Camping near McCall, Idaho offers outdoor recreation options across varied terrain from 5,000 feet elevation to forested alpine settings. The primary camping season runs Memorial Day through September, though weather can fluctuate significantly with occasional freezing temperatures even in late spring. Access to most sites requires advance planning as the most popular locations fill quickly.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Last Chance Campground provides access to Goose Creek Falls trail. "The hike up the river to the falls is one of the better short hikes in the area but there is evidence of bears," notes Tom K. The well-designed 2.8-mile trail features boardwalks over muddy sections.
Mountain biking: Brundage Reservoir Camping Area offers proximity to Brundage Mountain Resort's lift-accessed trails. "We went here for mountain biking (if you go, check out Groupon for the lift) this campground was awesome because it was so close to Brundage resort," reports Franklin R.
Winter recreation: Peninsula Campground at Ponderosa State Park maintains seasonal activities when other areas close. "In the winter, the park offers great snowshoe trails, and groomed trails for cross-country skiing and skate skiing," explains Hannah C.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple access points around Lake Cascade provide angling options. "For any fisherman, as you leave the park go right about 2 miles to a parking area for Brown Pond. I caught my limit in 20 minutes, and earthworms hanging two feet down from a bobber is the ticket," advises a visitor to McCall RV Resort.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Campgrounds near McCall vary significantly in spacing and seclusion. "The spots are a little close but we never were bothered by it. If we had dogs it may have been a little more of a nuisance," notes a Peninsula Campground visitor. Meanwhile, sites at Last Chance Campground offer "large sites, beautiful and huge Ponderosa pines, and very clean and odorless vault toilets," according to Gretchen B.
Lake views: Sugarloaf Campground offers prime waterfront positioning. "We tent camped here in July 2018. Sugarloaf is off by itself at the end of the lake, so it's a little more laid back there. Our group simply set our in the morning and camped out on the beach with our gear," shares Tara L.
Wildlife sightings: Campers report diverse animal encounters at Lake Cascade State Park. "We even had 3 baby foxes visit our camp one evening. I could see it getting crowded on weekends, but I had this all to myself on a Monday and Tuesday," reports Simran D. Bird watchers can spot "multiple ospreys, pelicans, and mountain bluebirds," according to another visitor.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: Many areas around McCall require insect protection, particularly near water. At Little Payette Lake, "LOTS of bugs" makes insect repellent essential according to Sierra J. Another camper noted, "Horrible mesquitoes. We may be packing up to leave early. Beautiful space though."
Reservation requirements: Black Bear RV Park fills quickly in summer months. "Nice park and facilities. Very friendly check-in. Small store in park. Clean and well kept grounds," notes Richard H. Most developed campgrounds require reservations weeks in advance for summer stays.
Weather fluctuations: Temperature variations can be extreme, even during peak season. "Frozen temperature at night (05/24/19) but fabulous view and I love to go for camping to Lake Cascade State Park," reports Sujith A. Pack layers even for summer visits.
Campfire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans affect many dispersed sites. "No fires were allowed due to wildfire restrictions. All said, it was a painless & free site only a few minutes from downtown McCall, ID," explains Austin C. about Little Payette Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly beaches: Amanita Campground provides direct water access for children. "The only positive was the direct beach access for our kids to play while we were up at the campsite. The beach is extensive and fairly clean," shares Jennifer D.
Quiet time enforcement: Camp host presence varies between locations. "The rangers do not enforce the quiet hour rule and you get woken up in the middle of the night by screaming kids," notes a Peninsula Campground visitor. Consider midweek stays for quieter conditions.
Winter family options: Ponderosa State Park maintains year-round activities. "PSP is a great place to stay or spend a day at. I like to go to PSP during the 'off-season' to avoid the crowds. Heading out in the winter, there are great snowshoeing and Nordic skiing options," suggests Celine K.
Proximity to town services: Several campgrounds allow quick access to McCall amenities. "Perfect weekend away from Boise... great that if your camp food gets tired, McCall is only 15 minutes away for a burger and beer!" shares Bethany W. about Last Chance Campground.
Tips from RVers
Amenity considerations: McCall RV Resort offers unique features not found at other area campgrounds. "The indoor pool and spa and steam room made this my favorite park so far on our journey," reports a visitor. The resort remains open year-round with full hookups.
Leveling challenges: Dispersed camping requires preparation for uneven terrain. At Little Payette Lake, campers should "make sure you can level all your things," recommends Imerie T. Many free sites around McCall have sloped ground requiring leveling blocks.
Guided assistance: Some private parks provide personalized arrival help. "Escorted to our spot and helped us back in. Cable as well. We had bad weather, but the site, 115, felt pretty isolated," shares JoAnn L. about McCall RV Resort.
Mixed-use considerations: Chalet RV Park accommodates both RVs and tent campers. "This is a family friendly campground that is convenient to Donnelly and Cascade areas. AT&T 3bars LTE service as well as free wifi make communication and planning easy," notes Jennifer.
