Payette Lake Reviews

Took a drive on the eastern side of the lake to the farthest north beach. The roads on the inside of the park were closed by this time - late November

Beautiful Lake!
Great swimming areas around the lake to enjoy! The white sand adds to feel of being on the beach. Lots to do in the area.

The views all around the lake were amazing. Was a bit cold, so didn't get on the lake. Enjoyed it regardless!!

Great lakefront in downtown McCall. Sandy beach, grass and a paved promenade. Walk to restaurants and stores.

Spent Labor day weekend in McCall and had the opportunity to go on a boat tour and rent jetskis, the water temperature was a little chilly but it was fairly warm- high 80s low 90s so the lake was perfect.

We moved to this resort town because of the gorgeous scenery and loads of things to do year round. There is fishing, water skiing and hiking in the summer, ice skating year-round and skiing in the winter.

If you are the sort that loves a lakeside village, Payette lake really is quite attractive. One can drive almost all the way around it. Adorned with many expensive properties, this lake is the place to be for many of the Idaho affluent living in Boise. Some cabin rentals available, and the winter carnival which takes place in February is a great time to visit. There's never really an off season in McCall, ID. If water skiing is your thing, this lake is a beautiful place to do it. Golfing nearby, and plenty of restaurants and camping. McCall and the Payette lake have it all......except seclusion.

Super clean lake. Rent a ski boat at the marina for the day have a ball. Stay at Shore Lodge. Lake a little cool but in July is great.

We spent a week in McCall. The highlight was renting a pontoon boat from Mile High Marina for a day. SO FUN! The lake is the perfect size to enjoy for a day - we stopped at the North Beach sand bar for several hours of play in the shallow waters. The pontoon rental also came with a tube which provided hours of fun. The lake is clean and a great size to explore for one day. HIGHLY recommended!

The lake is just amazing. The view is so tranquil. There are a ton of things to do you can take a cruse or kayak ride bikes around the lake. Go to McCall!

We drove around lake and then pulled off to have a picnic. People were boating and swimming. Very peaceful and clean. Perfect afternoon drive!

Payette Lake is a beautiful high mountain lake. It is extremely scenic. Though the temperature of the water was pretty cold on the day we were there, my kids all swam and didn't complain. The shivering bodies warmed quickly back in the hot tub at the vacation rental home we were staying in.

The lake has clearly marked swim areas, boat docks, and public access points. This is a lot of fun for kids and adults alike.

We drove around the lake, stopped at a couple of different parks, walked on the beach, enjoyed the wildlife and relaxed. Plan on spending the lion's portion of you day. Take a picnic lunch. Well worth your while.

Payette Lake is a great place for boating and jet skis, but I want to talk about Upper Payette Lake Campground. Upper Payette Campground has 20 sites and two group sites. Of the 20 sites, half are reserved and the rest are FCFS. The sites along the water are 10 degrees cooler than the interior sites and get a breeze. The road through the campground is well-maintained gravel and the sites have a paved picnic area. Each site has at least one table and a fire ring with a grate on top for cooking. Many of the sites are doubles and can accommodate long RVs and your water toys, trailer and ATVs. The roads in the campground are maneuverable but there is one section with pine boughs above that might swipe taller rigs. There are two water pumps with potable water, but I did not use it.

The sites are generously spaced for privacy, and there are paved walking paths along the shoreline. You can walk to the day-use beach, but there are other put-in spaces for kayaks and paddle boards if you don’t want to go to the beach area. The camp hosts are very nice and drive around but don’t bother campers other than to wave, but they are there if you need them. At the host site you will find a library for books for kids, free to check out. The vault toilets are clean and sanitized daily.
Arriving on a Tuesday, there were many sites to choose from on a FCFS basis. This is a mostly full campground, but with the comings and goings, most campers agree that you can usually find something. I would suggest arriving late morning on Sunday, any time Tuesday, or before noon on Wednesday for a better chance at getting a site you like.

The group sites are located about half mile from the entrance to the individual sites. There is no camp host on site at the group location, but I have seen them drive over daily. The individual sites are reserve-able six months in advance and the group sites can be reserved one year in advance. All sites are nestled among the pine trees with shade at different times of the day. My favorite sites are 2, 6, 8 & 9. Site 8 is a pull-through.

Payette Lake and McCall are gems; big enough for variety of things to do and small enough to explore with ease. The lake is clear and refreshing, with some sandy beaches instead of the murky bottom found in so many lakes. Ponderosa pines and huckleberries abound. All types of water activites are possible, as well as, hiking trails and lakeside campgrounds. This seems like a great place for families to make memories for a lifetime.

Highly recommend the lake cruise. An excellent way to 'see' the lake and spend a sunny afternoon at a reasonable price. The view from the water is always different than the view from the shore.

Clean lake, beautiful scenery. This is a wonderful spot for boating and swimming. There are some interesting places to pull in a boat - cliff diving, etc.

What an incredible beautiful lake!!! Due to the weather we we're not able to drive all the way around but we went as far as we could in each direction. We're looking forward to coming back next year when it's a little warmer and later in the year

Visited Payette lake for the first time. The beaches are accessible, boat slips accessible, the water is very clean and inviting. Lot's of shade, lot's of picnic tables including one for a large group of people. Close enough to McCall if there are people in your group that don't camp.

Beautiful view at the top of the lake. It was a bit foggy in the morning on the first day there, so this may be better in the afternoon.

It's a pretty lake, you have to be an outdoors person to actually enjoy it. Bike rentals, mom and pop restaurants, 2 local bars, its very pretty

It is too bad a beautiful lake like this is surrounded by so many homes. Because of this one does not feel like one is away from civilization and up in the mountains...it is truly a "resort" lake for weekenders and summer vacationers. One can get to the more natural beauty of the lake on the north side where there is more access to the shoreline.

There are actually a few beaches where you can have dogs off leash! Dogs really enjoyed running in the sand, we enjoyed having tired dogs in the car.

I love this place, its small but yet has enough infrastructure to still enjoy vacationing (restaurants, bars, stores, etc).

We struggle to get cell service thus the kids must play outdoors and we love it.

Mid-week the lake was quiet, sunny, and placid. So gorgeous! We rented a pontoon boat from the marina and had a lovely cruise around the lake.

You can not visit McCall without goin down and around the lake. Serene and just a wonderful place to walk around or sit by.

This lake is beautiful and we drove all the way around it. Not to many places to access the beach without paying to get in a park. It is so natural looking because they have not built it up much. The park down town has access to the beach and has signs with the history about the area.

Great place to get away for couple of nights, beatiful night sky and quiet camping spot. Beautiful calm lake, great for kayaking and paddle boarding.

Beautiful location. Went on a girls week, couldn’t ask for a better location. Mountains, Payette Lake, wonderful food. Would definitely go back.

I have enjoyed this lake my entire life. This glacial lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains and is great for boating. To enjoy the lake's beauty, take a drive around the lake. There are several hotels on or near the lake. Campgrounds are available at Ponderosa State Park. Only two plus hours from Boise, you won't regret the drive.

Loved the scenery and the water activities. This is so beautiful and picturesque. Be sure to hike around the lake if you can.

You can't go wrong with visiting McCall Idaho and take the time to drive around the Payette Lake, swim in it, take a cruise on the Idaho for the day night etc. and just sit in your favorite bar and soak in the scenery

Beautiful Lake and town!. Small shops and great restaurants on the South shore!. The lake is very warm and clean.

The lake itself was beautiful and the mountains behind were a bonus. The lake itself is very busy with boats and swimmers, trying to find somewhat isolated places to get in the water from a beach was tuff until we talked to some locals that gave us suggestions and that made it way better. We ended up going to Twah day use area and put in SUPs and went up river. Wow!! That was so peaceful at daybreak. Just a fun place to be in the summer.

We rented a pontoon boat from Cheap O rentals. The boat was roomy enough for 7 grandchildren and 7 adults! We tubed and generally boated around the beautiful lake. Very enjoyable.

