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.
Pinal City Riparian Area Off Road Prohibition
Temporary Pinal City riparian area closured on the Globe Ranger District.
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.
Target Type Restrictions Order
Recreational target shooting targets specifically manufactured for the purpose of target shooting are the only approved target types. (i.e. paper / cardboard silhouette, clay pigeons, steel targets, self-healing targets, etc.)All other materials not manufactured for the purpose to recreational…
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 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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