Ponderosa

Ponderosa

A Rural campground in Idaho

🔔 Get Alerts 🎫 Reserve on Recreation.gov 🔊 Audio Overview PLUS+

Ponderosa sits among the stunning landscapes of Payette National Forest in Idaho . With 50 campsites (RV-friendly up to 35 feet feet) , restrooms, potable water, great hiking, it's a favorite for rural adventurers.

Reservations are required year-round , and the best times to visit are Jul-aug when the weather is most comfortable .

🌈 PurpleTents helps LGBTQ+ campers discover welcoming outdoor experiences here and across America.

🏕️ At a Glance

⛺ Sites: 50
🚙 Max RV: 35 feet ft
🏛️ Agency: Usda Forest Service
🚻 Restrooms: Yes
💧 Water: Yes
🐕 Pets: Allowed
🚿 Showers: No
🥾 Hiking: Available
🦅 Birding: 85/100 (Pacific Flyway)
⏱️ Stay Limit: 14 days
💲 Nightly Fee: Free
📅 Reservations: Required (Recreation.gov)
🌆 Best Seasons: Jul-aug
📍 GPS: 45.0621, -115.7586
🆔 Facility ID: 10176183

💳 Booking & Fees

📅 Reservations: Required - Book on Recreation.gov →
💵 Nightly Fee: Free
📋 Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.

⏰ Stay Limit: 14 days
💡 Tip: Book early for peak season (Jul-aug). Sites can fill up months in advance.

📸 Discover the Beauty of Payette National Forest

File:River Scenes - Idaho - DPLA - 6f5003052457ff18ed4f981d07b02519.jpg
Department of Agriculture. Forest Service. 7/1/1905 via Wikimedia Commons
File:1994 Indexes to Aerial Photography for Payette National Forest, Sheet 1 - DPLA - 0d32127a192fd2c54c77e995c16a696b.jpg
Department of Agriculture. Forest Service. 7/1/1905 via Wikimedia Commons
File:Photocopy of photograph of Office at Hornet Ranger Station. Original on file with the Payette National Forest, Supervisor's Office, McCall, Idaho. OFFICE, CA. 1936. - Hornet HABS ID,2-COUN.V,1B-1.tif
Unknown via Wikimedia Commons
File:Photocopy of photograph of Garage at Hornet Ranger Station. Original on file with the Payette National Forest, Supervisor's Office, McCall, Idaho. GARAGE, CA. 1935. - Hornet HABS ID,2-COUN.V,1C-1.tif
Unknown via Wikimedia Commons
File:1994 Index to Aerial Photography for Payette National Forest Sheet 2 - DPLA - 2aa1f129d608829c539418db1cff34aa.jpg
Department of Agriculture. Forest Service. 7/1/1905 via Wikimedia Commons
File:Administrative Structures - Idaho - DPLA - ff0737684c41335e2c013120068bf8c9.jpg
Department of Agriculture. Forest Service. 7/1/1905 via Wikimedia Commons
File:Photocopy of landscape plan of Hornet Ranger Station, approved 8-11-1936. Original on file with the Payette National Forest, Supervisor's Office, McCall, Idaho. Photograph is 8'x HABS ID,2-COUN.V,1-1.tif
Unknown via Wikimedia Commons
File:1994 Indexes to Aerial Photography for Payette National Forest, Sheet 7 - DPLA - 9c3a035a14b121dd9e0d409923516b79.jpg
Department of Agriculture. Forest Service. 7/1/1905 via Wikimedia Commons
File:Photocopy of improvement plan of Hornet Ranger Station, approved January 1941. Original on file with the Payette National Forest, Supervisor's Office, McCall, Idaho. Photograph is HABS ID,2-COUN.V,1-3.tif
Unknown via Wikimedia Commons
File:Stibnite Historic District in 1942.jpg
Unknown authorUnknown author via Wikimedia Commons
File:Forest Fire Camps - Idaho - DPLA - 7bd7c25af63c3f7fa85a0ce7e4b23925.jpg
Department of Agriculture. Forest Service. 7/1/1905 via Wikimedia Commons
File:Logging- Loading Logs - Idaho - DPLA - 649eb2d55bbfab1dadb0a6269e34e924.jpg
Department of Agriculture. Forest Service. 7/1/1905 via Wikimedia Commons

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.

🌞 Jul-aug

🦅 Peak birding: May, Jun, Aug

🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings

Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.

🔒 PLUS+ Content
Unlock real-time wildlife sightings from iNaturalist community scientists near this campground, including photos, species names, and observation dates.
🦅 Birds🦌 Mammals🦎 Reptiles📸 Photos
Unlock with PLUS+ ✦$7/mo or $60/year (save 30%)

Ponderosa located in Idaho, offering 50 camping sites.

Ponderosa

A Rural campground in Idaho

🔔 Get Alerts
🎟 Reserve on Recreation.gov
📍 Directions

📍
Location
, Idaho
💰
Fees
Free
⏱
Stay Limit
14 days
🚌
Max RV Length
35 feet
🐾
Pets
Available
📡
Cell Coverage
Verizon: Fair
AT&T: Fair
T-Mobile: Poor

Overview

this Campground Is Located Adjacent to the Secesh River and Offers Beautiful River Views. There Are Eleven Camp Sites.