A really large lake which was crystal clear! We took a catamaran boat and enjoyed looking at the huge homes along the lake. We stopped at one of the many beaches and swam awhile. The water was fairly cool but so refreshing!
When we stopped at the beach they were cleaning the restroom facilities-keeping them spotless. it was great!

Although McCall, ID and Payette Lake are no longer "best kept secrets," they are the key reasons we have been vacationing in Idaho for more than 20 years to escape the Texas summer heat. There is so much to do and see here and the weather is perfect. Never disappoints!

What a beautiful Lake and clean beach. The bathrooms are very new and upkept also. You can rent boats, paddleboards. Coffee and shops directly across the street.

Just a beautiful lake in a beautiful setting. Nice docks for boats and a beach for swimming. Beautiful trees surround the lake and the sunsets are spectacular

it was so fun out on the boat we shared great Quality time
together as a family our kids had fun we all met great people

Beautiful lake and surrounding mountains. So much to do! Enjoy swimming, boating or lounging on the shore. Surrounded by outstanding beaches and top notch restaurants, worth the 2 hour drive from Boise!

This is a great lake just to sit by and let time fly by,get on a jet ski,or boat. Water is cold,300 feet deep. Water is really clear. It is beautiful at night

Every time I go, I enjoy the short beach time. The town is small and tourist friendly. Avoid the Chapalla Mexican restaurant, their menu prices do not match what they charge you.

You'll enjoy boating or visiting the beach. Take the time to drive the scenic loop around the lake; it should take a couple of hours depending on how much you stop for pictures.

Although it can get busy on summer weekends, Payette Lake more often than not is a pristine high mountain lake perfect for watersports enthusiasts.

We moved from CDA to McCall on our swing south. My first impression? Idaho's answer to Big Fork...but not as congested on our visit. We enjoyed a drive around the lake and our stay in PSP. Also, a very dog-friendly area...the puppies had a few good swims!

We came back to this beautiful site after moving away from Idaho over 30 years ago. We enjoyed kayaking on the lake on a beautiful day and a dinner overlooking the lake.

The beaches are small...but the lake is lovely. It seemed crowded for such a small pace...must be July!
Everyone seemed friendly and for sure they seemed to be enjoying the lake.

Always such a great day on the lake. Stop in north beach and enjoy for a bit then head back out on your pontoon to tow kids on inter tubes. Nothing beats it!

Great place just to relax. There’s a nice Shore Lodge to stay there. Few places grab a bite to eat & over look the lake. or Rent a Boat, JetSki’s, & do some Waterskiing! Nice Lake!

This was a nice stop. The lake was mostly frozen in Jan. But there was parts open with geese and ducks. An even nicer surprise was the "Public" restrooms, SPOTLESS!

Rental of pontoon boats and jet skis was reasonable, the lake is beautiful and a great option to drive around.

Beautiful spot. Go fishing, paddle boarding, rent a jet ski, take a boat tour, enjoy the beach, wade or swim, or dine along the lake. Then walk around downtown McCall. A great way to spend some time.

The lake was beautiful all frozen over and covered in snow. We could have stared at it all day! People were out there walking on it and sledding down the hill into it.

I own a home in the city of McCall. I was born in Payette, Idaho, and first visited McCall in 1929. I have always liked it and had many friends there. Sadly, most are gone now. Fishing, golfing, relaxing are the things I liked most. Among my memories, the moonlight on the water of the lake is one of my fondest. Although there are many more folks there now, it is still a great vacation location as well as a beautiful place to live, especially if you like winter sports. I watched Alf Engen jump at what is now called the Little Ski Hill, back in the 30's.
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My favorite place to vacation. Most beautiful place in the world. We vacationed there every year growing up. Was so happy to go back this summer.

Right in town, this lake with a sandy beach front, is gorgeous and seems to go on forever. Picnic tables/benches make for a great stopping place.

Spent a little time here fishing. Didn't catch anything & found later those in the area said really it isn't known for catching much fish. Enjoyed the scenery anyway & it was free fishing day in Idaho that day so nothing lost out on that.

Fun experience for all visitors. Definitely a boating or jet ski lake. Very cold for swimming, except for small kids, ( naturally ) who don't realize it's cold. Also good for sailing.

Took a pontoon and speed boat out for the day. Too much fun! Took the whole family, from kids to grandparents. Everyone can enjoy it.

There is not another place quite like McCall on the shores of beautiful Payette Lake. You have the convenience of a small town, but in 10 minutes you can be in the wilderness. It is a happy, friendly place with lots to do-hiking, water skiing, boating, jet skiing, swimming, sun bathing and much, much more.

This is a beautiful summer destination (that has to be shared with many other people). It has some public and private sandy beaches that are really fun for kids; the water is warm enough in August to swim in the lake. Very scenic place to visit.

We had a short time to visit McCall, and decided to head on Warren Wagon Road and drive around Lake Payette. It is gorgeous. The Lake turns into the Payette River and if you turn on East Side Rd, it takes you around the other side of the lake and back down again to McCall. So many places to pull off and see the beautiful scenery. It only takes an hour or so unless you decide to stay forever.

We took the large boatride on the lake which leaves from the center of town with convenient parking, food nearby, and highly recommend it. Amazing natural beauty. Too bad Sun Valley has no lake! This lake makes McCall very special.

Omg what a beautiful place. Charm is the word to describe this quaint little town. We rode bikes all around the area to get views from every angle. I must say it was one of my most enjoyable trips. Idaho in itself has so much beauty & things to do.

Stunning views, with public lake access as well as camping close to town. In McCall there is a good variety of Motels to Hotels, to choose from, depending on your budget. Gorgeous private properties, some can to rented which is how my husband and I stayed. We were lucky enough to have a lake front cabin with private lake access. Lots of water sports here including all kinds of motor water crafts. Very fun place to come and play!

McCall and Payette lake is one of the most scenic places in Idaho. We rent a boat 2-3 times a year and have had an absolute blast every time. Mile High Marina has great rates while the Shore Lodge has some fun higher end equipment. Can't go wrong and with small children a pontoon boat is safe and fun.

A beautiful lake. Fun little beaches accessible from Ponderosa State Park or right downtown. Boating, tubing, waterskiing or just admiring the wonderful cabins and the bald eagles and all the deer that are near by.

A little cooler water but feels great on a hot day.

Payette Lake is 26 miles around. It's shaped like an upside down Y with Ponderosa Park filling in the top of the Y. Ponderosa park is wooded, with camping sites for RV's and tents occupying only a small portion of it. There are hiking trails and lake beaches with picnic areas available. Several city parks also provide access to Payette Lake including Legacy Park, Rotary Park and Brown's Park. Forget fishing, the water is too clean to support good fishing. Boating, water skiing, wake boarding, canoeing, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and sailboating are all activities available on the lake during the summer. The lake freezes over in the winter, and McCall holds an annual contest to see who can correctly guess the exact moment a barrel reaches the shore during the spring thaw. Usually the thaw happens in March.

Payette lake is a must see lake... it is gorgeous, blue water green mountains 😍😍. We went there with our friends , had plans to camp on ponderosa state park but was full so we went over to cascade.. Lake payette is really beautiful.. There are numerous parks, marines and beaches for families. Walking along the shore was enjoyable too... . We went for boat rent but all were reserved so we did swimming . It was so good to be in water on a hot day
. Everything was good..

The payette Lakes cruise around the lake, reminds us how mighty our God is!
The drive around this relaxing spiritual lake will remind you to be careful with this area, fire season is here! Oh my, a private flight at sun down, can touch your heart!

Payette lake is fun year-round winter time it freezes over and you can drive snowmobiles in the races. Summertime is great for pick up volleyball games for both visitors and locals. Good fishing too!

My family has visited McCall and Payette Lake dozens of times over the past half century plus. McCall still maintains its quiet small town feeling, even on crowded summer weekends. The merchants have everything a vacationer needs at reasonable prices, and they act like they really appreciate our business. A wide variety of good to exceptional eateries and drinking establishments, summer and winter recreation of all types. Ponderosa State Park has lots of tent and trailer/rv camping available at reasonable rates, along with hiking, beaches, biking and special activities and programs for kids and adults. McCall and Payette Lake are very special places you'll enjoy!

