Ponderosa
Closed — Closed for the season. Open season is April through October. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance for single sites or 12 months in advance for group sites via Recreation.gov.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
Lower Salt River Area Temporary Emergency Equestrian Closure for Public Health & Safety
Click to view closure order for details.
Granite Reef Developed Recreation Site Public Health and Safety Closure Order
See order for details.
TERMINATION ORDER: Stage II Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order
There are no fire restrictions on the Tonto National Forest as of Sept. 5, 2025, 8 a.m.
Box Bar Seasonal Eagle Closure
December 1, 2024, at 12 p.m. and will remain in effect seasonally each year from December 1 through June 30, until June 30, 2026, at 12 p.m.
About
Named for the towering ponderosa pines under which it sits, Ponderosa Campground is tucked in the rolling forests of northern Arizona at 5,600 feet elevation. The campground sits on the border of the Mogollon Rim, a 200-mile-long cliff that ranges between 5,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation and serves as the geographical dividing line between the cool high country above and the hot, dry desert below. The ponderosa pine trees make this a memorable campground. Larger ponderosas release a vanilla scent into the air and have a relatively open understory, making the area perfect for camping. Mixed into the understory are junipers, oaks and manzanita shrubs. The facility provides 47 single campsites and two group sites that can accommodate up to 25 people each. The campsites are clean, flat and spacious with good shade from pine trees. Scenic driving and outdoor recreation abound in the surrounding Tonto National Forest. A series of lakes called the Rim Country Lakes are about a 15 minute drive east. Woods Canyon Lake is one of the most popular recreational lakes in the state and offers options for boating. Most visitors enjoy taking advantage of the area's hiking trails and lakes, traveling into the town of Payson for the day, or simply relaxing at the campsite to the sound of fluttering leaves. The nearby town of Payson offers restaurants, shopping and other conveniences.
Directions
From Payson, Arizona, go east on State Route 260 approximately 13 miles. The campground is located on the south side of SR 260. A campground sign is visible before the campground entrance.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $22 - $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (928) 474-7900 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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