Trailer Life Cream of the Crop Campsites: McCall RV Resort—McCall, Idaho
If you’re searching for clean air, green forests, pristine waterways and jagged peaks away from the crowds, consider taking a camping vacation to Idaho! Yes, there is more to the Gem State than its famous potatoes. You’ll come for the scenic beauty and outdoor recreation and stay because of the friendly people. From historic sites and cultural events to year-round outdoor adventures, Idaho offers entertainment for everyone. Whether traveling as a couple, with the whole family, or as part of a large group, McCall RV Resort in McCall is a great spot to use as your “home base” while seeing the sites in the southwestern part of the state. Whether you’re on your way north to Coeur D’Alene or south to Boise and Pocatello, McCall is a good place to start.
Idaho is a sparsely populated state with lots of beautiful open spaces, and McCall serves as a prime example of these characteristics. Traditionally a logging town, McCall now has the nickname Ski Town U.S.A. and is home to many winter Olympic athletes. The 1938 Hollywood film “Northwest Passage”, starring Spencer Tracy, Robert Young and Walter Brennan featured McCall and Payette Lake as scenic backdrops. McCall is also home to one of only four smokejumper training bases in the country.
The McCall RV Resort is located along the banks of the North Fork Payette River, about 100 miles due North of Boise on SR 55. The resort is open year-round and the owner is on site. Look for discounted rates during the winter off season and enjoy the snow and skiing. The resort is within McCall city limits about a mile from the center of town. To get to the many shops and restaurants it’s a quick walk on a paved walking/bike path that winds through the woods along an abandoned railroad easement.
The large, shaded sites allow you to camp in a natural setting with gorgeous views. Pull-thrus measure 40x 65 and back-ins measure 29x 53. Big rig sites are available. There are 32 paved sites and 87 gravel sites. 20/30/50 amp service is available along with instant phone and cable hookups. There is a laundry facility, dump station, LP gas and firewood, as well as full restrooms with showers. The resort also features paved drives and generous concrete patios for entertaining. Each site is either set at a 60° angle to the road or has a wide-radius approach for easy access.
Relax in the large yet cozy lodge. Enjoy a nice cup of coffee in front of the lobby fireplace surrounded by the building’s rustic wood charm. Or take a dip in the indoor pool and spa to soothe those aching muscles after a busy day of hiking, canoeing, golfing or skiing.
Need more room for your group or special event? The resort features a banquet and entertainment hall that seats up to 150 that can be booked for rallies, reunions, weddings, etc. Or grill on the large barbeque while your group gathers for entertainment on the outdoor amphitheater and stage. Don’t hesitate to ask the on-site event coordinator for assistance in planning all aspects of your special event.
What else is there to see or do in McCall? Hit the slopes at the Brundage Mountain Resort for skiing and snowboarding in winter, and concerts, hiking and mountain biking in summer. If golfing and swimming are more your style, try the Tamarack Resort just south of McCall on Lake Cascade. The Payette National Forest offers an abundance of recreational opportunities in all four seasons, including fishing and hunting. Discover McCall and start planning your trip today!
Christina Bullock
Dirk,
Sorry about the delay in a reply, I wanted to do some sleuthing before writing back to you. I’m not familiar with the Seattle area, but I did come up with a list of lakes that may help you. Some of them are in residential areas now, but they may have been part of public lands back in 1970. Some of them are still adjacent to public parks.
Lake Youngs, Green Lake Park, Lake Union, Lake Ballinger, Martha Lake, Silver Lake, Lake Serene, Stickney Lake, Cottage Lake, Crystal Lake, Lake Leota, Paradise Lake, Echo Lake, Phantom Lake, Lake Burien, Bow Lake, Angle Lake, Star Lake, Lake Fenwick
Best of luck on your journey! I hope this helps!
–Christina
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Dirk Fleck
I dont know where to go for this…….I am 46 years old and in about 1970 my folks took us to the Seattle Washington area camping. At a campground on a lake/pond near Seattle we witnessed the tragedy of a young man that drown . I remember a group of young people swiming in that lake that were probably teenagers so my guess is the victim today would have been in his mid/late 50s. I would like to revisit this campground for some personal closure. My guess is this campground was a public campground as that was a favorite of my mothers. Any idea where else to post this msg to see if anyone can help with information.
Dirk
Indiana
[email protected]
Dirk Fleck
I dont know where to go for this…….I am 46 years old and in about 1970 my folks took us to the Seattle Washington area camping. At a campground on a lake/pond near Seattle we witnessed the tragedy of a young man that drown . I remember a group of young people swiming in that lake that were probably teenagers so my guess is the victim today would have been in his mid/late 50s. I would like to revisit this campground for some personal closure. My guess is this campground was a public campground as that was a favorite of my mothers. Any idea where else to post this msg to see if anyone can help with information.
Dirk
Indiana
Sid
Great tip! While we are booked for 2009 I am going to put this on or list for 2010. Mcall isn’t that far from our home just north of Seattle.