Payette Lake - Flat Water Paddling

Review

Intro

Beautiful, glittering Payette Lake is set against a backdrop of mountains and lush forest and offers water sports enthusiasts over 5,000 acres of water to play on. With several marinas and beaches along its shores, the lake has easy access for paddleboarding, canoeing, swimming or sailing. Boaters of the motorized variety can give rides to wakeboarders too. There are a number of paces to rent paddleboards and boats in McCall including at the state park.

What Makes It Great

Ponderosa State Park preserves the peninsula that divides the lake into two sections. Camping is available here, but reserve early – this is a popular spot! 

North Beach, appropriately named for its location is a fun spot to stop for an afternoon of water time. Bring a cooler of beverages, your beach towel and a handful of friends or family. This is also a superb spot to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July – get there early too before it fills up. 

The town of McCall is nestled at the southern end of the lake and provides access to many amenities including great restaurants and cafes. Stop in at Bistro 45 after a long day in the sun for a delicious trout salad, glass of wine and good company of friends.

Who is Going to Love It

This is a great place to swim and play in the water, hike and enjoy all the lake offers.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

For directions to the Payette Lake Marina and a map of the area, click here.