Only a couple hours drive from Boise, the lake is beautiful and with McCall right there, there is lots to do including fishing, boating, swimming, etc

mccall probably garners a lot of its appeal because it is settled on the payette lake. the lake is always full of fun it seems! paddleboarders, ski boats, fishing boats, canoes, volleyball, all of it! everyone seems to get along quite well which is refreshing.

What a wonderful view, location, setting, vibe. Everything about it was just relaxing and fun. Lots to do... boating, hiking, sitting and enjoying! Great State Park's and commerce in McCall.

This is a stunning lake nestled in the mountains that offers beautiful views, great fishing, boating and in the winter ice sports. You need to make a trip to McCall to see this gem of a lake. Have a great time!!!

Payette Lake is beautiful although shoreline access is limited. Most of the west shore is lined with expensive vacation homes an a good deal of the east and north shore taken up by the state park which charges a fee. The parks along the shore in town are quite pleasant however.

Very nice, local gem. The locals take good care of the public areas near the lake. Beautiful body of water for most anyone to enjoy

Near the Ponderosa State Park Visitor's Center is a beach not too far from the parking lot. Friends and I carried chairs, water, snacks, and reading material. You can find shade provided by the massive Ponderosa Pines or sit in the sun. The lake sparkles in the sun while boats make their way around the lake. The water felt cold, but standing in knee-deep water or a quick dip to cool off is refreshing; kids don't seem to mind. Playing in the sand near shore is a big attraction for children. What a great place to spend an afternoon relaxing.

Took a day Trip to McCall with some family that was visiting from out of state. We really enjoyed hanging out by the beach and took the Lake Cruise trip around the Lake. Also drove through the State Park up to top to see the views of the lake from Osprey Loop. Payette Lake is a very beautiful lake. Restaurants and bars within walking distance and many have scenic views of the water.

Lots of things to do on the water.
You can rent just about anything here.
And enjoy your selves .
Walk around the lake, hang out on the beach, lots of restaurants in walking distance

I visited the area in October and went to the lake in the afternoon the first day and at dawn/early morning the next...Wow! Beautiful doesn't begin to describe it. The lake was like glass and it was quiet (I went to the state park). I picked the perfect time to go! Mid October!

This is God's country! The most beautiful place I've ever seen summer and every other season. I love Idaho!

McCall is a beautiful place to visit, the lake is serene with room for all types of activities. Boating, sailing, jet-skiing, fishing, canoeing, swimming you can do it all in McCall.

Well, the water is always warmer after a few hot days but clean and a great way to cool off in the summer. Spring is a bit too cold for me. Fall is a great time as well.

If you have the opportunity, rent a boat and take the trip from the Nine Mile Marina to North Beach. You can anchor in shallow water and enjoy the day on a white sand beach - and feel like you're in the country! Pine trees surround you and the water in the Lake in July was delightful! It was the perfect day on the water!

This is a clean mountain lake that is fun to swim and boat in.Idaho is a paradise.You can camp or stay at one of the numerous hotels around the lake.

Amazing beach to play soak up some sun and enjoy the beautiful water and scenery. No pets allowed on the beach and no alcoholic beverages on the beach. Great place to relax

We were here right after the 4th of July so there were a lot of visitors. We got away from the major crowds with a nice kayak in the meander at the north end of the lake. There are rentals available there and an early start is best. We have our own kayaks and the put-in is easy. Once you head up the river that comes into the lake the crowd thins out and it’s a very peaceful, beautiful getaway.

Rented a pontoon boat from Cheap Thrills. We had the lake to ourselves. Just beautiful! A little chilly at noon but warmed up. What a great afternoon. Ponderosa State park is a treasure. Lots of birds. Highly recommended!

What a lovely lake. Completely forested down to the waters edge except for the city of McCall and shoreline cabins. View of Brundage, nice Marina, well kept public beach area. The water can be a bit chilly but tolerable. Lots of water play opportunities.

Beautiful lake in the mountains in McCall. Stunning in the wintertime and can't wait to come back with the family in summer.

The size of the lake gives you the oportunity to do just about anything on it, waterskiing, jet skiing, swimming, stand up paddleboarding, sailing, saw someone paragliding over it, floating, kayaking, canoeing, small cruises, etc... I'm sure I forgot something. Anyway, there is something for everyone. Gorgeous lake! It is worth the trip just to get to the lake because of all the activities available.

Very nice. Great place to swim rent canoes kayak. En joyed the area to relax and very clean. The water was crystal clear. Lots of great drives around the lack. There was a place where you could go at dusk to see if you could spot moose or wild life

The city beach is beautiful. So many families enjoying the walking paths, grassy hills, water park, and obviously playing in the lake!

Take a drive around the lake to see everything from old school cabins to gorgeous lake houses!

It is well maintain lake, and has a great view. Luckily, we visited after the summer, which there were quite less people, and easily found the spot to park our car wherever we moved. My only concern is that there may not be enough packing lots if you visit in a summer (a peak season).

Beautiful location for a romantic picnic for my birthday! We come to McCall every year for my birthday and always stop by this lake and my husband makes this fantastic picnic for us to enjoy and the beautiful scenery of the lake make the perfect setting!

To those who live in McCall this lake always stuns and outstands. For those visiting the area it must make them wonder why anyone would chose to be anywhere else. A great place to swim, play, water ski, canoe or just to take in the beauty.

This was my favorite spot of my week long road trip! So beautiful with lots of walk ways and so family friendly. Plenty of places to rent any kind of water craft you could want and quite a few delicious restaurants close by.

Great place to watch the fireworks display from the shore line on the 4th of July night after 10pm when the sun went down!

Paddle boarding and kayaking for first timers is great at the North Beach. The rental rates are reasonable and the staff was helpful, gave s suggestions, found the right piece of equipment.. We look forward to our next adventure! Such beautiful nature!

It offers a lot of romantic view whether you are on its beaches or while your in the eating in the restaurants. Family will enjoy it too.

We try to visit here once a year. It's a beautiful lake and great small town with good eating and lots of outdoor activities.

One of the prettiest lakes in Idaho! Lots to do and see! There are plenty of water park equipment rental places around the lake. If that isn't your cup of tea. There is always staying on land and admiring it on a bench in one of the many parks located around it! Rain or shine, snow or fog. This large lake never disappoints.

Calm, leisurely , beautiful. Great crew, very pleasant and attentive. Boat was clean and a pleasure to be on.

Payette Lake is in McCall Idaho. It’s a beautiful lake with Ponderosa State Park cutting through the middle with great hikes and beautiful scenery. There are several restaurants on the lake with great views and a lovely beach. McCall offers many nice day hikes to lakes and waterfalls. Our favorites were Boulder Lake and Goose Creek Falls. A beautiful part of t the country!

Rented pontoon boats from "Cheap Thrills" and they were great at giving us instruction about the boats and the lake. Water is cold but feels great when it's hot. Nice clean water.

Incredible setting, but it may have been loved to death. Lots of lots all around lake. Beautiful hotel, Shore Lodge. Town adjacent to lake. Many speedboats, float boats, etc. I grew up on a lake like this in Illinois. Of course this setting is way more beautiful, but the busy lake feels out of place in the mountains.

The lake is really cool. You can ski on it in the summer, go to the "beach", camp on the shores or near the lake, and even check out Simplot's floating pool from the lookout point. During the winter, it freezes completely over and people actually go staking or whatever else on it. Sounds like a bad idea to me, but cool for them I guess. What's cool about McCall and Payette Lake is that it's in Idaho and because of that, no one in the states (and especially from other countries) will think there's anything cool there. The stereotype of Idaho is pretty strong. However, if McCall were in California, it would be just as big as Tahoe. It's absolutely gorgeous up there. The lake is a focal point of that, too. Anything outdoors you want to do you can do in McCall and anything water or ice related, you can do on Payette Lake.

Beautiful lake with many beaches, hiking and biking trails. It is a great place for a family holiday!

