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Ponderosa Group Campground

Open

Open seasonally from early May through late September, weather dependent. Reservation required via Recreation.gov at least 4 days in advance. The campground closed September 2, 2025 for a toilet replacement project.

San Isabel 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.

San Isabel National Forest

Weed Free Forage Products

The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.

San Isabel National Forest

Cave Closure and Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.

About

Ponderosa Group Campground is a developed group facility within the Lake Isabel Recreation Area in south-central Colorado's San Isabel National Forest. The campground sits at 8,600 feet elevation where the shoreline of Lake Isabel meets the rocky base of the Wet Mountains, surrounded by shady ponderosa pine and aspen trees. The single group site can accommodate up to 60 overnight guests and 28 vehicles, making it well-suited for family reunions, scout troops, and other organized gatherings. The campground provides a covered picnic shelter seating 25-30 people, a group-sized charcoal grill, and eight individual campfire rings distributed throughout the site. Vault toilets with accessible features, drinking water from a hand pump, and dumpsters for trash disposal are available. A horseshoe pit and volleyball court offer on-site recreation. Lake Isabel is stocked with brown and brook trout and popular for kayaking and canoeing (no motorized boats). St. Charles Creek nearby offers additional brook trout fishing. The area provides access to motorized trails including Cisneros, St. Charles, and Snowslide trails for OHV enthusiasts, plus a scenic hiking trail along the lake shore.

Directions

From Pueblo, go 25 miles south on I-25 to exit 74. Head west 18 miles on State Highway 165. Turn into the south entrance at Lake Isabel, drive 1 mile, and follow signs to Ponderosa Group Campground.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store
Price $150

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Phone +1 (719) 269-8500

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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