This Location Is Available on a First-Come, First-Served Basis Only. Visitors Are Required to Physically Arrive at the Campground to Purchase and Claim a Site. Once on-Site, You May Be Able to Pay for Your Campsite(S) by Scanning a Qr Code Using the Recreation. Gov Mobile App, and the Scan and Pay Feature.

If This Option Is Available, You Will Need to First Download the Free Recreation. Gov Mobile App Ht Tps://Www. Recreation. Gov/Mobile-App Prior to Your Arrival As Some Remote Areas Have Limited or No Cellular Service.

There Is Fishing and Trail Access.

There Are Eleven Camp Sites, Drinking Water, Fire-Pits, Tables, Toilets, Pack in/Pack Out. Please Pack Out Your Own Trash. No Hook-Ups.

Nearby Attractions

the South Fork of the Salmon River Is a Highly Popular Area of the Forest and Is One of the Earlier Areas to Be Snow-Free in the Spring. Several Campgrounds and Dispersed Campsites Can Be Found Along the South Fork Road (Fs Rd #674). the Southern-Most 7 Miles of the South Fork Road Are on the Boise National Forest.

Managed by: Usda Forest Service

Site Details

Campsite Information

  • Total Sites: 50
  • Hookup Types: Electric
  • Max RV Length: 35 feet

Amenities

  • 🚻 Restrooms: Available
  • 🚿 Showers: No
  • 🗑️ Dump Station: No
  • 💧 Potable Water: Available
  • 🛝 Playground: No
  • 🧺 Laundry: False
  • 📶 WiFi: False
  • 🏊 Swimming: No
  • 🎣 Fishing: Available
  • 🛥️ Boating: No
  • 🥾 Hiking: Available

Map & Location

Address & Coordinates

Address: Lick Creek Road

City: , Idaho

Coordinates: 45.062106, -115.758554

Area Type: Rural

Phone:

Activities & Attractions

Popular Activities: Fishing|water|river|trail|rv

Available Activities:

  • 🎣 Fishing: Available
  • 🛥️ Boating: No
  • 🥾 Hiking: Available
  • 🏊 Swimming: No

Regulations & Permits

🔥 Stay Limits & Fees

Maximum Stay: 14 days

Nightly Fee: Free

Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)

📋 Reservations

Reservations: Yes

Book on Recreation.gov

🌤️ Weather & Climate

77.2°F
Summer High
9.4°F
Winter Low
26.83″
Annual Precip
Jul
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
Jul-aug
Best Visit Time

📱 Connectivity

Verizon

Fair Signal

LTE

AT&T

Fair Signal

LTE

T-Mobile

Poor Signal

4G

📺 Television Reception

Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS

Signal Quality: Fair

Total Stations: 6 stations

Nearest Market: BOISE/TWIN FALLS

Notes: Signals FROM BOISE/TWIN FALLS MARKET

📻 Radio Reception

Total Stations: 15 stations (5 AM, 10 FM)

AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Fair

Major Formats: Country, Classic ROCK, NEWS/TALK

Local News: KIDO 580 Am

Market: BOISE

Notes: 5 AM, 10 FM Stations from Boise

🔌 EV Charging

⚡ MCCALL CHARGEPO MC CHARGE 2

Distance: 19.7 miles away

Address: 809 N 3rd St, McCall, ID

Network: chargepoint-network

Charging Type: Fast-charging-available • CHAdeMO-J1772

Related & Cross-Links

Plan Your Visit

🔔 Sign up for Ponderosa Alerts
🎟 Book Now
🏳️‍🌈 Join the Idaho Crew
🛒 Shop Idaho Gear

Essential Information

Park System Information

Park Classification & Structure

  • Park Type: National Forests
  • Parks Post Name: payette-national-forest
  • Parent Park Name: Payette National Forest
  • Correct Park Type Mapping: payette-national-forest

System Statistics

  • Total Campgrounds in System: 28.0
  • States Covered: Idaho
  • Managing Agencies: Usda Forest Service

System IDs & References

  • Parent Organization ID: 131.0
  • Parent Recreation Area ID: 1025
  • Parks Parent Org IDs: 131.0
  • Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 1025, 1025.0

URL Slugs & Navigation

  • State Slug: idaho
  • Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
  • Park Type Slug: national-forests
  • Parent Park Slug: payette-national-forest

Additional Park Information

Welcome to Payette National Forest! This Beautiful Destination Features 28 Campgrounds Across Idaho. Managed by Usda Forest Service, This Location Offers Incredible Camping Opportunities for Every Type of Outdoor Enthusiast.

Data Reference Notes

Managing Agency Slug: usda-forest-service

Explore More Camping Options

View all campgrounds in Idaho | Browse our Idaho camping guide

Other Campgrounds in This Park

Explore more camping options in the same park system:

10176183 Ponderosa