Brundage Ski Area is another option. 

Fishing: Fishing is available in Payette Lake for Rainbow trout, Cuttroat trout, Lake trout, Kokanee salmon, Yellow perch and Smallmouth bass. I have fished in many of the small alpine lakes in the surrounding mountains as well. You will never run out of fishing oportunities in this area.

Boating: Payette Lake offers the oportunity to sail your boat, do some water skiing or enjoy some fishing. Ponderosa State Park has a large boat launch with ample parking as well as a small mooring dock near Aspen/Blackberry campground.

Swimming: There is a nice large beach near the visitors infomation center, a small beach near Chokecherry/Blackberry loops as we as a huge beach(North Shore) on the north end of Payette Lake.

Hiking: Ponderosa State park offers several trails to hike on in the park itself or you can hike in the mountains in the area. I have reviews for a few hikes nearby. Boulder Lake Area, Hidden Lake and Lava Butte Lake are a few of them. 

Wildlife: Deer are common in the campgrounds with squirrels and chipmonks often visiting your campsite looking for handouts. Song birds fill the air with their songs while bald eagles and Osprey fish in Payette Lake.

Nearby Services: Most services you might need can be found in McCall. Groceries, fuel, laundry, shopping and dining...

Gas and Food: You will find serveral options for both gas and food/dining in McCall only a couple miles from the park.

RV Dumping Site: There is an RV dumping Station near Aspen campground.

Nearest Shower: In the park.

Nearest Laundry: In McCall.

Location/Driving instructions: Ponderosa State Park is located on the north edge of McCall. 

Coordinates: 44.925073,-116.088968

Elevation: 5000 Feet

Reviewed Date: September 2022

Alert: This Review is Under Construction!

Fees And Reservations: For the current fee schedule and to reserve a campsite go to reserveamerica.com.

This information is accurate as of the date of the review.