The McCall City Council Approves Boat Ramp Fees for 2024 Boating Season - Effective July 12th
In a public hearing on June 27th, the McCall City Council officially approved new access fees for the McCall Public Boat Ramp, which will take effect on July 12, 2024.
This decision aims to improve the boat ramp's management and maintenance, alleviate congestion, and enhance the overall boating experience on Payette Lake. The fees are intended to cover costs not currently funded by property taxes, ensuring the facility's ongoing management, safety, and water quality maintenance. The process is also expected to provide the city with important data on boat use on the Lake, the city’s main drinking water source. The City Council plans to reassess the fees after the first season to ensure they are fair and effective. Adjustments may include differentiated fees for in-state or property taxpayers and tiered commercial permits based on usage impact.
Parks and Recreation Director Kurt Wolf encourages boaters to buy their McCall City Boat Ramp Annual or Day Passes in advance to save time. Quick pay QR codes and short links will be available on ramp signs for on-site payments.
Get Updates via text on your mobile phone by texting "MCCALLBOATERS" to 91896.
Payment Information
Advance Payment Services are expected to open soon. Upon check-out, you will need your contact information and boat registration number. Idaho State Parks and Recreation Department provides this registration number, which should be located on both sides of the bow of your boat.
Boat Ramp Fees:
Day Pass Fee: $15.00
Annual Pass Fee: $100.00
Annual Commercial Use Permit Fee: $1,000.00 plus $7.50 per launch during peak hours 10 am to 8 pm
To pay for a day pass or annual pass click here:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to pay a fee to use the City of McCall Boat Ramp?
The fees are intended to cover costs not currently funded by property taxes, ensuring the ramp facility's proper management, safety, and water quality maintenance.
When do I need to pay?
It’s recommended that users pay fees using the link or QR code before arriving at the ramp. Day use fees can be paid up to 48 hours after ramp use.
Should I get the annual pass?
The $100 Annual Pass is the easiest way to make sure you are covered for the season. Especially if you will use the lake more than 6 times in a boating season.
What if I have more than one boat, do I need to purchase multiple passes?
One season pass covers all your personal watercraft. Please input all registration numbers at checkout.
What if I’ve paid 7 days of use fees, can that turn into an annual pass?
No. The annual pass is separate and is not cumulative.
Where else is there boat access to Payette Lake?
There is only one city boat ramp but Idaho Parks and Recreation’s Ponderosa State Park Ramp is an alternate location.
If I plan to launch at Ponderosa State Park do I still need to pay the City ramp fee?
No. Ponderosa Park is a state park. You have the option to use the annual State Parks pass (paid with vehicle registration) or pay their daily rate of $7.50. Please contact Ponderosa State Park with additional questions regarding their fees and boat ramp access by phone at (208) 634-2164 or visit their website here.
If I am a commercial operator using the ramp, do I have to purchase a commercial pass?
Yes. If you are operating business at the public ramp, you must purchase a commercial pass. Self-reporting will also need to be completed daily or weekly for ramp use during the peak hours of 10 AM and 8 PM. Following the boating season, your business will be invoiced $7.50 per ramp use. Please use the ramp use tracker to submit use or load a copy of your scheduled rentals. Find the ramp tracker form here. Pay your commercial pass fee online.
Can I pay with cash or check?
Yes, in addition to online credit/debit cards use one of our pay envelopes to pay with cash/check. Envelopes can be found at the ramp or Mill Street parking lot. City Hall (216 E. Park St.) during regular business hours M-F, 8 am to 5 pm, is another option for payment location. No Refunds.
Why are the fees so much higher than Lucky Peak?
Lucky Peak has 5 boat ramps and significantly more parking and flexibility to expand future parking. Payette Lake has just two public ramps (McCall Municipal, Ponderosa State Park) with very limited parking and the ability to expand parking and or the ramp. All that congestion and wear and tear is consolidated in these two locations and when Ponderosa State Park’s parking lot is full they turn boaters away at the park entrance which puts them back at the municipal ramp.
What if my business has a concession agreement with the City?
No business under a current concession agreement is paying boat ramp fees.
BOAT RAMP REGULATIONS
Please launch swiftly & safely
Use at Your Own Risk
Keep Launch Area Clear
Trailers & Vehicles Must Be Parked in a Lot after Boat Launch
No Swimming, Fishing, Paddling, or Water Skiing from the Dock or Ramp Area
