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.
Flash Flood Warning issued July 20 at 8:05PM MST until July 20 at 11:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
FFWFGZ The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Gila County in east central Arizona... * Until 1100 PM MST. * At 805 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, normally dry washes, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Oxbow Estates, Rye and Deer Creek. This includes the following highways... State Route 87 southbound between mile markers 241 and 248. This includes the following creeks, washes and rivers... Wet Bottom Creek and North Fork Deadman Creek.
Flood Watch issued July 20 at 7:50PM MST until July 21 at 10:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of east central, north central, northeast, and west central Arizona, including the following areas, in east central Arizona, Northern Gila County. In north central Arizona, Black Mesa Area, Coconino Plateau, Eastern Mogollon Rim, Grand Canyon Country, Kaibab Plateau, Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County, Marble and Glen Canyons, Northeast Plateaus and Mesas Hwy 264 Northward, Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264 and Western Mogollon Rim. In northeast Arizona, Little Colorado River Valley in Apache County, Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County and White Mountains. In west central Arizona, Yavapai County Mountains. * WHEN...From Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Raging killer currents will be possible in side canyons and narrow slot canyons. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Deep monsoon moisture in place across northern Arizona will lead to storms capable of producing rainfall in excess of 2 inches per hour, resulting in an enhanced risk of flash flooding. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.
Flash Flood Warning issued July 20 at 7:00PM MST until July 20 at 10:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
FFWFGZ The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Gila County in east central Arizona... * Until 1000 PM MST. * At 700 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.75 and 1.75 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, normally dry washes and roads. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Star Valley, Gisela, Tonto Village, Tonto Creek, Christopher Creek, Hunter Creek, Kohls Ranch, Jakes Corner, Mead Ranch, Haigler Creek, Colcord Mountain Estates, Bear Flat, Sleepy Hollow and Hellsgate Wilderness. This includes the following highways... State Route 260 between mile markers 259 and 277. State Route 188 between mile markers 270 and 273. This includes the following recreation areas and campgrounds... Upper Tonto Creek Campground, Sharp Creek Campground, Ponderosa Campground, Christopher Creek Campground, Haigler Canyon Campground and Alderwood Campground. This includes the following swimming holes... Tonto Creek Waterfalls.
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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