Peninsula Campground

Idaho, a state celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and abundant outdoor recreation, offers countless opportunities for memorable getaways. For those seeking a blend of comfortable amenities and immersive natural surroundings, Peninsula Campground, nestled within the beloved Ponderosa State Park in McCall, stands out as a premier destination. It’s a place where the majestic ponderosa pines meet the crystal-clear waters of Payette Lake, creating an idyllic setting for any camping adventure.

Peninsula Campground provides a more developed camping experience compared to rustic, dispersed sites, offering essential hookups that make it particularly appealing for RVs, while still welcoming tent campers. Its strategic location on a peninsula in Payette Lake means easy access to water activities and breathtaking views. For Idaho locals, this campground offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors with the convenience of clean facilities, friendly staff, and proximity to the charming town of McCall. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a quiet escape, or an active outdoor adventure, Peninsula Campground delivers a high-quality experience that perfectly captures the essence of Idaho's recreational offerings.

This comprehensive guide will provide local users in Idaho with a detailed overview of Peninsula Campground, covering its precise location and accessibility, the range of services it offers, its standout features and highlights, and essential contact information. Our aim is to equip you with all the necessary insights to plan a rewarding and enjoyable camping trip to this gem within Ponderosa State Park.

Peninsula Campground is ideally situated at Meadow Marsh Loop, University Dr, McCall, ID 83638, USA. This places it directly within Ponderosa State Park, which occupies a picturesque peninsula extending into Payette Lake on the northeast edge of McCall. Its location is a significant advantage, as it offers the tranquility of a natural park setting while being just a short drive from the conveniences and attractions of downtown McCall.

Access to Peninsula Campground is straightforward and well-marked from McCall. From Highway 55 in McCall, visitors can typically follow signs for Ponderosa State Park, which is easily reachable via paved roads. This ease of access makes it a popular choice for both short weekend trips and longer vacations for Idaho residents, as it minimizes travel stress and maximizes time spent enjoying the park.

Given its popularity, especially during peak seasons and holiday weekends, advance planning is highly recommended. While specific reservation policies can change, Ponderosa State Park campgrounds, including Peninsula, typically require reservations, which can often be made online through the Idaho State Parks system. This ensures that you have a confirmed site upon arrival, even during busy periods. The campground's layout and well-maintained roads within the park are generally accommodating for RVs up to 35 feet, although some individual sites might have unique configurations or natural obstructions that could make parking larger rigs a bit snug, as noted by some visitors.

• Electric and Water Hookups: Many sites at Peninsula Campground offer both electric and water hookups, catering to RVs and trailers. While water pressure has been noted as low by some, these amenities provide a comfortable camping experience.
• Spacious Sites: Visitors frequently commend the campground for its "spacious" sites, which are often "nicely spaced out" to provide a sense of privacy, ensuring you don't feel "camping on top of your neighbor."
• Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: Each campsite is equipped with a separate pad containing a picnic table and a fire pit, perfect for outdoor dining and campfires.
• Large Bathrooms with Hot Showers: The campground boasts large, clean bathrooms with hot showers, a highly appreciated amenity for campers after a day of outdoor activities. These facilities are meticulously maintained by park staff.
• Dump Station: A dump station is available for RVs, providing a convenient service for waste disposal.
• Flush Toilets: In addition to showers, the comfort stations feature flush toilets, enhancing the overall camping experience.
• Online Reservations: To secure a spot, especially during peak season, reservations are often required and can be made online through the state park system.
• On-site Staff/Hosts: Reviews frequently mention "friendly staff" and "meticulous" hosts who keep the sites clean and ready for the next visitor.
• Pet-Friendly (with restrictions): Pets are allowed in the campground on a leash. However, specific restrictions apply regarding pets on the beach or in fishing pond areas within the park.

• Direct Access to Payette Lake: The campground's location on a peninsula provides excellent access to Payette Lake for a variety of water activities, including swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing.
• Extensive Hiking and Biking Trails: Ponderosa State Park offers an impressive network of "hiking and biking trails," suitable for various skill levels, allowing campers to explore the stunning scenery.
• Cleanliness and Maintenance: Consistently highlighted by reviewers, the "super clean" sites and facilities, including bathrooms and showers, contribute significantly to a pleasant stay.
• Spaciousness (mostly): Despite being a popular campground, many sites are "spacious" and "far enough apart to not feel at all crowded," offering a good degree of privacy.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Peninsula Campground is frequently recommended as "great for families," with amenities and activities catering to all ages.
• Proximity to McCall Town: The campground's location very close to the "city of McCall" means easy access to groceries, restaurants, shops, and other local attractions, blending wilderness with convenience.
• Wildlife and Nature Observation: The park's diverse ecosystem offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, and during season, picking wild huckleberries is a popular activity.
• Winter Activities: For those visiting in the off-season, Ponderosa State Park transforms into a winter wonderland with options for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing on groomed trails.
• Variety of Site Options: With 113 total campsites, including some designated as "companion campsites" for larger groups, and options for both tents and RVs up to 35 feet, the campground caters to diverse camping preferences.

Address: Meadow Marsh Loop, University Dr, McCall, ID 83638, USA

Phone: (208) 634-2164

The provided phone number connects directly to Ponderosa State Park, which manages Peninsula Campground. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding reservations, seasonal opening/closing dates, current conditions, or specific park rules (such as pet regulations on beaches or fire restrictions), it is highly recommended to contact the park directly via this number or visit the official Idaho State Parks website for Ponderosa State Park.

For residents of Idaho, Peninsula Campground in Ponderosa State Park offers a quintessential McCall camping experience that perfectly blends natural beauty with convenient amenities, making it an exceptionally suitable destination for local getaways. Its appeal stems from several key factors that cater directly to the preferences and lifestyles of Idahoans.

Firstly, the campground's prime location on Payette Lake, coupled with its close proximity to the vibrant town of McCall, is a significant advantage. This means Idaho locals can enjoy the serene beauty of the lake and surrounding forests without having to travel extensively into remote areas. It provides the ideal balance for a weekend escape or a longer vacation, allowing for spontaneous adventures while still having easy access to supplies, dining, and local attractions in town.

Secondly, the amenities offered at Peninsula Campground—specifically the electric and water hookups, spacious sites, and clean facilities with hot showers—are a major draw for both RV owners and tent campers who appreciate a higher level of comfort. While some embrace rustic camping, many Idahoans also enjoy the convenience of these amenities, especially when camping with families. The consistent praise for the cleanliness and the diligent staff ensures a pleasant and worry-free stay, which is highly valued by local campers.

Furthermore, the abundance of recreational opportunities directly accessible from the campground makes it a hub for outdoor activity. From swimming, kayaking, and fishing on Payette Lake to exploring the extensive network of hiking and biking trails within Ponderosa State Park, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy Idaho's natural playgrounds. The presence of huckleberries in season and the opportunity for wildlife viewing further enhance the immersive natural experience that locals cherish.

In essence, Peninsula Campground is more than just a place to set up camp; it’s a well-rounded and deeply satisfying Idaho outdoor experience. It offers the perfect setting for families to create lasting memories, for adventurers to explore the stunning landscapes, and for anyone to simply unwind by the lake. For any Idaho local seeking a convenient, comfortable, and activity-rich camping destination that truly embodies the spirit of our state, Peninsula Campground stands as an ideal choice, promising a delightful and memorable escape right in their own beautiful backyard.

Peninsula Campground

Meadow Marsh Loop, University Dr, McCall, ID 83638, USA