Spanning 2.3 million acres across central western Idaho, Payette National Forest offers rugged wilderness defined by deep river canyons, alpine lakes, and dense conifer forests. Established in 1944, this vast landscape borders the dramatic Hells Canyon to the west—North America’s deepest river gorge—and connects to four other national forests, creating an unbroken expanse of public land.
The gateway town of McCall, Idaho provides convenient access to the forest’s 28 developed campgrounds. Popular options include Burgdorf, known for its nearby historic hot springs; Ponderosa, situated along the scenic Payette River; and Camp Creek, which offers excellent fishing access. Spring Creek Campground and Four Mile round out the choices for visitors seeking established sites with varying levels of amenities.
Hiking trails wind through diverse terrain, from riverside paths to challenging backcountry routes reaching elevations above 9,000 feet. Anglers will find productive waters throughout the forest, with opportunities for trout, steelhead, and salmon depending on the season and location.
Summer months from June through September provide the most accessible conditions, with snow clearing from higher elevations by mid-July. Lower elevation campgrounds typically open in May, while backcountry areas may retain snowpack into early summer. Winter transforms the landscape into a destination for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, though most campgrounds close by October.
Highway 55 from Boise provides the primary access route, with McCall located approximately 100 miles north of the state capital.
Explore Nearby
- Marshall Mountain Wilderness Study Area — Public Land in Idaho
- Hawley Mountain Wilderness Study Area — Public Land in Idaho
- Ponderosa State Park — State Park in Idaho
- Rainbow Falls State Park — State Park in Washington
- Hells Canyon Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Oregon
