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    Ponderosa State Park

    4.6 (33 reviews)

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    Trillium in bloom.
    John S.

    Ponderosa State Park is Idaho's premier park, set on Payette Lake in McCall, about two hours north of Boise. We enjoy going there on spring and summer weekends to camp, set among Ponderosa pines and numerous wildflowers. There are two campgrounds in the main portion of the park, Peninsula Campground and the unimaginatively named RV Campground. Peninsula, the older of the two, has three loops with a total of 113 campsites, all with water and electricity. The RV campground has 50 campsites, all with water, electricity and a sewer connection. Their sites are more spread out than the ones at Peninsula. Idaho State parks allow you to reserve a campsite nine months in advance. And to get a spot, you need to get your reservation early. The entire park sells out months in advance. Deer are plentiful in the campgrounds, adding to the peaceful ambiance. The staff is friendly and it's a great place to relax.

    View from up top
    Rou M.

    Beautiful walk along the Payette lake. It was great when we visited during fall. Not crowded at all. Just some locals walking their dogs. There is supposed to be a $7 entrance fee but there was no one at the gate to collect. You pay at the box and take a ticket to put under your window. If you have younger kids who don't walk far you can just drive really close to a view point and just take pictures. But the walk around the lake is lovely. When the trail forks the huckleberry trail keeps going along the lake. The water was crisp and there were some picnic tables along the water. The walk is flat for the most part unless you climb down to the water. Lots of cute small black squirrels and chipmunks around. We saw quite a bit of deer droppings. Saw some geese in the water. Very peaceful walk.

    Suzy J.

    My husband and I were visiting his parents in Idaho and decided to visit McCall. They told us about this beautiful park that they had camped at before. It looks like they were doing a little bit of upgraded at the campsite. There were some people still camping at the sit though. They also had some deforestation going on with massive piles of cut down trees. My FIL explained that they do this to prevent forest fires. They thin out some of the samller ones and make room for the bigger trees. We saw tons of gigantic trees. These were some of the tallest trees I have ever seen up close. They have scenic routes to drive through when visiting the park. We decided to drive through instead of hiking because we were tired after hours and hours on an ATV and fishing. This place is definitely an amazing place to visit to hike on the many trails they have to offer. It is a great place to camp at as well.

    View from my hammock
    Jessy M.

    We drove from Hillsboro Oregon to meet our friends from Boise at one of there local camp spots. Absolutely loved this place. We will definitely come back yearly to meet them. The lake was close so we could paddle and kayak and swim. We walked around and rode bikes lots. The deer all around the camp were so used to humans and around lots, loved it. Great campground.

    Amanda S.

    I came here last week to snoeshoe with some family. Ponderosa is one of my favorite places in McCall to hang out at, especially in the winter. Super close to downtown, it's easy to reach even when road conditions are less than ideal. The grooved paths make it easy for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. It's an absolutely beautiful view the entire way. Northern Lights (1.0 mile) and Easy Does It (2.3 miles) trails are very easily accessible and you're treated with a gorgeous overlook of Payette Lake. Take the Through the Woods (0.6 miles) trail for astounding 360° views of towering Ponderosa pines being weighed down by piles of fresh snow. This trail is great for pictures! If you're really in the mood for a workout and have the time, energy and stamina, take the trek to Osprey Cliff Overlook and you'll be rewarded with views unlike many others in the area. But trust me, you gotta be up for it, as this hike is nearly 7.5 miles round trip which can be difficult in snowshoes. My one complaint is lack of dog friendly trials. There is one! Rover Round-A-Bout is a 1.0 mile loop that sees extensive use due to this feature. There's not much to see, but it's what you gotta utilize if you want to bring Fido along. I understand the choice of prohibiting dogs is largely due to the destruction of cross country skiing paths, but it would be nice to have at least 2 dog friendly options so you don't have to be stuck with the one.

    Hiking ridge line trail
    Maggie K.