We love Payette Lake and McCall and go there every chance we get. The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains and bordered by the lovely little town of McCall. The local population is around 2,000 but MUCH more in the summer months. The lake is clean, cold, and clear. It's a great place for boating with several quiet little coves and an interesting coastline. Swimming is brisk is all but July and August. The lake usually freezes over from Dec to April, although breakup in March 2015 was the earliest on record. Mile High Marina offers full services and rentals. There is also a public beach and dock next to the downtown area. The lake can be very busy on holiday weekends as it is only 100 miles from Boise and many come to escape the heat. It's my favorite place for a mountain retreat.

Gorgeous. The lake is so clean and clear. Never over crowded.
Even when there a ton of boat trailers parked at the marina , it seems like the lake would be packed but it's so big that it usually feels like you are out there alone.

The lake is exceptionally clean and the scenery surrounding it is beautiful. It can be very busy on holiday weekends.

This is a gorgeous lake in the fall. We have not been there other times of the year yet as we are new to Idaho. We had the chance to drive around the entire lake and enjoyed the variety of viewpoints offered. The fall foliage was lovely set against the crisp sky and a light sprinkling of snowfall on the tree tops.

A must see! Great beach like area. There's shops galore. What a neat experience. Need to go during the dead of winter to walk out on the ice or snowmobile!

This is by far one of the nicest lakes I have had the luxury of going to it has clear water for fishing and boating and lots of food nearby.

An awesome place to watch people, enjoy the lake. So very beautiful during the day and evenings too. Love it, never gets old.

Enjoyed a nice weekend here of relaxation and beauty. This is a really pretty place. Tours available on the lake and plenty to enjoy in town as well. I recommend and will be back

Good food and a nice view of the lake. Service a bit off but okay. Good for kids and a good menu. Thank you!

It's way to crowded here. The tourists have ruined this town. Most of the local restaurants will give you food poisoning and the locals hate you.

We really enjoyed this lake, Shore Lodge and the town of McCall. Very relaxing and friendly people all around and of course we couldn't have asked for better weather to enoy the beauty that surrounded us.

We love hanging out at Payette Lake as soon as the weather permits. Our three favorite places to go are 1) Brown's Park with a playground and picnic tables with a lawn and great place to throw rocks into the lake, 2) Rotary park with a shaded beach and small playground, 3) Ponderosa State Park beach near the Visitor's Center.

This lake is spectacular. Cold(er) water than other nearby bodies of water, beautifully set at the base of Brundage Mt. We absolutely love it. And the visitors seem to be more respectful of others, wildlife and flora. Be kind peeps!

While we stayed on the shore, sitting and playing in the sand was all we needed. Watching the boats go by and letting the wake splash on our feet. My little ones were having a blast, and I just enjoyed the serenity of the lake. One of my favorite places to see.

My wife and I visited McCall for a bit and hung out by the lake. The scenery of a lake in the mountains was fantastic! We liked everything about being there. The scenery was superb, the people were friendly, and the beach was clean!! The water was very clean and clear as well! I highly recommend people to swing on through McCall and see Payette Lake if you are in the area.

This is the second year we have invited friends to McCall to celebrate a birthday on the lake!! This year we 15 people from Oregon and Idaho and everyone loves all the great activities on the lake! Jet skis, paddle boards, pontoon boat, fishing, hanging out on the beach and sunset cruise!

Love the access from 3 city parks and also Ponderosa
State Park especially love North Beach a great place to hang out on the Beach usually less crowded and the water is crystl clear.

Minutes from lake Payette...McCalls RV Resort is BEAUTIFUL. Spacious, grassy areas, indoor pool/spa, BIG RIG FRIENDLY ! Get a river front space if possible...but all locations are good. Mountain heaven!

The park area near McCall is very nice. Grassy park with benches. Pet Friendly. The lake is surrounded by trees. Beautiful views.

I went for a drive around the lake while in town. It's a beautiful lake with clear water and an amazing backdrop of mountains around it. Very peaceful

For this flat-lander from north central Texas, this scenery was a joy. Truly blue water; green forests; mountains.

Clear water, albeit frigid (how do people swim in this place? brrrr!). Nice swimming beach in McCall. Take a drive around the perimeter of the lake - no more than an hour to complete. Great views. (but some fast-driving locals on the gravel roads).

This lake is beyond clean and just fantastic for viewing and hiking around. We love the history of the place and the fact that so much changes there with the seasons. Just a great place so explore and enjoy.

Payette Lake is at the foot of a charming little town called McCall. There is no shortage of things to do at and around the lake. Beautiful and relaxing. The residents of McCall are the friendliest in Idaho!

We love walking down to the lake from "My Fathers Place" our dogs can sit with us while eating, We so enjoy the view of the lake and yacht area. There are nice dining areas there too.

The lake is beautiful! We rode bikes to Charlie's Garden. Very special. So sorry I did not get to kayak the far end of the lake. Met some great ladies that saw moose in the wild!

Beautiful natural lake in central Idaho. Fairly developed with lots of homes around the lake. Public access is only available at certain areas. Lake side owners are pretty possessive of their property. There are lots of areas near the lake to explore. Excellent State Park on the lake. Book early.

Rent them at North Beach and head up the river to the rope swing. fantastic family fun! Watch out for the moose!

Did a boat ride around the lake, very expensive I'm told to buy there. Parks and camping close by. Clean and large enough to do any water sports you would like. Water is pretty chilly.

if you have come to just drive around a beautiful place, wander amazing trails or cast your luck upon the water there are few places in Idaho as beautiful as this.

Early Mid-week, was quiet, refreshing walking along the lake. Enjoyed meal on patio over looking the lake....Lovely drive along the Payette River, thru the timber...Was a beautiful late summer day, temperature perfect & ever so relaxing

Even covered in ice and snow this is a beautiful lake. It was interesting watching ice fishing going on at this time of year. Find a bar, restaurant or hotel and comfortably watch what’s going on outside.

One of the locals suggested we take the 40 minute drive around the lake. So glad we did. What a beautiful drive. A must do in McCall.

Had a wonderful time there with friends & a picnic . Had a short walk and enjoyed the scenery. It was our first trip to Idaho.

Great views, from rooms, docks, restaurants and bar. The onsite rentals (boat, jet ski, SUP) make enjoying the lake E.Z.

We enjoyed Payette Lake in town and on Davis Beach. In town there's shops, restaurants and activities on a beautiful wide walk way. It's lively; but relaxing.

We took our family on a vacation to McCall, Idaho and stayed at the bunkhouses on Payette Lake (McCall Outdoor Science School). Payette lake was everything we could ask for. Crystal Clear water at the beach, no crowds, beautiful view. We rented a jetski for the day from the Cheap Thrills and would definitely recommend others do the same.

I have always loved McCall. We have taken family vacations here for years. Biggest complaint is lack of convenient places to park. We drove through town for over 30 minutes trying to find a spot. Ended up at Albertsons because we had shopping to do. I love the changes to Albertsons and their great selection. Parking was great there. Don't think I will attempt shopping at gift shops again.

Beautiful lake with wonderful expensive shore line homes and places to stay. Great little beaches all over.

Summer seems mellow in this quaint small
Town..not super crowded although hard to get a boat .. tied lodge and mile hi..some not going o it due to rain over weekend? Concierge at lodge not helpful..seems like connecting w other local business like cheap thrills or taught club they could get more people
On the water. We did paddle boards and relaxed on dock which was nice. Beach also easy w not a ton of people. Drive to north shore where the lake is mirror smooth and many places to
Stop and enjoy nature

North Shore of the lake is less chaotic than the main part of the lake, rent a SUP or canoe from Backwoods Adventures and head north into the North Fork Meanders - wildlife galore and NO MOTORIZED CRAFT on the water.

We had a week long family reunion, about 25 people, at a resort near the lake. We rented kayaks, canoes and paddle boards one day, everyone had a great time. The rental area was a no wake zone and most of that area was off limits to motorized craft. Another day the older kids got to go out in a ski boat and had a blast. Another day we relaxed at Brown park at the beach. They have sand volleyball there and play structures for little kids. Plenty of shade and tables. Some went for a walk along the main strip. Another day we went hiking and swimming at ponderosa state park.

