Ponderosa Group Site
Open for the 2026 season, operating April through October. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect as of May 15, 2026. Dump station and firewood sales are currently unavailable. Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance via Recreation.gov.
Flood Watch issued August 29 at 10:19PM MST until September 1 at 12:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Yavapai and northern Gila counties. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, and swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Low-water crossings could also become flooded, which would create deadly travel conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Thunderstorms will continue through this afternoon and into the overnight hours. With deep monsoonal moisture in place, any stronger storm will have the potential to produce heavy rainfall and cause flash flooding. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.
Flood Watch issued August 29 at 10:19PM MST until August 30 at 5:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Yavapai and northern Gila counties. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, and swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Low-water crossings could also become flooded, which would create deadly travel conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Thunderstorms will continue through this afternoon and into the overnight hours. With deep monsoonal moisture in place, any stronger storm will have the potential to produce heavy rainfall and cause flash flooding. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.
Flash Flood Warning issued August 29 at 9:42PM MST until August 29 at 11:45PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
At 942 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.25 to 0.5 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Globe, Miami, Central Heights-Midland City, Claypool and Cutter.
About
Named for the towering pines under which it sits, Ponderosa Group Site is tucked in the rolling forests of northern Arizona along the edge of the Mogollon Rim. The campground sits at approximately 5,500 feet elevation where mature ponderosa pines release their signature vanilla scent into the air. The relatively open understory of junipers, oaks, and manzanita shrubs creates a spacious, shaded setting perfect for group gatherings. The group site accommodates up to 25 people and is part of the larger Ponderosa Campground complex. Facilities include vault toilets and potable drinking water available from a hand pump. There are no hookups, showers, or dump station services. The campground operates from April through October, with reservations available up to 12 months in advance through Recreation.gov. Recreation opportunities abound in the surrounding Tonto National Forest. The Rim Country Lakes are about 15 minutes east, with Woods Canyon Lake offering popular boating options. Scenic driving, hiking trails, and day trips to nearby Payson round out the experience. Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM, and the maximum stay is 14 days within any 30-day period.
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 | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (928) 474-7900 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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