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Sunset view from Ponderosa Campground

Ponderosa Campground

Open

Open for first-come, first-served camping. No potable water available; bring all water needed. Soap Creek Road access can become impassable after rain. No watercraft inspections at the Ponderosa boat ramp; hand-launched craft only.

Flood Watch issued August 30 at 4:18AM MDT until August 31 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

4:18 AM — 6:00 PM

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of Colorado, including the following areas, Central Colorado River Basin, Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, Central Yampa River Basin, Debeque to Silt Corridor, Flat Tops, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, Grand Valley, Grand and Battlement Mesas, Northwest San Juan Mountains, Paradox Valley/Lower Dolores River, Roan and Tavaputs Plateaus, Southwest San Juan Mountains, Uncompahgre Plateau and Dallas Divide, Upper Gunnison River Valley and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains and Utah, including the following areas, Arches/Grand Flat, Canyonlands/Natural Bridges, La Sal and Abajo Mountains, Southeast Utah and Tavaputs Plateau. * WHEN...Through this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Recent burn scars will also be especially susceptible and these include the Lee and Elk RX, Gold Mountain and Elk, Ferris, and Babylon burn scars to name a few. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Monsoonal moisture will remain across the area today and will support thunderstorms and showers with heavy rainfall across the watch area. Several rounds of heavier rain are expected increasing the chance for flash flooding especially in our more susceptible areas. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

From Recreation.gov

Please bring all the water you'll need for your visit, including drinking water.

Gunnison National Forest

Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness

This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.

About

Ponderosa Campground occupies a scenic, secluded location at the northwest end of the Soap Creek Arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area. At 7,880 feet elevation, the campground provides outstanding panoramic views and a quieter alternative to the more accessible campgrounds along Highway 50. The upper loop includes a horse corral for equestrian campers. Reaching Ponderosa requires a 7-mile drive on Soap Creek Road (County Road 721), a gravel road that is passable for trailers and medium-sized RVs in dry conditions but can become impassable after rain. Hand-launched watercraft can access the reservoir from the Ponderosa boat ramp; no watercraft inspections are available at this location, so motorized boats requiring inspection must launch elsewhere. All 28 sites are first-come, first-served with no advance reservations. Amenities include vault toilets, trash and recycling collection, fire grates, and food storage lockers, all operating seasonally. There is no potable water; campers must bring all water they need. Maximum group size is 8 people and 2 vehicles per site.

Directions

From US Highway 50, turn onto CO Highway 92. Cross Blue Mesa Dam, then approximately 0.5 mile after the dam, turn right onto Soap Creek Road (County Road 721/Blue Mesa Drive). Proceed 7 miles north on the gravel road to reach the campground.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $20

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (970) 641-2337

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Sunset view from Ponderosa Campground
An amazing view from Ponderosa Campground
Deer at Curecanti
Sunset View from Ponderosa Campground

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