My wife and I went kayaking across the lake and really enjoyed ourselves. Not too crowded and the views were spectacular!

Think Tahoe 50 years ago! The air was a tad bit hazy from the Oregon wildfire smoke blowing over but still very beautiful. We spent most of our time at Davis Beach. A quiet and isolated spot with a nice little pier. Spent a good afternoon swimming, snapping photos and having a picnic there. The pier is privately owned but open to public. The water off the pier is about 5 feet deep so essentially safe for children to swim there. My group went after Labor Day so very quiet and not many people so I guess we would say we had our own private beach for the day. Highly recommend to any family or group of friends!

We used to drive up to McCall for a single day trip and would spend our whole day at the lake swimming. There are nice swimming areas closer to home, but there is just something we like about the drive, the lake, and the atmosphere around town.

This year, we stayed for a few days – what a blessing!

The Good:
The lake is so crisp and clear.
The air just feels good up there.
There are roped off areas for children to swim.
You don't have to be rich to enjoy the lake and the area.
So nice to get away from the 100 degree heat of Boise.

The Bad:
The lake is cold, so the heat of August is the best time to go.

We walked along the shores of Payette Lake after lunch today. All the boats are out of the water as winter is coming, but e smooth, placid water looked to be very calming. I did see two people out in kayaks, but otherwise the lake was just having a nice quiet day.

Beautiful lake located in McCall, Idaho. We went for a swim and the water was exhilirating. We can imagine just how nice it is in summer, though we hear it can be crowded.

Beautiful lake, accessible year-round, lots of public beaches. Very clean, scenic. We have been here in winter and in summer, love it every time! Lots of restaurants and lodging nearby. Hiking, bicycling, motorcycling, boating, jets skis, choose your summer activity!

You really can't go wrong planning any activity in or around the lake. It's big and beautiful with areas that allow you to get away from the activity.

Wonderful scenery Eagles, Deer, clear water is naturally fed lake and has great fishing. Kayak around the lake and see for yourself.

Wonder cruise for my girlfriend and friends. We all had a blast! We brought a picnic lunch, and the Capt pulled the beautiful boat into a very quiet cove. We swam and had a great time. The lake is beautiful and the cruise exciting and relaxing. Payette Lake Scenic Cruises is the best.

My wife and I visited here on 8/15/16 in our Jeep (no boat). Took the circular route around the lake stopping at turn outs and beach access. Good swimming, paddle boards or kayaking. Lots of motor boats.

It was a really nice, lea-surly drive around the lake. We stopped and a stream and walked around and took some pictures. Beautiful area.

This lake is great during the summer and winter months. When it is frozen in the winter you can walk on it! During summer it is great for boating or swimming!

The lake is clean and large. Great views and boat cruise was fun. Paddle boards available for rent as well as jet skis.

Gorgeous lake and the water is clear and clean. It is my favorite part of McCall, I always find some way to get wet every time we visit.

Great views from anywhere on the lake. Boating, swimming, fishing. Beautiful, clean, awesome, great, etc

We drove all the way around it there is a scenic loop around. The views are amazing and was glad we took the time to do it.

Beautiful and so much to do. We stayed at Ponderosa State Park, and our site (we travel in a 36 ft. 5th wheel, pulld with a GMC Duly) was beautiful, private, and one of the best sites we've ever had. The area is beautiful, many hikes and great bike trails. A lovely swimming area and grounds. The only reason I gave it a 4 instead of a 5 is that when we pulled into the park, the personnel were not friendly, or helpful and we found that same attitude at the Visitor Center. We had to ask specific questions to get information and look over the desk and ask for certain flyers we could see, and the young man was not familiar with the park, trails, or any other information.

The views of this lake as you arrive in McCall are just spectacular. We did have a little fog and rain but still enjoyed what the area had to offer.

I have never been swimming in the lake. I've been told the water is cold, but there are always people in it. Great for boating, tubing, and skiing. The scenery is beautiful! Simply traveling around it in a boat or canoe is so relaxing and makes me so thankful for this beautiful country.

December and the lake is absolutely gorgeous. A fresh coating of snow around its edges and on all of the trees make it a beautiful sight.

this is a very nice lake tucked away in McCall. great for fishing, boating, water skiing, etc. also quite nice just to motor around the lake enjoying the scenery. quite a bit to do in the area

Take the time to drive right round the lake. Part of the drive is a dirt track but don't be put off by that as some of the views are really stunning.

I love this lake!! The view of the mountains and the size of the lake make this a perfect tourist attraction. There are boat rentals, jet ski rentals, beach park..this list goes on. We took the sunset cruise which gave us a chance to look at the lake from the water and get a little bit of history of the lake. If you drive up the the north end of the lake there is a little outlet that you can rent canoes, kyaks and paddle boards. There is an area that no motorized water vessels are allowed which makes it perfect for beginners!

Visiting in off season gave us chance to see it as a quiet, peaceful and beautiful lake. The park along the shoreline was nicely landscaped, there were bathrooms, outside shower and walking path with benches. Not to mention some beautiful views overlooking this gorgeous lake!

Where ever you go on the lake the views are wonderful. If you can get in a boat to cruise along the shore line do it!! you'll see beautiful lake side cabins and houses tucked in the ponderosa pines. Make sure you go all around the lake.

this is our second trip to this town and while we no longer are boaters or have the equipment necessary to fully enjoy the lake it is the kind of place that we would go if we were still into that very activity. It is very clean, nice people all around and trendy vacationers

A great place to take a vacation both winter and summer. Has many fishing areas that are public access. Rent boats or wave runners during the summer and snow mobiles and skies during the winter.

From being visually stunning to offering water sports or even a beach area to relax on or near... and a woodland park area... Payette Lake has all you need.

Great place to spend with loved once and just yourself. Swimming is awesome, no lifeguards, so watch your children and none swimmers.

Went up to get away for a few days and the lake was so calm and quiet. So much different then during the summer. Great time to visit

Drive up early for the solar eclipse. Spent some time on the beach with our two toddlers splashing in the "surf". I really like that they have beach toys for the kids to play with!

Stayed on the lake for 3 nights at Pilgrim Cove and loved the clarity of the water and wide open views. The fog over the lake in the morning was mesmerizing

The lake is beautiful. Numerous parks, marina, beaches and places for families. Boating, fishing and swimming during warm months. Outstanding views of the mountains.

Love Payette Lake (shouldn't say that, don't want it to get to crowded). My 4th time there, was very smokey from all the fires this time. Rented a boat for a day cruised the whole lake, I feel the boats are expensive to rent, however was a good day on the lake.
Would love a summer place here.

We drove the entire way around the lake and it was just beautiful. We took in the park drive all the way to the end. There were a lot of people walking or jogging along the paths. Many with their children so it is a very family orientated park. It was late in the season, end of Sept., so we didn't see the animals that we were told we might encounter. We did however see a small herd of deer, about 7 in all. It was a very enjoyable slow drive and look forward to going again in the next year or two. If you go be sure to look for their "monster" in the lake. It is said there is one there. One person said an unmanned sub went down and never found the bottom of the lake so who knows there could be a cousin to "Nestie" down there.

Great Lake for fun family activities! From boating, to jet skis, to swimming at the local Ponderosa State Park this place has it all! Loved the beautiful picturesque views and lively water!

Very pretty time of year to drive around the lake! There is snow already, so be careful as you soak up the colors!

Payette Lake is very beautiful. You can drive or bike around the lake or you can hike in Ponderosa State Park. The Park has multiple trails, most offering great views of the lake. There are beaches as well. The water is cold and very clean. If you are in central Idaho, visit the lake.

Wife and I went boating up on Payette Lake yesterday. Ended up st the North Shore Beach. Watched the kayakers, enjoyed the sand, sun, shade and the view.

