Best Campgrounds near McCall, ID

McCall, Idaho features a range of camping options within and around Ponderosa State Park, with sites set along Payette Lake and surrounding forest areas. The Peninsula Campground within the park provides developed sites with amenities including showers, electric hookups, and drinking water, while Little Payette Lake offers free dispersed camping for those seeking a more primitive experience. Several private facilities like McCall RV Resort and Black Bear RV Park accommodate RVs and offer cabin options for visitors preferring additional comfort, with most locations providing convenient access to both lakefront activities and downtown services.

Road conditions and site accessibility vary significantly throughout the McCall area, particularly during seasonal transitions. Many campgrounds operate primarily between Memorial Day and Labor Day when weather conditions are most favorable. "This park is great to explore outdoors, not just hang around the camp," noted one visitor about Ponderosa State Park. Higher elevation dispersed sites may remain inaccessible until late spring due to snowmelt, while developed campgrounds typically maintain better access throughout their operational seasons. Visitors planning trips during peak summer months should secure reservations well in advance, as lakeside locations fill quickly, especially on holiday weekends.

The camping experience around McCall revolves largely around water recreation and forest exploration. Campers report particularly high satisfaction with Peninsula Campground's proximity to hiking trails and beaches within Ponderosa State Park. A visitor commented that "the smell of the Ponderosa trees fills the entire campground" – highlighting the distinctive sensory experience that attracts many to the area. While developed campgrounds offer convenient amenities and programmed activities, dispersed sites around Little Payette Lake provide more solitude but fewer facilities. The region's mixed-use campgrounds accommodate diverse camping styles, from tent campers seeking natural settings to RV travelers requiring hookups. Winter visitors can find year-round operations at select sites like McCall RV Resort, allowing access to seasonal activities including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing within the park system.

Best Camping Sites Near McCall, Idaho (216)

    1. Peninsula Campground — Ponderosa State Park

    36 Reviews
    McCall, ID
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 634-2164

    $15 - $40 / night

    "Ponderosa is in beautiful McCall, Idaho. Close to downtown and the lake. Great hiking trails. Good park for a family. The campsites are right next to one another, so not much privacy there."

    "A prime spot to camp in McCall. Plan ahead and book early. Great campsites with full hook ups and amenities."

    2. Last Chance Campground - CLOSED

    13 Reviews
    New Meadows, ID
    7 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "We adore this spot for so many reasons—proximity to adorable McCall but removed enough to feel remote, trees, hiking along the water, close encounters with the fauna kind :) do yourself a favor and visit"

    "Close to McCall!"

    3. McCall RV Resort - Northfolk Lodge

    7 Reviews
    McCall, ID
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 634-5646

    $42 - $52 / night

    "Close to McCall,several pull-thrus; even indoor hot tubs! No restaurant but you’ll be close to many great ones"

    "We reserved a spot here to prepare for a rafting trip we had won from the McCall WinterFest. We are so glad we did!!! This place ROCKS!"

    4. Black Bear RV Park

    5 Reviews
    McCall, ID
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (208) 634-5165

    $39 - $54 / night

    6. Sugarloaf Campground — Lake Cascade State Park

    20 Reviews
    Cascade, ID
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 382-6544

    "Nice being able to camp by the lake. Can be pretty crowded, but easier to find a spot out here than in McCall."

    "Beautiful lake, nice campground, little beach spots nearby. The lake is very large. Boat ramp is close by. You can swim, kayak, canoe, paddle board, boat, fish. Camping spots are large."

    7. Chalet RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Donnelly, ID
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 325-8223

    8. Amanita

    6 Reviews
    Donnelly, ID
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 382-7400

    $15 / night

    "The campsites were large and there was access to the lake. The only space left for us was the one right in the front near the entrance but it was great!"

    "This small lakeside campground captured our hearts. Who could resist it, with wide open lakefront views like these? A easy launch for kayaks by day, and a sunset view from the campfire by night."

    9. Grouse Campground

    4 Reviews
    New Meadows, ID
    12 miles
    Website

    $10 - $15 / night

    "We just did a 2400 mile trip from Utah to Glacier NP and down through Idaho stopping at 10 campgrounds along the way. What a fun place to stay here, the camp host (Jill) was the sweetest lady ever!"

    "There’s a ton of access to hikes and different places around the lake. Hiking up to granite mountain lookout was a highlight."

