Ponderosa State Park

The Ponderosa State Park preserves a thousand acre peninsula that juts into Payette Lake, just 1.5 miles from downtown McCall, Idaho. This pawfectly situated park is one of Idaho’s most pupular year-round destinations. There are tons of different ways to enjoy this park. You can explore the wilderness with your canine companion, or you can learn about the local flora and fauna by taking one of the guided hikes with a naturalists. Why not stop in at the Visitor’s Center for some more information, maps, or an ice cream?

During the winter months, a little snow doesn’t need to hold you back, as the park features nordic cross-country ski trails and snowshoe trails. Your playful pupper can romp in the snow alongside you. There is a $5 winter access fee, which is on top of the $5 vehicle entrance fee.

For a birds eye view of the park and the lovely Payette Lake, you and your doggo can make use of some of the trails in this park. There are 12 miles of trails, some for foot traffic and paw traffic only, and some to include mountain bikers. A furtastic option is the Huckleberry Bay Trail, which traverses the east side of the park. This one mile trail will give you a workout, but leads you to panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape.

It’s not surprising if you and your pooch want to stay a while in this area! The Ponderosa State Park features all kinds of overnight options. Dogs are not allowed in the cabins, but are more than welcome in the campsites as long as they stay leashed or confined. There are 163 serviced campsites, and 22 standard campsites. Make sure to pack up your food at night because there are bears in the area.  

Some of the other activities in this area include picnicking, volleyball, swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, non-motorized boating, and more! You and Fido will never run out of things to do in this natural paradise.