Staying at the Shore Lodge allowed us access to Payette Lake. Our kids paddle boarded on the lake and my husband and I sat on the dock and enjoyed the view. Lovely!

So pretty - sunsets were gorgeous! Great for boating, kayaking or just paddle boarding. Kids were having fun just splashing around. Great little beaches just off the main city strip.

The Payette Lake is gorgeous. The water is cold, but on a super hot day, it feels amazing. There are a wide variety of water sports to do. I highly recommend going to McCall and taking a boat cruise and getting in the water!

Coldest water I've been in, to date, but looking forward to more. Visibility wasn't great, but better than some of the other lakes I've been in.

We live in California now and still travel to McCall to play in the lake and visit family. Unless you're there on a holiday weekend it's usually not too busy and has enough room for water sports with and without motors.

The lake is very lovely from all angles. We would have loved to paddleboard but it was too cold for us. That did not stop other folks from heading out on the water though. We are looking forward to returning in the summer.

Our favorite lake, probably because it's where we've always gone. Small, and busy on weekends and holidays, but cold and deep and lovely.

We are looking for somewhere to retire and we loved this area. We loved the trees and the areas within the trees. There is a lot of outdoor activities in all seasons.

McCall is a great little town. Setting is beautiful. Can swim, do any number of water sports, shop and eat on the lake.

Lake Payette Lake reminded me of a smaller Lake Tahoe. Beautiful mountains, clean and cool water. Fun for all family members with boating and jet skiing.

Beautiful lake and wonderful views. Everyone seemed to be having a good time and there were lots of water sports going on.

Sharlie is the lake monster (think Lach Ness). The lake has sail boats, parks, beaches, playgrounds and great fishing. You can dine on the lakeside or go boating, or just relax. The views are wonderful. Visit the lake, it's worth the trip!

We spent a few days in McCall, and one full day out on Payette Lake in a rented boat from the marina. Beautiful scenery and a smaller lake but just fantastic views and wonderful place. I hesitate to review this place because I don't want other people knowing how great it is. (yes, it's that good) I realize it's already well-known, but the fewer tourists, the better!

This is really a central part of McCall, ID. We saw it from the city, from a State Park, and from housing nearby.

It is really a focal point.

Payette Lake in McCall, Idaho was a day trip for us from Mountain Home , Idaho. The route was along the Snake River Canyon was one of the most scenic drives I have experienced. When we arrived at McCall, the quaintness of the town was evident. Steeped in Western history it has made the conversion to Tourist destination seemlessly.
The resturants were plenty and the Food was delicious. You must stop for Ice Cream. That's where my family met Aaron Paul, from "Breakin Bad" and his wife. Also when you go to the beach Write on the " Before I Die " Board, and stand on the "Sun Dial"

We love to go to Payett Lake to see the beautifule trees and enjoy the cool weather.
There are many art galleries and a great restaurant in the hotel just our of town...

I've been coming to Payette Lake for 33 years, and it has never been as nice as it was this summer!

Kayaking the Payette River area is nice as well.

This is a very large lake and it can be accessed in different areas of McCall Idaho and Ponderosa State park. The water is nice and clear. A bit cold in May.

Payette Lake is gorgeous. While we did not have an opportunity to take a boat around the lake on this visit, I definitely think it is worth checking out.

High mountain lake, small town, clean cool water, beautiful vistas. One of the places that makes Idaho so great. And right next to the Idaho Centennial Trail. Be sure to visit.

Summer extended a few days the week after Labor Day making for perfect boating without the crowds. Beaching at North Beach is always a favorite, stopping to play in the water and relax for hours at a time. The shallow water was surprisingly refreshing and great for floating and swimming.

The lake is right in town and has accessible public areas to enjoy it. A beautiful, serene clean lake. Lovely for sitting at a table and enjoying nature.

We take an annual summer vacation to Idaho and most often visit Riggins and stay for a few days to do some river rafting. When not rafting we make the drive up to McCall, which sits beside Payette Lake. Driving into town you're amazed by the blue, clear water of the lake. You can park your car and walk to the beach area that has been designed so you can enjoy just looking at the water or if you brought your swimsuit, there's a swim area too. There's also docks where boats can be launched and tied to, as well as water sport rentals available. The town of McCall near the Lake offers quaint shops, several good restaurants, and clean public restrooms. It's a great place to visit for a day trip or if you have time, to stay for a few days. The town folks are friendly and there is much for a whole family to enjoy while there.

For those who are not athletic, the view of the lake is breathtaking. For those who are athletic, the myriad of lake-related sporting available year-round is sure to please!!!

As a Northern Californian coming here I felt I was at Lake Tahoe. Very similar, large body of water, second homes abound, signs indicate it's summer water sports & winter skiing. Nice sized town of McCall for restaurants & supplies. Just like South Lake Tahoe except for no casinos here.

Great place for all you who like to take pics.We started off from Shore Lodge where we were staying, and took a drive around the lake. About a 2 hour road trip including stops.Bring some picnic munchies. Be sure to stop at all the places to pull over and check the view. We made it back in time for Happy Hour in the Lounge.

We visit often and live the lake and town (McCall). Absolutely worth the visit and enjoy the fishing, boating, canoeing, sunning, playing on beach and in the water. Great location for hiking.

We came to McCall in early February for the McCall Winter Festival and again in August of 2016 and both times visited Payette Lake which McCall borders on the southern portion of the lake. The city does an AWESOME job keeping the surroundings clean. If you like the noise of jet skis during the summer months, then you will really like the lake. If you don't, then you might want to go to surrounding lakes where noise pollution does not exist. For me, if it wasn't for the noise, I would rate it a 5.

We have been here both winter and summer and have enjoyed it in both seasons. Any time of year the view across the lake is of snow capped peaks. Boating, fishing and swimming are popular pastimes. The air is clear and smog free. We lovevit.

There is a nice beach with good a swimming area for kids. it is easy to rent paddle boards kayaks etc.

Beautiful and wonderful place to visit. Great place for a nature walk. Picturesque view of the lakeside with wildlife around.

Beautiful place to take a drive. Drive around the lake. Don’t turn around when you get to the dirt road. It wanders through some beautiful woods and plenty of picnic spots. Waterfalls, a little bumpy, but worth it. Great place to take a kayak. Beautiful beach on the way around the lake

Beautiful Lake! I wish we had come in the spring before fire season then we would have been able to take the cruise on the lake! Even with the smoke this is a beautiful lake!

Went the the north end of the lake, less people and the water is crystal clear. Can't wait to come here again!

It’s a beautiful spot. Lots of people, kind of takes away the serenity. McCall a very busy place, but cute shops.

This is a great drive through the valley and by the Payette river , a little over 2 hours from Boise to McCall. One of the great drives in Idaho !

This is our first time canoeing and we had a great time. The Backwood Adventure is sat right at the North boat ramp (6.5 mile from the shore lodge on the Warren Wagon Rd.), where the lake and the North fork of the Payette river join. The river is non motorized flat water and quite scenic. We spend two hours in a sunny afternoon and it is well worth the 30 bucks.

Beautiful lake, nice park beachside with grass. Lots of water activities and cute stores / food on the streets. Always recommend a visit!

We stopped for a short visit. What a nice area with a lovely town around it. It has areas that are more beach and others to sit and relax as well as boating. Wonderful stop.

This is a beautiful spot and there's a lively drive around the lake. Also the town of McCall is typical cute ski town with some nice shops and restaurants.

Rented a ski boat from Mile High Marina and took the family out for a day of wake-boarding and tubing. Packed a lunch and beached our boat on the north beach to take a break. Great scenic views and enjoyed touring the shore line with rustic cabins to million dollar houses. Hard not to day dream about owning/renting a cabin on the lake.

The east side of the lake was less crowded and had better water conditions.

The beauty of Lake Payette draws many folks to the small town of McCall. The Lake Shore Lodge is a great place to stay and enjoy the activities, including a lovely spa. There's water skiing, jet skiing and all sorts of water activities going on. Beautiful mountains surround the lake. It's a fun family affair.

