Ponderosa Campground

Signs and Info

Campsites

Facilities

Name: Ponderosa Campground

The ponderosa pine trees make this a campground to remember. Large ponderosas release a vanilla scent. With the shade, scent and scattered smaller trees and brush this is an excellent spot for a campground. The campground is situated on rolling hills however, sadly, there is no running creek. The near by Mogollon rim creates a unique landscape with awesome canyons and buttes.

Campsites: Ponderosa Campground has 48 campsites and 2 group sites. The campsites are clean, level and roomy with a mature forest providing ample shade. The campsites are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings and food safety boxes.

Host on Site: Yes

Water: Yes, There are water hydrants scattered about.

Garbage Services: Yes

Electricity Available: No

Restroom: The restrooms are vault style outhouses which were clean at the time of our visit.

Handicap Accessible: The restrooms are handicap accessible.

Firewood: You may purchase firewood from the camp host.

Pets: Pets must be kept on a leash.

Picnic Area: No

Recreation: Camping and hiking

Fishing: No

Boating: No

Swimming: No

Hiking: There are several trails to hike. I have included a link to the hiking trails listed on Tonto National Forest.

Wildlife: Both white-tail and mule deeer are common here. You may also see elk but use care with you food and dispose of your garbage to avoid problems with the neighborhood bear. Warning - Rattlesnakes may be found here.

Additional Camping Opportunities: We have visited 4 campgrounds in this area Houston Mesa Campground, Ponderosa Campground, Christopher Creek Campground and Sharp Creek Campground.

Nearby Services: For gas, groceries or other supplies and services one would like want to drive a few miles to Payson.

RV Dumping Site: On site, however I am not sure whether it was covered up for the winter or whether it is no longer active. There is also a RV dump station at Houston Mesa Campground near Payson. There is a $10 fee to use it.

Nearest Shower: Normally one could drive to the shower at Houston Mesa Campground near Payson but with COVID closures the shower is closed.

Location/Driving instructions: I have included a GoogleMap from Phoenix.

Coordinates: 34.297021,-111.118467

Elevation: 5680 Feet

Reviewed Date: November 2020

Fees And Reservations: The daily fee for 2020 was $20 however for the current fee schedule or to reserve a campsite checkout recreation.gov.

This information is accurate as of the date of the review.