    10. Brundage Reservoir Camping Area

    3 Reviews
    New Meadows, ID
    10 miles
    Website

    "Driving down a pot-holed, dirt road for quite awhile, we found ourselves concerned that we may not find something.  We then spotted a beautiful lake through the trees. "

    "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, and the ski lift up, it was such an enjoyable stay,"

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Recent Reviews near McCall, ID

399 Reviews of 216 McCall Campgrounds


  • Cable A.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Horse Thief Campground

    Beautiful and peaceful

    Nice place to camp, fish and relax. Very family friendly. Toilets, water and trash. No other amenitiesz

  • Cable A.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Hells Canyon Park

    Nice campground, run and maintained

    Nice campground, maintained by Idaho Power. Hot in the summer, there is shade. Water, trash & toilets. Good fishing and views.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    McCall RV Resort - Northfolk Lodge

    Great time

    Stayed 10 days and nights. Had a wonderful time there. Very helpful and friendly staff.. Very well kept resort.. We’ll definitely be back!

  • Michelle G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Sage Bluff Campground — Lake Cascade State Park

    Great overnight spot

    I was stopping by on my way to Yellowstone. Got late at night so I did not get to enjoy the student but I saw the sunrise and it was awesome! Good spot, had service for the night and it was quiet

  • Wayne S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Tripod Reservoir

    Not a camping spot

    The road that the coordinates lead us to was very narrow and rough and ended at a gate just 300 feet from the lake. Fortunately there was a turn around at the gate otherwise we would have been screwed

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    McCall RV Resort - Northfolk Lodge

    Surprise find

    Just a fantastic place to stay whether overnight or longer stay. We initially planned on one night but quickly decided for another night once we saw how lovely the place is as well as how nice the staff is, too. Highly recommended

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Frontier Motel and RV Park

    Right in Town, Easy Access to Hells Canyon and Other Destinations

    Frontier Motel and RV Park is more of a motel than an RV park, with only ten spaces behind the motel and in between a public, local road. The motel was fronting Hwy 95 and the RV spaces were one block behind. They have a pool (nice!), laundry and easy town access, since the motel was right in town. The pool wasn’t warm, maybe 75F, but it sufficed for the cool-off need. The town, Cambridge, ID, was a nice, small town, maybe 200 residents. It appears that most of the 10-or-so RV spaces were used by monthly renters, but they had a spot for me and during a holiday weekend. Nice staff. For some reason I couldn't make friends with the black lab (the owner's dog). She's old, doesn't walk that well, but was wary of new people. I did not have any, any negative interactions with her, she just wouldn't let me give her a pet. The three-star rating is that the site location, noise from the highway and the street, and the marginal sewer connection (water/power were fine).


Guide to McCall

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tent camping available in McCall, Idaho and what sites are recommended?

Tent camping is readily available throughout the McCall area with several excellent options. Secesh Horse Camp offers a unique historical tent camping experience with hitching rails for equestrians. The scenic drive to reach it via Lick Creek Road adds to the adventure. For a more primitive experience, Little Payette Lake (Dispersed) provides tent sites in a beautiful setting just 6 minutes from McCall, though be prepared for mosquitoes and some road noise. The ground can be sloped, so bringing leveling equipment is recommended. Both locations offer distinctive camping experiences while keeping you close to McCall's amenities and outdoor activities.

What are the most popular camping spots around McCall for weekend trips?

Weekend warriors flock to several key camping spots around McCall. McCall RV Resort - Northfolk Lodge offers conveniences like indoor hot tubs and proximity to McCall's restaurants, making it ideal for those wanting amenities. For water enthusiasts, Shorts Bar Recreation Site provides riverside camping with basic facilities and easy water access—perfect for spontaneous weekend trips. Both locations fill quickly on summer weekends, so arriving early Friday or making reservations where available is recommended. The most popular spots combine accessibility (under 30 minutes from McCall), natural beauty, and recreational opportunities like hiking, fishing, or paddling to make the most of a weekend escape.

Where are the best campgrounds in McCall, Idaho?

McCall offers exceptional camping options for all preferences. Peninsula Campground — Ponderosa State Park stands out as a premier destination with full hookups, beach access, and beautiful hiking trails. Its proximity to downtown McCall makes it perfect for families wanting convenience without sacrificing natural beauty. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Upper Payette Lake Campground provides excellent shoreline trails and opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and canoeing about 20 miles from McCall at 6,000 feet elevation. Both campgrounds require advance reservations during peak season. McCall's best campgrounds typically feature pine-shaded sites, access to water recreation, and proximity to town amenities.