I've been coming here for over 50 years with my family. We continue to come each year introducing new generations to its beauty! It is "Heaven on earth" for me!

Payette Lake is a great place for all ages. There is good boating, fishing, and beaches. The smallest children will have fun playing in the sand. There are little fish that are fun for children to catch and there are big fish that give a challenge to the experienced fisherman. There is plenty of room for bigger boats on the main lake, and great canoeing on the upper arm. You can bring our own lunch, or stop at any level of dining you enjoy.

We stayed in McCall and decided to take a drive around the North of the Lake along Warren Wagon Road - stopping at several points to take in the view. Absolutely beautiful spot - would highly recommend!

Looking for a sparkling mountain lake? Looking for a fun mountain town? Looking for a great place for some RnR? Get to McCall. I know Idaho is known for Sun Valley. And Sun Valley has it's charms. But for my time and money, McCall has the charming, relaxed and refreshing atmosphere that I'm after on vacation. There's something about the air and sunlight there that feeds the soul and soothes the mind. If you go in July, you can comfortably swim in the lake...one of my favorite memories from a getaway with lots of friends last summer. We rented a big house. We cooked too much food. We rented a pontoon boat and swam in the lake. Magic. Food for the spirit.

This is a beautiful, accessible lake and not overly crowded. There are spots along the lake where your dog can swim and ours loved it too.

I liked paddleboarding, wakeboarding and playing on the beach with the family. Summer season is really short in McCall, so plan your time at the lake between late June and mid August for the best hot times!

Great lake. We went out when there was no one else out and had fun. I haven't tried fishing there yet, but Kayaking is a great time for the family. The people are also friendly and not stuck up like some other vacation towns. Hope it stay's that way.

We were in McCall over a hot weekend. There was heavy power boat usage on the lake. The public beaches are well-used, but clean and convenient. Power boats come and go from nearby marina and private boat slips. We were buzzed by a guy in a self propelled paraglider. Your time at the public beaches are not quiet sit-by-the-lake and read opportunities. Just be prepared for a lot of activity. No lifeguards on duty.

Love this area and the lake. Surrounded by tall pines and several spots for the kids to swim. It's unique in that most people aren't aware of this hidden gem ( McCall ) outside of Idaho or Utah- A true summer of fun for the whole family-

Beautiful lake, several nice beaches, roped off swimming area, reasonably priced canoe, kayak and paddle board rentals. Beautiful mountain scenery

We’re here to ski this February and are really enjoying the gorgeous powder at nearby Brundage. Lots of choices for dining and lodging in McCall.

Take the cruise, stroll the beach in town, rent a jet-ski... lots of options. Late summer seems like a good time to visit; the weather in mid-September was perfect.

Had a family reunion here. Rented some boats and jet skis. Water was comfortable and refreshing with the hot weather. Best way to experience the lake is to get in/on it!

Unspoiled lake with many potential activities from motor boats to kayaks to sailboats. Marinas and plentiful beaches. Perfect for families, teens as well as couples. Surrounded by forest but restaurants and nightlife available.

Love this lake! Calm water can be found in the morning and evening. These are the best times for water sports. Beautiful sight seeing while cruising... North Beach is a festive spot to check out- well worth a visit!

The lake is so beautiful and clean. No wonder J.R. Simplot maintains a home there. Took the boat trip around the lake and was well worth the money. The back side of the lake is like stepping back in time 100 years. Waited 24 years to make my visit and was well worth it.

We were fortunate enough to stay at a house in the lake for our business retreat. The lake is surrounded by pines and mountains providing a beautiful backdrop. We could see the bottom at least 8-9 feet down. I am not sure the water temperature but it was definitely cold and refreshing for our almost 90* days and a little chilly during early morning and evening dips. There is a sandy beach area where people gather, a small marina and paddle board and kayak rentals. Simply stunning lake.

You can't get much better than a summer trip that includes Payette Lake. However, they are doing road construction on Wagon Wheel Road (West Lake Road) so we couldn't get to the northern boat launch. Had to drive back to Ponderosa Park to put in. Then drove up the East Lake Road to the northern beach, which was actually quite nice.

Pristine and surrounded by mountains, take the Payette Cruise boat for a trip around one part of the lake.

Beachside pick up volleyball games are the thing! The summer built in sprinklers are a ball for little kids and grown-ups a like. Evening lake front music can be heard across the water and those up for dancing can do so at Mile High Marina. Excellent burgers and variety of specialty drinks! Great place for friends and family to meet up.

These are some seriously blue waters! Lake is gorgeous. Much is overdeveloped, though, and much is bordered by private property, and there's no parking near most of the rest.

A very beautiful lake where you can find coffee shops and restaurants suitable for brunch, lunch and sometimes dinner because not all of them open till night! A nice area to relax and listen to the sound of the waves in the lake! It’s highly recommended!!!

Ton of fun, easy to rent/launch Kayak. Water is shallow, clear and lot's of interesting places to explore.

Payette Lake is a wonderful destination place. It is an amazing area whether you are boating, hiking, fishing, biking or just out for a scenic drive. The lake is beautiful and the surrounding area is amazing. The town of McCall is at the south end of the lake. There you can enjoy a day of fun shopping and dining, or just sit and watch the boats go by. There are many hotel opportunities as well if you would like to spend more time there. It is a little over 100 miles drive north of Boise. In the winter months you can enjoy snowmobiling, cross country or downhill skiing or just sliding down a hill in the snow. There is something to love to do for everyone in the family,.

Can drive completely around the lake, most of the road is paved. found a good fishing spot with just beautiful views. In town there is marina area and rentals.

My family and I spent 8 days in McCall. Three 8-hour days were spent on the lake and the beach at the north end of the lake. I was amazed at how clean and weed free it was! It is big enough to accommodate a lot of boats and boating activities. As an added bonus, we got to see a moose and her calf in the grasslands near the bridge by the beach, and Osprey fishing in the lake.

I got a chance to visit Lake Cascade and Redfish Lake and you might be able to snag a better photo app at Redfish or even Cascade but overall Payette took the price for us. The most stuff to do in a medium sized lake. We visited both the State Park and also went paddle boarding on the lake. Paddle boarding and kayaking are the best on the Northeast end of the lake where you can rent from Backwoods adventures and take a journey up the Payette River. The current is almost non-existent so the up river paddling is easy. Ponderosa State Park is so unique in that it takes up almost the entire middle peninsula of the lake. It is worth $ 5 admission just to drive around and make sure you go to the end of the loop drive in the park because you will be rewarded with a higher up panoramic view of the lake.

Payette Lake is beautiful- a little gem is the state park for riding bikes, hiking, fishing or just driving. Very nicely appointed park on the end of a peninsula

Too cold to swim in May. But the weather was sunny and in the high 60's. Cute little town but not much to do in May.

McCall is a wonderful picturesque town to stay in right next to lovely Payette Lake. Plan to stay a few days so that you can take some of the hikes in the state park there.

Our family reunion group of 28 people (ranging in age from a little baby to great-grandpa, including a pregnant lady) had a blast at the lake. We rented 3 jet skis, a speed boat, and a pontoon, from Cheap Thrills (which had excellent customer service, good machines, and the best prices in town) and had a wonderful day on the lake. The water was warm enough to be enjoyable and the beach was very pleasant. A couple things to keep in mind---anyone 'driving' a boat, pontoon, or jet ski, must watch a training video at the shop which is not on the water. It's a five-minute drive away from the lake. There are rules regarding ages and driving and supervision, etc., so be sure to check on that. It's a good idea to reserve boats 3-4 days in advance but jet skis are generally available the day of. The pontoon seats a lot of people and goes fast enough to pull a tube. We had a blast on the pontoon! The jet skis seat three and can also pull a tube (if only two people remain on the jet ski). There are lots of options and the people at Cheap Thrills were super patient in answering our questions, so don't hesitate to call and ask them. I would also add that the city of McCall does a fantastic job at maintaining the beach area and making it pretty and clean. The bathrooms are nearby and also very clean. We've always taken ocean vacations in the past, this was our first lake trip. When asked what they prefer from now on---they want to go jump in the lake!

