Tent camping near McCall, Idaho offers numerous options from secluded lakeside spots to mountain settings within Payette National Forest. Sites range in elevation from 5,000 to 7,000 feet, with higher areas such as Granite Lake remaining snow-covered until mid-summer. Many primitive camping locations require rough forest roads with significant washboarding and occasional mud pits after rainfall.
What to do
Mountain biking from camp: Brundage Reservoir serves as an excellent base for mountain bikers heading to Brundage Mountain Resort. "We went here for mountain biking (if you go, check out Groupon for the lift) this campground was awesome because it was so close to Brundage resort, and the ski lift up, it was such an enjoyable stay," notes Franklin R. from Brundage Reservoir Camping Area.
Lakeside paddling: Many tent campers bring kayaks or paddleboards to access remote shorelines. At Warm Lake's Picnic Point, campers appreciate the "crystal clear" water with Shelly S. mentioning "fishing is popular" with "direct access to the lake" from the primitive camping area.
Hot springs exploration: Located approximately 1.5 miles from Four Mile Campground, the 16-mile hot springs provide a natural soaking experience. Hannah C. reports, "About a mile and a half up the road is 16 mile hot springs which was wonderful!" making it an easy day trip from camp.
What campers like
Private, separated sites: Tent campers frequently mention the importance of privacy between campsites. According to a visitor at Four Mile Campground, "No one was camping there except me on a July 4th weekend. It was nice and quiet and you could hear the river nearby. Spot 3 has a great access trail that takes you down by the creek which flows into the river."
Wilderness proximity: Lick Creek Area provides immediate access to wilderness hiking. Courtney R. notes, "Lick creek campground has 3 spots. One large one with stock holding. A CTX toilet and fire rings. Lick lake is a 3 mile hike into the wilderness and is gorgeous!"
Natural soundscapes: Tent campers frequently mention the calming natural sounds. At Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area, Kevin C. describes: "You can't hear rapid creek from the campground but you can hear it. And that's really just as good. The white noise from the creek matched with the occasional bird or other nature sound is one of the most relaxing things on the planet."
What you should know
Temperature fluctuations: Mountain elevations cause significant day-to-night temperature swings, even in summer. Kevin C. reports at Rapid Creek: "It's high enough in elevation that this place gets nippy at night. I stayed in early August and the temps dropped into the upper 30s at night."
Limited campsite availability: Most primitive sites operate on first-come, first-served basis with weekends filling quickly. "This campsite is non-reservable. It's first come first serve and usually very busy. The best time to get a spot is Sunday afternoon or Monday and Tuesday," advises a camper about Northwest Passage.
Navigation challenges: GPS coordinates aren't always accurate for dispersed camping areas. Sherilyn at Granite Lake Camping Area cautions: "The gps for this site was off. It says to take a left at the fork. But the reservoir is to the right. Just follow the posted sign."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible water play: Several campgrounds offer child-friendly water access. A Northwest Passage Campground visitor mentions: "There is a beach area for the campers that is perfect for kids to play and to relax and watch for floaters."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Parents can create nature education moments with abundant wildlife. "We saw bald eagles, moose, deer and chipmunks," reports a family camping in the area, suggesting morning and evening hours as prime wildlife spotting times.
Easy hiking trails: Paddy Flat - Jughandle Mountain Area provides family-friendly hiking options with minimal elevation gain. Easton S. notes it's a "very short hike" to reach the lake, though reminds visitors to "bring water or filter" as the lake water is very cold.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent camping areas near McCall have rough access roads unsuitable for larger vehicles. Christopher R. at Granite Lake specifically warns: "not a great place if you need an RV to go camping."
Cost considerations: Out-of-state RV campers face higher fees at state-managed campgrounds. Michael G. from Northwest Passage Campground points out: "62$. No hooks. No cell. Because I'm out of state."
Site selection: RVers should scout available sites before committing. Annie C. at Deadman Campground advises that while there are "5 drive up campsites," they have "ZERO trees in this campground," which limits shade options during summer heat.
