Family Camping in McCall, Idaho: Huckleberries, Lake Days & Cozy Camper Life
This summer, our family packed up the R-Pod 193 and headed to McCall, Idaho for a much-needed escape into nature. We stayed at Ponderosa State Park, and let me just say—Spot #10 was a gem. Nestled against a hillside bursting with huckleberries and surrounded by towering pines, it gave us the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
🫐 Huckleberry Picking & Wildlife Wonders
One of the highlights of our campsite was the huckleberry-covered hillside right behind us. The kids loved picking berries, exploring the trails, and spotting deer that wandered through the campground. It felt like we were living in a nature documentary!
🛏️ R-Pod 193 Tour & Our King-Size Murphy Bed Mod
Our R-Pod 193 camper was the perfect home base. In the video below, I give a quick tour of the layout and show how we customized the Murphy bed—swapping out the queen for a king-size setup. It’s a game-changer for comfort, especially after long days of biking and boating.
🚴♀️ Exploring McCall by Bike
McCall is incredibly bike-friendly, and we took full advantage. We cruised through town, along the lake, and even stopped for ice cream at Squatch Sweets—a must-visit if you’re in the area. Their huckleberry swirl was a hit with the whole family! We love Ice Cream Alley but it’s cash or check only and that seems to get us every time – if you’re more prepared then us, make sure to try both ice cream spots.
🚤 Boating on Payette Lake
We spent plenty of time boating on Payette Lake, soaking in the views and swimming in quiet coves. The water was calm, the scenery was stunning, and it was the perfect way to cool off and unwind. The North Shore of the lake is a great place to run the pontoon boat onto the sand and just relax – it’s usually pretty packed throughout the day but it clears out in the evening! Just remember to bring the bug spray- the mosquitos get very bad later in the day!
🛍️ Boutique Shopping & Downtown Charm
McCall’s downtown is full of charm. We browsed local boutiques, picked up a few souvenirs, and enjoyed the laid-back mountain town vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down and really enjoy the moment.
Here’s a list of my favorite McCall shops:
- Backcountry Boutique
- Women’s clothing, footwear, accessories, gifts, and toys
- 📍 1000 N 2nd St, McCall
- Monkey Love
- Cooperative boutique with clothing, shoes, accessories, and gifts
- 📍 304 E Lake St, McCall
- Wild Onion
- Global imports, furniture, home décor, art, gifts, and jewelry
- 📍 805 N 3rd St, McCall
- Granite Mountain Nature Gallery
- Fossils, minerals, jewelry, beads, and nature-themed gifts
- Family-operated since 1987
- The Barn Owl Books and Gifts
- Independent bookstore with gifts, events, and local authors
- Drift West
- Boutique fly fishing and outdoor adventure gear
- Gravity Sports
- Full-service bike and ski shop with gear and rentals
- Also offers boutique-style outdoor apparel
🔥 Campfires & Cozy Nights
Each night ended with a campfire, games around the lantern, and stories under the stars. There’s something about camping that brings everyone closer together—and this trip was no exception.
🎥 Watch the Full Video!
Want to see it all in action? Check out our YouTube video where we share the full experience—from berry picking to boating, and a little tour of our R-Pod camper.
👉 Watch Now: Family Camping in McCall, Idaho | R-Pod Tour & Adventures
💬 Have you camped in McCall or stayed at Ponderosa State Park?
We’d love to hear your favorite spots and tips in the comments below!