The lake was very beautiful and nicely appointed with a walkway. It appeared to have two bathrooms at either end of the path. Great place to take a nightly walk.

Payette Lake is absolutely beautiful in a wooded setting next to the town of McCall which is a rustic place with many amenities that you wouldn’t expect in a rustic setting. I come from a region of beautiful lakes in the northeast and I think Payette holds its own with them. The only reason for a 4 star review is the access. If you are coming from the Boise area, do not go on a weekend. The beautiful river canyon drive is absolutely bumper to bumper and the area is crowded.

Pros: You can spot a moose on the easily paddled river on the north end. A couple of good restaurants. The water is not crowded in many areas. Bike trails, hiking. Stunning lake and scenery.

Cons: High speed, tight pack traffic getting in and out from the south. If you want true solitude this might not be your place.

A winter's look at Payette Lake in McCall Idaho January 2019. A beautiful day with just enough hints of snow on the mountains. The deep blue water reflects the winter mountains.

The water is so clean that we can see the bottom fifty feet or more from the shore. The water is cold early in the summer, but by later July, it really warms up. We have been coming from Columbus, Ohio, to McCall, Idaho, for seventeen years so we have seen big changes in town but the lake remains a constant source of beauty! Some of our family live in Boise so we try to get together with them every other year in Idaho. Luckily, they have a boat and other water toys so we are able to take full advantage of the lake. I agree with many of the other reviewers that it's a secret gold mine that we hope masses of people do not discover. We like to think of it as our own special place.

The lake is a beautiful gem in the forest. McCall is right on the shore. We visited in autumn so there were few other visitors. There's lots of town or private property right on the lake, so the best place to experience the lake is Ponderosa State Park. $5 to get in, visitor's center, boating, hiking. We were surprised to learn this is a natural lake (as opposed to a man-made reservoir).

We spent the day in McCall with family, including several hours exploring the quaint downtown area. We also had lunch overlooking the lake, went on a hike, picked wild huckleberries, and saw Sharlie the sea monster.

We love lake communities, and try to visit a new place each year. Our trip to Payette Lake was very enjoyable. The lake is beautiful and clean, the community busy and friendly. The town of McCall has nice shops and great places to eat. We enjoyed the hiking and mountain biking trails in and around McCall and Payette Lake. We would love to go back!

So beautiful in the winter, and for the winter carnival, lots of people out walking on the frozen lake

Stayed in a condo for a couple of weeks at Payette Lake, absolutely amazing views of the lake and surrounding hills. Plenty to do from Jet Skiing to paddle boarding to canoeing as well as an awesome backdrop for a glass of wine. Number of good rental companies around the lake and In McCall to ensure you had everything required.

This is a great lake on which to boat or jet ski. At the north end of the lake is a nice park with lots of people picnicking and swimming. My favorite thing is the estuarine waterways at the north end where you can canoe or kayak for miles in pristine flat water with lot of wildlife.

Take a book and walk to Legacy Park for a spectacular sunset by the harbor. Such clean, clear water. We loved the mexican restaurant that overlooked the lake. Stunning!

McCall and Ponderosa State Park are one of my favorite happy places. Lots of hiking, biking, water sports, camping, fishing, and on and on! The staff is always friendly, and facilities are will kept. This is our family's favorite camping destination.

Had a condo for overnight. Well heated even in the cold weather.
Lovely town, McCall. Would return. great restaurants

We enjoyed the beached right in town in McCall. Also, we rented a jet ski for two of us ($150 mid-week, fuel included) for two hours and found a nice piece of sand that was undeveloped. It was great!!

We drove part way around the lake and it's really beautiful. What a lovely setting for the town of McCall. I wish we'd had the time to go for a boat ride on the lake.

This area is beautiful. There are a lot of things to do in the area. Paddle boarding, jet sking, sailing, boating. Hiking.

This little lake has it all- boating- swimming- fishing- a great lodge and plenty of spots for picnics & nice little restaurants dot the shoreline.

I have lived all over the west. From Colorado down to Arizona and all the way up to the Canadian Border. I have been to National Parks and hiked to lakes seldom seen, and though I have been awed and delighted, I was amazed when I came to McCall and found, right in the center of it all, one of the prettiest most serene lakes I've ever picniced the shore of. If you go, take a drive around the lake, better yet, take a bike ride (in season) and explore the coves, beaches and swimming holes. Bring your camera, bring a book....spend the day on the shores. If it's winter and the ice is right, slap on those skis and find your way to the middle. Stay at The Shore Lodge, though pricey, it is worth it for a special occasion. We have a saying in Idaho: you can't get there from here...McCall is a place you almost have to be headed to, but for this gem in the Rockies, it is worth the detour...

We rented a pontoon, packed a lunch and hung out all day on the lake! You are able to pack lunch and liquor. You could choose full or have day rental

We drove around and saw a few different points on the lake. Every view was beautiful. Next time I would like to stay for a few days and enjoy some time on the lake.

This is one of the most beautiful lake I have seen...Just breathtakingly beautiful with a joggers path running around the lake. They have benches laid around the lake.

Nice lake to visit and just enjoy. Town nearby is cute and friendly. See ice cream ally just off 3rd street for fantastic ice cream

Surrounded by snow capped mountains and part of Ponderosa State park. Beautiful area to see and enjoy!

We spent one day of our reunion on the lake. We rented a ski boat and spent the entire day wake boarding, water skiing, tubing and wake surfing.

We found the perfect base camp at a tiny municipal park east of McCall called Brown Park. It has a dock, rest rooms, a swing set and small pavilion and grassy area overlooking the lake.

The lake itself is huge and nothing but clear blue water as far as you can see. Of course any large lake can develop some chop if the wind picks up, but we were lucky and had reasonable boating conditions all day.

This is a moderately busy lake, but even with sail boats, jet skis, house boats and ski boats abounding, you can still find your own patch of lake and have plenty of room.

If we end up living in western Idaho (Boise area) Payette Lake will become a regular day trip destination for us.

5 stars!

Beautiful lake to enjoy a myriad of activities. Water ski, jet ski, kayak, canoe, paddle board. The north end of the lake allows access up the Payette River. Wildlife watching at it's best. Sate Park (Ponderosa) campground on the north end of lake. Scenic drive all the way around the lake. Great views.

Stunning beauty all around! We enjoyed the sunset cruise, 2 hours of beauty with a great crew! Highly recommend it!

It doesn't get any prettier than this. The lake mountains all of the scenery is stunning. The locals are very nice. A must see vacation

I was born and raised in McCall on the beautiful Payette Lake. McCall has changed over the years, but the Lake is always beautiful, it's Home. Beautiful sandy beaches, cold water that's refreshing on hot days.

One of our favorite things to do when in McCall is to drive through Ponderosa State Park ($). Drive all the way to the top of the mountain and climb to the overlook. We've done it for years, and now do it with our grandkids. We're going to do it again this summer 2018.

Can be enjoyed by swimmers, boaters, jet skiers, fishermen and more. Even has loaner life preservers by the docks incase you need a few extras for some new friends.

Be sure to visit if you are in or passing through McCall. Rotary Park was pleasant and Cheap Thrills is great to work with if you want to rent a boat or jet ski.

There are several places to stop as you drive around the lake to get out and take pictures and just enjoy the beauty around you. The road can get kind of rough in some places, so go slow, besides driving fast just makes you miss all the good stuff. We ended our journey at the state park and were able to look and see the lake from above.

There isn't much to say about the lake in the winter but it did make for a nice backdrop for picture taking

We booked four nights at our WorldMark by Wyndam resort based in McCall for a little getaway, not having explored the area before and not sure what to expect from the McCall vicinity. The locale exceeded all expectations! Whether you are into watersports, skiing, mountain biking, hiking, camping, you name it, this area has it all waiting for you!! Beautiful scenery, great downtown core shopping and friendly people. We are definitely going back for more!

This lake is huge and fantastic. The super rich people around McCall can be really annoying, but if you avoid them it shouldn't be an issue.