    We had an amazing time coming through to hike, picnic, and drive, and I'd recommend this park to anyone visiting the area. With a plethora of activities available for all ages, this park is where it's at! We loved picnicking on the grass near the welcome center and hiking the huckleberry bay loop and ridge line trails with our 9 month old. We will absolutely be recommending the day use aspect (can't speak to the overnight bit) and hope to be back!

    Dogs enjoying the great outdoors!
    Melanie V.

    Absolutely a beautiful place! Had a great time here! Great outdoors lots of bike riding and checking out the lakes and downtown McCall

    Huckleberry trail
    Ian S.

    The trails were so nice! Very well kept! We didn't see any wildlife besides chipmunks but a few people we passed said they saw some deer! We went on a 5mi trail loop and all-in-all, a very enjoyable experience!

    Osprey Point
    George N.

    This was my first time here, I came here strictly for hiking. Came to the visitor's center first to get a map. Park ranger told me to go park at the Activity Center and pickup the trails from there. Not sure if it was just me, but I had a hard time understanding where the trails start up from the Activity Center, I didn't see any clear marking telling you where to go. Nevertheless, I finally found the Meadow Marsh trailhead. My overall hike went like this: Meadow Marsh to Lilly Marsh, then Lilly Marsh to Ridgeline, and from there I arrived to the Osprey Point & Narrows Overlook. Lots of opportunities for great pictures along the way. I kept a good pace, as well as took some pictures and some stops, and it took me about 2 hours to get from the Activity Center to Osprey Point by foot, maybe a little more. I took the Huckleberry Loop & Peninsula Trail back to the Activity Center. Lilly Marsh & Ridgeline trails can get pretty steep with lots of rocks, if you're somewhat athletic you'll be fine, if you're a little older or not in best shape, take it slow and definitely watch your step. I had a good time, trails were very clean, didn't see any litter. People working there were friendly, same goes for other hikers. If this is your first time here, and you came to hike, then I'd recommend you doing the exact hike I did. You will hit every major trail (there are a lot of smaller side trails as well, save those for another day), and you'll see which you'd like. When I come back here for my second time, I think I'll return from Osprey Point to the Activity Center by taking the Ridgeline, Lilly Marsh, and Meadow Marsh trails. I just enjoyed those more. Other quick tips, if you have the Idaho State Parks Pass on your windshield, you can drive in the right lane when you're entering the park without stopping (I didn't know that, this was my first time at any state park). Trust me, bring lots of water. This really is a hiking 101 tip, but don't bring a lot of salty snacks that will make you thirsty, instead bring fruit and anything that contains water (apple, orange, grapes, cherry tomatoes, etc). I'd also recommend bring bug spray, especially while hiking those marsh trails. Also, I think the best times to hike would either be as soon as they open, or close to closing time. I started Meadow Marsh trail early in the AM, it was still cool, cloudy, misty, and I heard a woodpecker in the distance. Felt like I was in some scary movie lol. If you want to take pictures when you get to Osprey Point (which you will), the best time to be there is in the evening. The sun is literally in front of you at any other time, and photography 101 is always take pictures with the light BEHIND you. You can probably get some amazing pictures up there when it snows, I'll definitely be trying to get up there in the winter (snow shoe).

    Matt R.

    I've camped here in the past, but this time visited for the sole purpose of hiking, which I didn't get to do on my previous visit. The park has miles and miles of hiking and biking trails, and gorgeous beaches- don't miss North Beach. Without realizing it was a bike trail, we ventured on the huckleberry bay loop, and it was a stunner. Payette Lake is beautiful, and this trail (and several others) has consistent views and water access. When in McCall, don't miss this wonderful park.

    Amanda B.

    If I could live out the rest of my life in one place- this would be it. It is so beautiful and so natural. There are plenty of easy hiking trails throughout the park. They have designated swimming areas and locations to host get together. It is probably one of the most amazing places. I almost don't want to post a review because I would love for it to stay my little secret happy place.

