River access draws anglers and paddlers to this forested campground along the Secesh River in Payette National Forest. Ponderosa Campground features ten sites accessible by vehicle, with boat-in access also available for those arriving by water. The facility provides drinking water and pit toilets, though one reviewer notes inconsistent water availability and recommends bringing a filter as backup.
Sites sit within a mixed conifer forest where campers can spot fir and other native trees. A trail across the road follows the river, offering opportunities to forage for wild huckleberries and strawberries in early July. The campground operates year-round with fees ranging from free to $10 per night. Reviews consistently highlight the clean facilities and lack of aggressive wildlife attempting to raid food supplies.
Dennis A. describes it as a "beautiful campground with hot showers and flush toilets," though this appears to reference a different facility with the same name. The actual Ponderosa Campground near Yellow Pine offers more basic amenities but provides direct river access. Nearby options include Secesh Campground just 0.2 miles northwest.
Campers should note this differs from Ponderosa State Park near McCall, which offers more extensive amenities but requires a two-hour drive from this location.
Description
Overview
This campground is located adjacent to the Secesh River and offers beautiful river views. There are eleven camp sites. This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app ht tps://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Recreation
There is fishing and trail access.
Facilities
There are eleven camp sites, drinking water, fire-pits, tables, toilets, pack in/pack out. Please pack out your own trash. No hook-ups.
Nearby Attractions
The South Fork of the Salmon River is a highly popular area of the Forest and is one of the earlier areas to be snow-free in the spring. Several campgrounds and dispersed campsites can be found along the South Fork Road (FS Rd #674). The southern-most 7 miles of the South Fork Road are on the Boise National Forest.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPonderosa Campground is located in Idaho
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
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 46 min from Boise, ID
- 4 hrs 25 min from Lewiston, ID
- 6 hrs 12 min from Walla Walla, WA
- 6 hrs 42 min from Missoula, MT
