Idaho Vacation: Ponderosa State Park



Getting Ready for a Bike Ride in
Ponderosa State Park

 Tall stately Ponderosa Pine trees and gorgeous views of Payette Lake, what could be better? Well, maybe paved camping pads, electric and water hookups, great hiking and bike trails, wildlife viewing from your camp spot.  Ponderosa State Park is one of many great places to spend an Idaho vacation. 

On our recent visit to this 1500+ acre park we were treated to near perfect weather.  Ponderosa State Park occupies most of the 1000 acre peninsula that juts into beautiful Payette Lake.  The park is just a mile or so north east of McCall, itself a welcoming destination.



Fishing and Boating Activities
Set Off by Beautiful  Blue
Waters of Payette Lake



Small Sandy Beach at Payette Lake
Note the Green Reflection of the Water
as Contrasted to the Deep Blue of
Other Photographs



Ponderosa State Park has many amenities to make all visits enjoyable.  From Ranger guided educational hikes, evening campfire programs, great camping facilities, boat launches, sandy beaches, miles of biking and hiking trails, great views of Payette Lake, wildlife viewing, and much more.  This is the headquarters for complete vacations for everyone in the family.  Winter activities include nordic or cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on groomed trails.

Lodging facilities include cabin rentals, as well as many camping units, most with  electric and water hookups.  There is a waste dump station on-site.  Camp areas vary from tent sites with no water or electric service to back in spaces to 80 feet long pull through driveways.


Father and Son Enjoying One of the
Paved Paths

 The park environment varies from moist marshes, to dense forests to arid sagebrush.  Osprey Point, offers a breathtaking view of Payette Lake and is one of the highest points in the park.  Osprey Point is accessible by road except the last 100 or so feet.  Because of the varied topography, a large diversity of wildlife is present in the park.  We saw deer in the campground every day we were there. 

Many of the miles of the hiking and bike trails are paved.  Benches are strategically placed to view the lake and water sports. 



Couple Enjoying a Shady Bench
Overlooking Payette Lake

 The North Beach Unit, located at the north end of Payette Lake, has large sandy beaches, and picnic areas.  A popular scenic drive completely encircles the lake giving varied and scenic views of the lake, summer home areas, and the surrounding mountains. 

Many activities an conveniences are available in the town of McCall just a mile or so from the park. 


Almost All Camp Units  Have Shade



More information about Ponderosa State Park including driving directions, activities, facilities, and much more is available here.  Information about McCall is found here and here and here.  McCall is 108 miles north of Boise on US-55 and 163 miles south of Lewiston on US-95/US-55.

It really doesn't matter if you enjoy indoor or outdoor or water or land activities, Ponderosa State Park and the McCall area has something for everyone and for every age.   Make this a destination for your Idaho vacation. 



One of the Many Ponderosa State
Park Deer



Other blog entries that feature subjects in the greater McCall area are at the following locations:

http://idahotravelvacation.blogspot.com/2011/01/idaho-vacation-mccall-winter-carnival.html
http://idahotravelvacation.blogspot.com/2011/07/idaho-vacation-kellys-whitewater-park.html
http://idahotravelvacation.blogspot.com/2011/07/idaho-vacation-roseberry-historical.html
http://idahotravelvacation.blogspot.com/2011/02/idaho-vacation-mccall-pancake-and.html
http://idahotravelvacation.blogspot.com/2011/02/idaho-vacation-snow-tubing.html
http://idahotravelvacation.blogspot.com/search/label/Yellow%20Pine