    Eileen D.

    This campground never disappoints me. I recommend bringing bikes. You are a quick ride from the town of Mc Call where you can find a variety of shops and restaurants. The park has great trails that meander along Payette Lake . You are sure to see fox, deer , squirrels , and the occasional eagle . The beach area next to the visitor center has a great , safe swim area for the kids. My only complaint is that it's very busy during the peak summer season. It's great for kayaks , floaties, and paddle boards. If you want to stay here , reserve at least 6 months in advance. It fills up quickly.

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    7 years ago

    This is a beautiful state park. It is located in the woods & on the lake. Several cabins can be rented or you can bring your own rv or tent.

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    7 years ago

    Huge state park with a good variety of actvties including swimming Biking and hiking. Also very close to town.

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    Ask the Community - Ponderosa State Park

    Review Highlights - Ponderosa State Park

    Ponderosa State Park is Idaho's premier park, set on Payette Lake in McCall, about two hours north of Boise.

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    Lake Cascade State Park

    Lake Cascade State Park

    4.4(8 reviews)
    27.9 mi

    We reserved 2 nights at the Ridgeview campsite last minute. We are in no way camping experts much…read moreless own an RV (yet) but really wanted to check out the lake, campsites and the surrounding area. We read that this one had flush toilets and showers and we managed to reserve campsite #184 right near the facilities. We arrived a little after 1:00 and got set up right away. We went in the middle of the week right before Memorial Day so it wasn't full. Everyone had an RV and I only saw one other family tent camping. We bought the $5/bundle firewood which came with about 5 logs and it was enough for a few hours. I assume RV'ers bring their own! We hiked by the lake and the views are beautiful, there's even a little beach area. Pets are not allowed on the sand but you can bring them as long as they're leashed. The restroom/shower facilities were spotless but they close for cleaning from 1-2:30 daily. See my photos. Only 2 showers were open this time of the year, so it's best to go early in the evening. I ended up waiting about 15 minutes before a shower opened up. Unfortunately, it started raining in the middle of the night and the tent started leaking, so we cut our trip short and packed up at 0600. We only got to hang out for less than a day but it was still worth it to see the lake and scenic drive.

    We had a great time camping here at the end of May! We stayed in the buttercup loop and although…read morethere are no hook ups it was wonderful and there was no one else in site except the host! We had so much fun kayaking and fishing and so did our chocolate lab! I think cascade will be an annual stop for us and looking forward to checking out the other loops!

    Photos
    Lake Cascade State Park - Fees 2024

    Fees 2024

    Lake Cascade State Park - Clear waters

    Clear waters

    Lake Cascade State Park

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    Zims Hot Springs - Pano of both pools.

    Zims Hot Springs

    3.8(26 reviews)
    12.6 mi

    Zim's Hot Springs - New Meadows, Idaho…read more When you first pull up to Zim's Hot Springs, you'll notice the camp spots right away -- pretty cool to see! I could definitely see myself coming back for an overnight stay next time. That said, some of the features listed on their website don't quite match what's actually there. The "bar" is basically an open Gatorade/Coca-Cola setup with a fan behind it -- more like a refreshment station than a bar. The game room, though, was surprisingly nice for what it has and adds a fun touch to the place. I was a little disappointed when I wanted to grab a beer and found out glass isn't allowed (which I totally understand), but it would've been nice to have another option. On the positive side, the place was clean, the pool was great, and the hot tub was super relaxing. Sitting there on a crisp autumn day in the mountains -- you really can't beat that view or that vibe. The meditation music was excellent. The service was nothing special. They did their job. They gave me a basket. They took my money and told me have a good day. Overall, Zim's is a solid 4 out of 5 for me. A few tweaks and updates to match their online descriptions, and it'd easily be a five-star stop. Definitely worth checking out for yourself!

