McCall, Idaho-Where you really can have it all!
By Cathy Burford
If you love water and the mountains, you can’t get much better than Ponderosa State Park Campground in McCall, Idaho. It is located just 2 hours north of Boise via scenic Highway 55. Situated on a peninsula in Payette Lake, it offers all the standard amenities of typical state campgrounds with the added bonus of having its own deep draft boat ramp within the park, as well as 6.5 miles of trails, half of which are for bikes. A large portion of the trails offer fantastic lake views. Open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend for camping, you can also enjoy fishing, sailing, boating, jet skiing, hiking, swimming, and mountain biking. To get the real feel of the park I would recommend that you either walk or bike the trails under the beautiful Ponderosa pines. It’s difficult at times to keep your eyes on the trail, but please don’t be like my friend who ended up off the trail as a result of the beautiful distractions; not to worry, she’s fine! The park is well-maintained, with spotless facilities and well-designed campsites, allowing the feeling of private camping, with plenty of trees between you and your neighbors. You can find additional information and make your reservations at www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov
The town of McCall is an idyllic little gem, with something for everyone, no matter your age. Golfing, ice skating, hockey, shopping, boat and kayak rentals, galleries, and dining are all available. Lest I forget to mention it, you might want to stop in at Babblefish at the Mile High Marina for a bowl of their seafood chowder, as it is quite possibly the best in the world. Yes, that’s right-the world. The surrounding area abounds with activities for both summer and winter vacations, even though an RV trip in December wouldn’t be something that I would recommend. Don’t miss the chance to see Tamarack Resort just 25 minutes away near Donnelly and if you are feeling really adventurous you can drive a bit further and take a flight into the back country with Arnold Aviation in Cascade. Perhaps you are a fan of river rafting, hot springs, or horseback riding. You will find plenty of opportunities in the surrounding area. Winter sports include skiing at Brundage Mountain, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing right at Ponderosa State Park. For those of us who lack the talent for such pursuits, check out Hap & Florence Points Memorial Sleigh Rides, available from mid-December to the end of March. Reservations are required and can be made at 208-325-8783.
McCall is the perfect location to experience something unique- a beautiful mountain lake without traffic jams. The population swells for the summer season, but we were able to plan a weekday stay there in summer without the crowds that you would expect at such a place. Do make your reservations early, though. The month of June can still be rather chilly, so any time before July 4th would be an excellent time to plan a visit before the town fills up with their part-time residents. While it won’t be your own private Idaho, it will come pretty close.
Printer Friendly
Yes, you can travel by RV in Spain!
By Cathy Burford
Perfection out the front window-Yachats, Oregon
By Cathy Burford
