Ponderosa Campground
Tonto National Forest
Write a Review Hwy 260 Payson, AZ 85541 928-474-7900 602-225-5200 Reservations: 877-444-6777 Official WebsiteGPS: 34.297, -111.1185
Overview of Ponderosa Campground
Black bears frequent the area. When not in immediate use, all food, beverages, coolers, cooking utensils, pet food, or other attractants must be kept in a closed, hard-sided vehicle or secured in a bear-proof storage container.
Last Price Paid: $11
Reported by Flygalpam on 6/17/2022
Longest RV Reported: 35 feet (Class A)
Reported by Bob & Nancy on 4/4/2022
Number of Sites 47
Pad Type asphalt
Reservations yes
Open Seasonally April - early Nov.
Elevation 5,675 ft / 1,729 m
Max Stay 14
Max Length 35 ft
Tent Camping Yes
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To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 928-474-7900
Reviews of Ponderosa Campground 14 people have reviewed this location.
“Beautiful and easy access off HWY 260”
Reviewed 6/17/2022
Nightly rate: | $11 |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | C9 & D11 |
RV Length: | 23' (Travel Trailer) |
We had warranty repairs at a dealer in Rye. We booked one night in advance so we could get our rig in to the dealer early that morning. The first night we were in C9. The site was a little tricky because it had trees on both sides, but my husband backed it in like a champ. If you have slides, this site wouldn’t work very well. The camp... more
We had warranty repairs at a dealer in Rye. We booked one night in advance so we could get our rig in to the dealer early that morning. The first night we were in C9. The site was a little tricky because it had trees on both sides, but my husband backed it in like a champ. If you have slides, this site wouldn’t work very well. The camp site was huge, and near a very clean pit toilet and clean drinking water. It was so private, we didn’t see any neighbors. Our repairs were not finished until 6 pm so we decided to go back to the campground, rather than drive back to Tucson. We drove through and picked an open spot, no problem in the middle of the week. The second night we selected D11. This site was easier to back in and was also spacious and private, near another clean pit toilet and drinking water. There was a little traffic noise at both sites, but it was very quiet at night. The noise is the only reason I rated it 4 stars. I would not call this campground big rig friendly, although there were a few.
Flygalpam would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Place Close to Home”
Reviewed 5/28/2022
Nightly rate: | $11 |
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Days stayed: | 4 |
Site Number: | 14 |
RV Length: | 10' (Teardrop Trailer) |
Campsites are large but driveways are narrow. We have a small camper, only 7 ft wide and did fine but larger RVs and trailers will have a tough time. Close to all the RIM attractions, trails, creeks and lakes. Close to town for provisions. Campsites are nestled nicely in the trees and spread apart. It's close enough to the valley for a... more
Campsites are large but driveways are narrow. We have a small camper, only 7 ft wide and did fine but larger RVs and trailers will have a tough time. Close to all the RIM attractions, trails, creeks and lakes. Close to town for provisions. Campsites are nestled nicely in the trees and spread apart. It's close enough to the valley for a quick weekend.
Tammy would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Loved it, very clean”
Reviewed 4/4/2022
Nightly rate: | $11 |
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Days stayed: | 7 |
Site Number: | C3 |
RV Length: | 35' (Class A) |
This campground is NOT for big rigs. The sites are well spaced and private, but NARROW. If you have a large 5 th wheel with large truck you would need 2 sites. We were the 1st campers to arrive April 1st for 2022 season. The hosts guided us to site C3 and let us park our trailer and car at the pull off site next door for no extra c... more
This campground is NOT for big rigs. The sites are well spaced and private, but NARROW. If you have a large 5 th wheel with large truck you would need 2 sites. We were the 1st campers to arrive April 1st for 2022 season. The hosts guided us to site C3 and let us park our trailer and car at the pull off site next door for no extra cost. We are in a Class A. 35ft.
Bob & Nancy would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“No hassle drinking water”
Reviewed 10/15/2020
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 0 |
Really weak pressure though
Permanent Vacation would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Very Spacious and Secluded Campground in the Pines”
Reviewed 9/21/2020
Nightly rate: | $18 |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | B04 |
RV Length: | 24' (Class B Plus) |
Only stayed one night on way to Phoenix from Greer and required a through site. B04 was quite short with broken pavement, but was able to position to get 24ft RV pretty level with small trailer carrying Smart Car behind. A few bugs at certain times but otherwise peaceful and very dark at night. Was even able to see the Milky Way throu... more
Only stayed one night on way to Phoenix from Greer and required a through site. B04 was quite short with broken pavement, but was able to position to get 24ft RV pretty level with small trailer carrying Smart Car behind. A few bugs at certain times but otherwise peaceful and very dark at night. Was even able to see the Milky Way through the pines.
Even though highway is close by, it was very quiet at night.
