Ponderosa State Park
Northwest Passage Campground 
Payette River, McCall, Idaho ​

Northwest Passage Campground is a first come first serve campground located at the north end of Payette Lake, along the Payette River.   It is part of Ponderosa State Park, but has nothing in common with that crowded and popular neighbor.  In fact we arrived on a Thursday before the 4th of July and had a large choice of sites!   It offers 22 non-reserveable campsites in one large loop, fire rings, tables, central water, and vault toilets.   We loved this campground so much that we visited twice in the same road trip.  On the first visit we chose Site 16 and then Site 7 on our return.    It features quiet, well-spaced, & mostly private sites.  Sites after site #8 have more foliage for privacy.  The swimming area is centrally located along the loop and offers a great place to launch kayaks and other non-motorized water toys.   In addition the nearby activities are plentiful (see our side trips below!)   Cons: Mosquitos were large and numerous and the fee system was a bit confusing.  
Most Recent Visit - July 2018
$23/ night
Vault toilets, Potable Water 
​No cellular service
Getting Here:  
From downtown McCall, ID, head northwest on US Hwy 55 west of town. Turn right (North) on Warren Wagon Rd and continue 7 miles.  Northwest Passage Campground will be on the right.   
Nearby Hikes, Bikes & Other Sights.....

Paddling the Payette River 

We launched right from the campground and went both north and south on the river.  To the north we found riverbar areas to spend a sunny day playing in the water, as well as a moose!   And to the south, Payette Lake was an easy paddle and we spent the day on the sandy beach!

Bear Basin Trail Riding

A good mix of uphill and downhill riding!  

Drive to Brundage Lookout

Or if you do not like long dusty drives on logging roads (who doesn't?) take the ski lift up.  
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