Map showing campground location near McCall, Idaho

Camper submitted image from Northwest Passage Campground — Ponderosa State Park

Northwest Passage Campground — Ponderosa State Park

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Paddlers, floaters, and kayakers have a direct launch point at Northwest Passage Campground, where several sites sit within walking distance of the river and a dedicated beach area gives kids room to wade. Bald eagles, moose, and deer move through regularly. The 22 sites are separated by trees, which keeps things reasonably private; weekends fill fast on a first-come, first-served basis, so Sunday or Monday arrivals have the best odds. Mosquitoes are a known issue in summer, so repellent is worth packing. A water pump at the entrance serves the whole campground, and three vault toilets handle waste. RVs up to 30 feet fit some sites. Campers staging trips through campgrounds near McCall will find this a low-key base with good wildlife access and a climbing crag a short drive away.

Check Availability Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

TransAmerica Trail Road Trip

Port Orford to Missoula: 5 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsNorthwest Passage Campground is located in Idaho near McCall

Public Campground

Directions

From the center of McCall, it is about 1 mile west on Highway 55 to a right (north) turn onto Sylvan Beach Warren Highway. Stay on this road, which becomes Warren Wagon Road for a further 7.5 miles, up the west side of Payette Lake. The campground is east of the road.

Address

1920 N Davis Ave
McCall, ID 83638

Coordinates

45.00775851 N
116.06344775 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 8/28/26
Verizon
No Coverage
Verified by 9 users
Last on 8/28/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 8/28/26
Verizon
No Coverage
Verified by 9 users
Last on 8/28/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Tent Cabin
Yurts

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 35 min from Boise, ID
3 hrs 7 min from Lewiston, ID
4 hrs 54 min from Walla Walla, WA
5 hrs 24 min from Missoula, MT

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Northwest Passage Campground

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

michael G.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 12, 2022

Expensive !

62$. No hooks. No cell. Because I’m out of state.

Site312

Month of VisitSeptember

Cindy N.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2021

A Little Piece of Heaven

We love camping at Northwest passage campground. It’s beautiful and woodsy. Depending on what campsite you stay in the river is close. The bathrooms are clean and well-kept. There is no running water at the bathrooms. There are three total in the campground. There are only 22 sites so not a huge amount of campers and most of the sites are pretty private with woods separating them. There is a water pump at the entrance of the camp site that you get your water from. There are no hook ups or running water at sites. There are established fire rings and a picnic table. Some of the spots are big enough for trailers. Some are small and cozy for tent campers. The river is walking distance from all sites. It is perfect for paddle boarding kayaking and floating. There is a beach area for the campers that is perfect for kids to play and to relax and watch for floaters. The wild life there is abundant. We saw bald eagles, moose, deer and chipmunks. There is also a climbing crag that has a variety of climbs for different skill levels that is a five minute drive. This campsite is non-reservable. It’s first come first serve and usually very busy. The best time to get a spot is Sunday afternoon or Monday and Tuesday. Towards the weekends most spots are full. One downfall here is the amount of mosquitoes. They are large and thirsty. We came prepared this year with lots of mosquito spray and some thermoscell mosquito deterrent. It helped immensely. I would recommend this campground to anyone who likes a true camping experience. For the most part it was quiet and secluded. McCall is a 15 minute drive. pets are welcome.

Site2 & 3

Month of VisitJuly

(13) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Northwest Passage Campground part of Ponderosa State Park?

Yes, Northwest Passage Campground is part of Ponderosa State Park. It functions as a distinct camping area within the larger state park system. The campground offers a more intimate camping experience with only 22 sites, while still providing access to the natural amenities and recreational opportunities available throughout Ponderosa State Park.

What do reviews say about Northwest Passage Campground?

Northwest Passage Campground is described as beautiful and woodsy with 22 sites in a natural setting. Some sites are situated near the river, offering water proximity. The bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, though they don't have running water. The campground offers a more primitive experience with no hookups and potentially limited cell service. Out-of-state visitors may face higher fees, with rates around $62 per night. The campground's smaller size creates a more intimate outdoor experience.

How do I make reservations for Northwest Passage Campground?

Reservations for Northwest Passage Campground can be made through the Idaho State Parks reservation system. With only 22 sites available, booking well in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Fees may differ for in-state versus out-of-state visitors, with out-of-state rates around $62 per night. Be prepared for a no-hookup camping experience. For the most current reservation information, contact Ponderosa State Park directly or visit the Idaho State Parks website.

What does the Northwest Passage Campground map show?

The Northwest Passage Campground map displays the layout of its 22 campsites nestled in a wooded setting. It shows the proximity of sites to the river, the locations of the three bathroom facilities throughout the grounds, and the various campsite options available. The map helps campers understand the natural surroundings and woodsy environment that characterizes this intimate campground within Ponderosa State Park.

Where is Northwest Passage Campground located in McCall, Idaho?

Northwest Passage Campground is located within Ponderosa State Park in McCall, Idaho. The campground is set in a wooded area with some sites positioned near a river, offering a scenic natural setting. As part of the larger state park, it provides access to McCall's outdoor recreation opportunities while maintaining a secluded forest atmosphere. Contact the park office for specific directions from downtown McCall.

Keep Exploring