    I haven't been to many hot springs yet, but this little getaway was quite refreshing. We were…read morevisiting McCall this past week and a local friend took us to experience this hot spring. It was cold outside and I was a bit concerned, but they kept the changing area warm. I would recommend bringing your robe and some sandals or slides. We grabbed a few dried fruits to snack on, on the way home. The girl at the counter was very accommodating and kind

    Photos
    Zims Hot Springs - Enjoying the comforting water from the run of the hot springs with my family.

    Enjoying the comforting water from the run of the hot springs with my family.

    Zims Hot Springs - 89-99deg
3-9ft Pool view facing north

    89-99deg 3-9ft Pool view facing north

    Zims Hot Springs

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    Hells Canyon Overlook - Apple Maps screen shot. Blue dot is where the overlook actually is. Roughly 30 more minutes.

    Hells Canyon Overlook

    4.0(3 reviews)
    39.0 mi

    Let me just start by saying it's a drive, but it's worth it. Just stunning views. It was about an…read morehour and a half from Joseph. Apple Maps* doesn't actually take you to the right spot (see my maps screen shot). I think Google maps is more accurate. Just keep following the road signs and you'll find it though! Amazing views and definitely worth the drive. There's public bathrooms (don't expect too much) and plenty of parking. There's only two, but we found an open picnic table and hung around with some wine for about an hour. No garbage cans so be prepared to take back what you bring with you. I would recommend taking snacks to picnic and make the most of it since the drive is long and windy.

    Hells Canyon is a dramatic feature housing the Snake River along the Oregon/Idaho border. It's very…read morewell known for fishing and whitewater recreation. There are a couple of ways to experience Hells Canyon - you can drive down the canyon itself, take a boat tour past the dam (where the road ends), or you can head up into the Wallowas and score some spectacular views from up top. This is that up-top spot. To get to the overlook be ready to go deep up the National Forest Service roads. Mostly gravel. Take NF 39 off of State Route 86, and then turn up NF 490. This will take you close to the wilderness area and into gorgeous mountains studded with stands of evergreens, alpine meadows, and, at the right time of year, tons of wildflowers. The Wallowas are considered one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon... but that's a story for another review. This overlook is fairly primitive but has everything you need to take in the 270-degree panoramas from this vantage. Picnic tables, toilets, a parking area, and a small trail out to where you get the best views out over Hells Canyon. While the views from up here are expansive, they don't really do the canyon justice. It's hard to see deep down into the canyon from here. But that said, the views are still great. We visited in late June on a hot, early-summer year, so the wildflowers were in full effect at this location. Tons of delicate alpine flowers. So pretty! The interpretive signs give you some good info on the geography of the area as well as info on the local wolf population. So cool to be in the area where these endangered animals still roam. Coming from Portland, I hear about the gray wolves from time to time on NPR. It's great to be out where they actually might pass by every once in a while. It's a strong punctuation on the remoteness of the location. After soaking in views and catching a picnic here, you can continue on NF 490 to complete a loop down the NW side of the Wallowas into Wallowa lake and Joseph, a path we followed, which offers a ton of great gravel-road driving. Insane alpine views, sweet untouched air, and deep green solitude. I highly recommend taking this byway. A much more interesting way to get from nowhere to nowhere. The road less traveled.

    Photos
    Hells Canyon Overlook - Stunning views at the overlook!

    Stunning views at the overlook!

    Hells Canyon Overlook - Wildflowers at the parking area!

    Wildflowers at the parking area!

