If you’re traveling in Idaho, you need to plan on some time in the fun little town of McCall. McCall is a quaint lakeside town on the banks of Payette Lake located 100 miles north of Boise. It’s a scenic drive up Route 55 that borders the Payette River. Mining led to the boom of the area in the mid-late 1800’s and many of the towns along the way still have that old days charm.
It is hands down one of my favorite places to visit and definitely my favorite place to camp. We’ve been to McCall, both in the winter and the summer and although this campground is open year round, we have only camped there in the summer.
Our first summer visit was in 2006 as a stopover point on our way home from Banff. Our lodging for a couple of days that first visit was at the McCall RV Resort. Little did I know that first drive down the little hill to check in that I would fall in love with the entire place. The lodge is huge with room to hold an event while you stay there and an extra-large back patio complete with patio tables and umbrellas. The sites are spacious with lots and lots of grass; blade grass that feels good under your feet.
The campground is on the banks of the Payette River. A space close to the river wasn’t available and we were given space 49; an end space right across from the pool. The grass area was big enough for us to set up our badminton net and play a few rousing games during our stay. The river didn’t have any fish, at least not any that we caught. Grass bass was the catch of the day from our poles. The pool is inside with glass garage doors for winter use. The entire campground is immaculate.
Mark chatted up the friendly staff as we checked in. The couple he talked to were there for the summer. They worked 30 hours a week between them which got them free lodging. The rest of their time was spent exploring the area. Mark told them we’d been to McCall before in the winter but this was our first time here in the summer. The husband told us about good rafting nearby, the bike trail and that downtown was a must see.
Those were activities we did not miss!
Our next visit was a mere 12 months later in 2007 and this time we reserved one of their four-site pods. Mark’s mom, brother and our dear friends joined us this time making our group 15 strong. We had an action packed week planned and the giant grass area in between our four sites made for the perfect afternoon playground after our daily adventure. The badminton net was strung up again who knew playing six people to a side was so much fun!
As much as I loved this place the first time, it was even better the second time around.
Our last trip this wonderful campground was in 2015 and our group grew even bigger. Six rigs and 24 people. We secured our favorite pod campsite for four and two were set up in the pull-through sites next to us. Joining us this time was Mark’s mom, brother, cousin and two dear friends. Mark and I were so excited to have another family vacation with our boys, now all grown up, and jump for joy when they want to vacation with us. This time the giant grass area had a volleyball net strung across and I can neither confirm nor deny many cut throat games of volleyball and foot-volleyball going well past dinner. I am happy to report there was no blood spilled.
McCall is one of those places that gets into your blood. Staying at the McCall RV Resort also falls into that category. It’s the perfect place to stay in the perfect location in the perfect little town to spend all or part of your summer.
You can read about all of our McCall fun here: