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Facilities
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Established Camping

Ponderosa Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Ponderosa Campground, near Yellow Pine, Idaho, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. Tucked away in the Payette National Forest, it offers a serene setting right alongside the Secesh River, making it perfect for fishing and hiking.

The campground features ten sites, each providing a great opportunity to unwind by the fire or enjoy a picnic. Visitors have raved about the beautiful surroundings, with one camper noting, “This is a beautiful campground right on the Secesh River.” While there are no electric hookups or showers, the clean pit toilets and drinking water make for a comfortable stay.

For outdoor adventurers, the area is a treasure trove of activities. You can hike along the river and even forage for wild huckleberries and strawberries in the summer. Plus, the nearby trails are great for biking, ensuring you’ll have plenty to explore during your visit.

While some campers mentioned that the sites can feel a bit close together, the overall vibe is friendly and welcoming. Whether you're camping with family or friends, Ponderosa Campground is a great choice for a memorable outdoor experience.

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Location

Ponderosa Campground is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Directions

From McCall, go 31 miles northeast on Lick Creek Road #48. The South Fork corridor is about 30 miles from Cascade along the Warm Lake Highway. Usually by July, Lick Creek Pass (Road #48) is snow-free, providing a faster access from McCall (35 miles) to the South Fork corridor. Please follow posted speed limits and drive carefully, the South Fork Road is a paved, narrow, one-lane road with two-way traffic and many blind corners.

Coordinates

45.062106 N
115.758554 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 5, 2020

Right on the river!

This is a beautiful campground right on the Secesh River and right across the road from a trail that takes you on a hike along the river. I found wild huckleberries and strawberries on this hike in early July. This is a newer campground than the Secesh horse camp which is across the road. However, don't mistake it for Ponderosa State Park which is 2 hours away in McCall and has way more amenities. This site has water, a pit toilet, and ten sites.

  • Review photo of Ponderosa Campground by Hannah C., July 5, 2020
  • Review photo of Ponderosa Campground by Hannah C., July 5, 2020
  • Review photo of Ponderosa Campground by Hannah C., July 5, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Apr. 11, 2019

Beautiful place

Work outing so a great place for a large group with multiple options for tent camping. Great fishing and hiking.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2018

Great place for families and dogs

What a great place to spend time with your family! Clean bathrooms, easy hook ups, and a warm Visitor’s Center all made our cold, damp camping trip a success. This place has easy to access bike paths, beach/lake access, and is only a few minutes from town.

Reviewed Sep. 14, 2018

Very nice!

Beautiful campground with hot showers and flush toilets. Hookups for RV's and trailers. Tent camping. Nice lake close by with boat, wave runner, pontoon boat rentals. Reserve in advance!

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2018

nice clean cg

I stayed here one night. It was a weeknight and very quiet - only one other site was occupied. The pit toilets were clean. There were no squirrels or other critters to try to steal my food! There is no water available there, so either bring your own or a filter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities and amenities are available at Ponderosa Campground?

Ponderosa Campground offers a range of facilities including clean bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers. The campground provides RV hookups for trailers, as well as designated tent camping areas. A Visitor's Center is available on-site. There's easy access to bike paths, lake/beach areas, and hiking trails. Some areas of the campground may have limited water access, so it's advisable to bring your own water or a filter depending on which section you're staying in. The campground is generally well-maintained with clean facilities.

Where is Ponderosa Campground located in Idaho?

Ponderosa Campground is located near McCall, Idaho, along the scenic Secesh River. It provides an excellent base for outdoor recreation in central Idaho's wilderness. The campground is situated across from hiking trails that follow the river, making it easy to access various outdoor activities. Its proximity to McCall (just a few minutes away) makes it convenient for visitors who want to combine wilderness camping with access to town amenities.

How does Ponderosa Campground compare to camping in Ponderosa State Park?

While both share similar names, they offer different experiences. Ponderosa Campground is situated along the Secesh River with access to river hiking trails and wild berry picking opportunities (huckleberries and strawberries can be found nearby). It's generally quieter and more remote. In contrast, Ponderosa State Park offers more developed facilities, is located directly on a lake with boat/pontoon/waverunner rentals, and has more extensive recreation infrastructure. The State Park typically has more amenities and organized activities but may be busier, while Ponderosa Campground offers a more secluded, nature-focused experience while still being just minutes from town.

Are there photos available of Ponderosa Campground to view before visiting?

Yes, photos of Ponderosa Campground are available online. You can find images on The Dyrt website and app, as well as on official Forest Service or recreation websites. These photos showcase the campground's riverside setting, campsites, and nearby trails. For the most current visual information, check the official managing agency's website or contact the ranger district office directly. Photos will help you get a sense of the campground layout, site spacing, and natural surroundings before your visit.