Ponderosa
Open for the season through October. Sites are available via Recreation.gov reservations (3 days minimum advance notice, up to 6 months ahead) or first-come, first-served. No current fire restrictions. Dump station and firewood sales are unavailable at this time.
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 device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
Mesquite Campground Post Fire Recovery Closure for Public Health & Safety
Mesquite Campground closed due to post fire recovery.
Roosevelt Lake, Cottonwood Cove Area Closure for Public Health and Safety
Cottonwood Cove in Roosevelt Lake closed. Picnic site still open.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order
Stage 1 Fires Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order effective May 15, 2026 at 8 a.m.
Vehicle Restrictions in Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River Permit Area
Motor vehicles are prohibited in the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River area.
Upper & Lower Tonto Creek Campgrounds and Horton Creek Trailhead Parking Area Temp. Closure Order
Due to the construction of a new Tonto Creek bridge Upper and Lower Creek Campgrounds are closed until construction is completed. Additionally, Horton Creek Trailhead parking area is closed until construction is completed. An alternate route to Horton Creek Trail will be available from Derrick…
Pinto Valley Mine Blasting Area Closure - Extension for Public Health & Safety
Due to blasting in the Pinto Valley Mine area on the Globe Ranger District areas near the mine are closed for public safety.
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.
Fossil Creek Non-Permit Seasonal Camping, Fire and Glass Prohibition (October 2- March 31)
Details below.
Fossil Creek Prohibitions and FR 708 Closure During Permit Season (April 1–October 1)
Please refer to the Coconino National Forest website for information regarding the closure of Forest Road (FR) 708, parking restrictions, and prohibitions on glass containers, camping, and campfires at the Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River during permit season from April 1-October 1. The four-mile…
About
Named for the towering pines under which it sits, Ponderosa Campground occupies a scenic location on the border of the Mogollon Rim in Tonto National Forest. The larger ponderosa pines release a distinctive vanilla scent and provide ample shade over clean, flat, spacious campsites. The understory includes junipers, oaks, and manzanita shrubs. The campground offers 47 single sites and 2 group sites that accommodate up to 25 people each. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water available from a hand pump. Sites feature picnic tables. There are no hookups, showers, or dump station services. Payment is by debit or credit card at the on-site digital fee machine or via mobile app scan-and-pay. The surrounding area offers excellent recreation opportunities. The Rim Country Lakes are about a 15-minute drive east, with Woods Canyon Lake being one of the most popular recreational lakes in Arizona. Hiking trails abound in the surrounding forest, and the 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 entrance.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| 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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