Indian Point Camping Area

Star4.67
33 reviews
500 N Mission St, McCall, ID 83638
Indian Point Camping Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

No reservation fees. Dispersed camping with no specific fee structure mentioned.
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USFSProvider
208-634-0600: Email contact not provided.

About this campground

Tucked along the rushing waters of the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River, Indian Point Camping Area offers an intimate riverside escape with just three walk-in campsites. This dispersed campground beckons to those seeking a more primitive camping experience, particularly drawing paddlers and rafters who use it as a riverside basecamp. While the nearby road brings occasional traffic sounds and dust, the river's constant melody and the surrounding wilderness more than compensate for these minor intrusions.
The campground is a dispersed walk-in type with three units. User reviews suggest it accommodates tent camping, group camping, and remote camping.
Historical SignificanceThese riverbanks hold centuries of stories, from the seasonal camps of the Nez Perce people who first knew these waters, to the gold-fevered prospectors who panned these streams in search of fortune. The surrounding forests still whisper tales of the logging era that followed, when timber from these slopes built the growing communities of Idaho. Today's visitors walk in the footsteps of generations, adding their own chapters to this storied landscape that reviewers aptly describe as 'rich in history.'
Weather and SeasonsThe camping season here follows the rhythm of the mountains, with winter bringing deep snows that blanket the landscape in pristine white. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens to its prime season, offering warm days perfect for river adventures and cool nights ideal for campfire conversations. Late spring through early fall presents the sweet spot for camping, when wildflowers dot the meadows and the river runs strong with snowmelt.
ElevationElevation details not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Payette National Forest wraps around Indian Point like a verdant embrace, showcasing Idaho's wild heart in all its glory. Jagged peaks pierce the sky while crystal-clear alpine lakes mirror the clouds above. The campground itself sits in the midst of this natural theater, where morning might bring a bald eagle's silhouette against the dawn sky, and evening could reveal elk ghosting through the forest shadows. The East Fork provides a constant soundtrack of moving water, while the surrounding wilderness offers endless opportunities for those who seek beauty in untamed places.
Geological RegionIndian Point rests within the dramatic landscape of the Payette National Forest, where the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River has carved its course through millennia of geological history. This rugged terrain tells the story of ancient volcanic activity, glacial sculpting, and the patient work of water shaping stone. The result is a landscape of remarkable contrasts – from gentle riverside groves to precipitous canyon walls, all part of Idaho's spectacular natural heritage.

Campsite details

Sites SizeLimited to three small walk-in units; specifics about size are not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are adjacent to a road, which can lead to less privacy due to noise and dust.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommendations for specific sites were not provided.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites within the campground were highlighted as the 'best.'

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
:Check-in times are not applicable.
Check-out
:Check-out times are not applicable.
Stay Limit
:Explicit stay limits not provided.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific limitation mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutWalk-in 3 unit campground adjacent to a road. Specific layout details not described.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen, no seasonal closure mentioned.
Reservation PlatformsDispersed camping, no reservation platform applicable.
Walk-in AvailabilityDispersed camping, first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyPolicies for cancellation are not defined as reservations are not required.

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers access to non-motorized boating activities on the river. User reviews also mention general outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing, but specific details about these are not provided in authoritative sources.
Hiking
While no specific trails are mentioned in official descriptions, multiple user reviews highlight hiking as an activity available in the area. Reviews describe the forest as having 'numerous trails, forest service roads, and unique places to explore,' including hiking opportunities near alpine lakes and abandoned mines.
Swimming
One user review mentions 'taking a dip' as part of the camping experience, though no specific designated swimming areas or facilities are described.
Boating
Official sources confirm boating is available, specifically non-motorized boating along the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River.
Wildlife viewing
User reviews suggest rich wildlife viewing opportunities, mentioning elk herds, bald eagles, and other majestic creatures populating the region.
Winter Activities
User reviews and weather data suggest snow-related activities like snowmobiling may be possible in winter months, though no specific details are provided.
Water Sports
Includes non-motorized boating activities like kayaking and canoeing, inferred from the mention of non-motorized boating.

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Campfire policies were not mentioned.
  • Quiet hours not established.

Hazards

General hazardsRoadside location may pose dust and noise challenges. No wildlife-specific hazards were detailed.
Active alertsNo active alerts reported.

Weather forecast

87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 28%

Very dry conditions, stay hydrated

Wind: 8.5 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Overcast
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Emergency Services

Krassel Ranger District, 500 N Mission St, McCall, ID 83638. Temporarily closed until further notice.

Good to know

Peak season datesPeak and shoulder seasons not explicitly defined.
Trash and recyclingCampers are expected to "pack it in, pack it out," according to user reviews. There are no trash or recycling facilities explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated next to the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River.
Common complaintsFrequent mentions of road noise and dust due to the proximity of the campground to the road. Some users noted crowding in the broader area.
HostNo host information available.

Campground Map

500 N Mission St, McCall, ID 83638
Driving directionsLocated along the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River. No detailed driving instructions provided.
Adjacent to the road. Road may be noisy and dusty.
Nearby places
McCall (precise distance not stated).
Nearby supplies
Proximity to grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel was not specified.

Camper Reviews

4.7
33 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Indian Point Camping Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The user reviews highlight the natural beauty, tranquility, and outdoor activities available at Indian Point Camping Area. Common themes include the serene environment, rich history, and diverse wildlife.
Review Summaries
Based on 33 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the area's 'peace and healing,' excellent fishing, hiking trails, and opportunities for non-motorized boating. The surrounding Payette National Forest is described as 'amazing,' with...
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Based on 33 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviews mention increasing private property developments and crowded hunting trails ('too much private property popping up,' 'every access road has about 4-5 people on the same trail')....
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Based on 33 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviews recommend packing out all trash ('pack it in, pack it out') and engaging in activities like fishing, hiking, and exploring the forest. One review notes the abundance of huckleberries in the...
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Based on 33 reviews

Seasonal Insights

In summer, users highlight the availability of hiking trails, fishing, and camping with family. Winter reviews suggest snowmobiling and finding peace in the snow-covered landscape. The area is...
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Based on 33 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'In the pine trees you are renewed, sleeping with the sound of the creek.' 2. 'There is peace and healing to be found hiking, camping, fishing, and relaxing among the rugged peaks, alpine lakes,...
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Based on 33 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific details are sparse; however, one user noted the campground was large enough to accommodate a group of 22.
Based on 33 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

Campgrounds
Payette National Forest
Indian Point Camping Area