Carey would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Spacious campsites, clean, noisy, friendly camp host”
Reviewed 9/15/2020
Nightly rate: | $9 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | A8 |
We came as a first come first service. Huge campground with spacious campsites,. You cant see your neighbor but you can hear them at night when they are boozing it up with loud music until the wee hours. Noise went on way past midnight, camp host didn't enforce the 10pm noise rule. Lots of kids riding bikes and people driving throu... more
We came as a first come first service. Huge campground with spacious campsites,. You cant see your neighbor but you can hear them at night when they are boozing it up with loud music until the wee hours. Noise went on way past midnight, camp host didn't enforce the 10pm noise rule. Lots of kids riding bikes and people driving through the campground very fast. Camp host needs to be more vigilant.
We liked the campgrounds and campsites but not all night the noise. We will give this campground another try and stay here again.
GloGeo would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Awesome Forest Camping”
Reviewed 10/12/2019
Nightly rate: | $18 |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | C-7 |
RV Length: | 25' |
This campground is very easy to get to right off AZ 260 and only about ten miles east of Payson. It's a five-minute drive from the Horton Spring Trailhead, and that hike was on our to-do list so it worked out well. There's also a fish hatchery beyond the trailhead if you'd like to check that out. We didn't. The campground is very w... more
This campground is very easy to get to right off AZ 260 and only about ten miles east of Payson. It's a five-minute drive from the Horton Spring Trailhead, and that hike was on our to-do list so it worked out well. There's also a fish hatchery beyond the trailhead if you'd like to check that out. We didn't.
The campground is very well-maintained, and the restrooms were clean. We were there in mid-October, so the nights were in the mid-40s and the daytime highs were in the 70s. Perfect weather! Most sites are nicely shaded as there are a ton of pines. This place would probably be very warm in the summer though, despite the shade, so I'd look for a campground above the rim for June-Sept. Each site has a fire pit, bear box (and they really recommend you use it rather than store food and toiletries in your car, but no bears had been seen this season), and picnic table. Sites are very spread out, and trees provide a nice privacy barrier.
Even though recreation.gov says there is an extra car fee, you are allowed two vehicles and two tents per site. Four moms and 8 kids shared two sites, and we felt completely comfortable and safe the whole time. So safe that some of our teens slept outside in hammocks. Our site was neatly raked and groomed upon our arrival. Sites C-7 and C-10 are fantastic side-by-side sites for those camping together.
Firewood is available for $7 a bundle, but you're also allowed to gather wood so we just did that.
I'd stay here again. No doubt. It was convenient, easy to make a reservation, the hosts were helpful and friendly. The only trouble we encountered were some bees when we brought the food out, but smoke from the fire helped. Also, we ate breakfast early and dinner after the sun went down, so if you eat when the bees are sleeping it's fine. The road isn't far away, but as long as you're in Loops C or D you won't hear the cars. We heard some trucks and coyotes at night but it wasn't bothersome.
4airstreamers would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Reviewed 9/12/2019
Nightly rate: | $18 |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 7A |
Good: Host, Quiet, Clean, Shaded
Bad: Bees, AT&T signal, no hookups
Discovered as we were leaving that there is a $10 dump station so we used it rather than pay someone in town.
Ewing would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice to be in the Pines”
Reviewed 9/4/2019
Nightly rate: | $18 |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 6 |
RV Length: | 25' (Class C) |
Nice campground in the Pines. The sites are on the small side, so they can easily fit a small Class C 24 footer.....The bigger rigs may not work well at this place. Site are mostly on dirt, so plan to level. They have vault toilets and based on how busy they are will determine how clean they are. They do have a dump and potable wat... more
Nice campground in the Pines. The sites are on the small side, so they can easily fit a small Class C 24 footer.....The bigger rigs may not work well at this place. Site are mostly on dirt, so plan to level. They have vault toilets and based on how busy they are will determine how clean they are. They do have a dump and potable water. There are nice trails out the back of the campground for great dog walks. Stay away from A loop as it is close to highway road noise and lights from camp host. Less noise at back of campground. Check to see if there are burn bans if it is too dry, that means no campfires.
sdunshee would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Reviewed 8/6/2018
Really conveniently located. Clean and well maintained. Family friendly, all ages welcome, even for family members. I was impressed with the layout of the campground and the available resources. Picnic tables, bbq pit, fire pit, bear proof containers for food, clean bathrooms, clean water, firewood to purchase. I highly recommend ... more
Really conveniently located. Clean and well maintained. Family friendly, all ages welcome, even for family members.
I was impressed with the layout of the campground and the available resources.
Picnic tables, bbq pit, fire pit, bear proof containers for food, clean bathrooms, clean water, firewood to purchase.
I highly recommend this campground to anyone looking to camp.
MJ would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
Recreation
- picnic area
- recreation trail
Site Amenities
- big rig
- fire ring
- picnic table
Facilities
- dump station
- group sites
- restrooms: vault
- trash
- water available
Pets
- pets
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