    Hells Canyon Overlook - Partial view

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    Partial view

    Pine Flats Campground/Hot Springs - I wasn't lying about the views

    Pine Flats Campground/Hot Springs

    4.7(3 reviews)
    58.6 mi

    Oh man, oh man, oh man--all of the heart eyes! (Not the easiest thing in the world to get to, but…read morelike a hidden treasure, once you find it, the hunt is so worth it!) How to get there(ish): 1. Head up ID 55 like you're going towards McCall 2. Hang a right on Banks Lowman Highway 3. Drive for 28 miles and then you'll see Pine Flats Campground on the right 4. (Now getting to the hot springs is a bit tricky. Side note: I definitely would NOT recommend attempting this in snowy weather, that just would not be smart or safe.) Anyways, you're going to take a trail that runs sort of by the river and is towards the rightmost part of the campground. You'll walk for what I assume to be a quarter mile, and then voila! You'll arrive at a beach along the river with massive boulders and pools stacked against the hillside (this is all natural by the way)! The Campground: Parking is $5/day, and I am not sure about the cost of overnight camping as we only made a day trip here. They have one bathroom here, and, well, it's totally a public park bathroom. The Views: We went on an October weekend, so we had a view that combined all things beautiful that Idaho has to offer in one--snow on mountains in the distance, lush green hills, stunning fall foliage, a rushing river running along the hot springs, and clean mountain air. The Hot Springs: A good amount of the pools of water were warm and I would only recommend sitting in them if the weather is above 80 degrees, or else you'll get chilly real quick. But for the most part, they were toasty, especially if you sat underneath the ones with waterfalls--those will heat you right up! Pro Tip(s): 1. Make sure you have more than enough gas in your car--you're out of service up here and out of luck if you run out of gas. 2. Bring a big water bottle! Sitting in hot water will dehydrate ya real quick.

    For anyone feeling super adventurous and spontaneous. Maybe even wanting to just get out and…read moreexperience something new this beginning of spring Pine Flats is definitely the perfect spot. When you arrive it can be a little confusing but don't be overwhelmed with the long walking trail! Overall our experience for first timers was great. We did have to walk a little and if your a first timer also like us you may want to be ready with some hiking shoes, warm clothes/swimming clothes if your using the hot springs and a happy motivation(: The hot springs pool overall is pretty smaller then expected but good maybe for couples if you need a nice date idea. The temperature is perfect if you land in the right spot. (Lower ones are better) would we do this again ? 10/10 yes.

    Photos
    Pine Flats Campground/Hot Springs - This is on the path on your way to the hot springs !

    This is on the path on your way to the hot springs !

    Pine Flats Campground/Hot Springs

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    Park At the River - Waterfall at Wallowa

    Park At the River

    4.1(16 reviews)
    59.8 mi

    The staff are friendly, the park is tidy, and it's located in a beautiful and very convenient to…read moreeverything the Wallowa mountains offer. While it's right in the center of town, there are a number of sites that offer great mountain views, along with the relaxing sounds of the Wallowa River rushing along the edge of the park can make you feel as if you are there all alone. We've stayed there 3 years in a row, and couldn't be happier. However, do note that they do not allow dogs. You might see a couple during your stay, but they are "grandfathered" in because the policy went into effect last year. Longtime guests with pets that have proven to be well behaved do have doggie rights. Personally, we love the policy. While we like dogs, too many un-trained pets and clueless dog owners have led to troubling incidents forcing the owners to exclude them. If you have a dog, skip this park. We've not stayed in the cabins on site, but they look to be very comfortable as well.

    Well located, by River, near food and activities including miniature golf, tram, and go karts, and…read morevery shaded and well maintained. We caught a last minute opening to stay in the Cabin by the River. To be honest it's cabin-like but it's set up to be a meeting, maybe wedding, like venue, so I would clarify it's missing that charm. Nonetheless, it's hard to fault it for being too roomy. The setting is great, particularly the deck. It's a studio, but big enough my wife could sleep while I hung out and not wake her. I might lean 4 stars, but am going 5 because other complaints about this place do not justify the 1 Star rating, as few places here allow dogs, are no cheaper, and don't have grounds as nice or as well maintained, so my fifth Star helps balance.

    Photos
    Park At the River - Moon over the Wallowas

    Moon over the Wallowas

    Park At the River - View as I write this review.  If you could hear the river like I can....

    View as I write this review. If you could hear the river like I can....

    Park At the River - Wallowa lake

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    Wallowa lake

    Ponderosa State Park - boating - Updated May 2026

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