Available sites
37 total sitesAbout Ponderosa (AZ)
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Site Setup and Access
- Shaded Site
Water and Hygiene
- Restrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
- Fire Pit
Rates, Sites & Availability
37 Sites Available
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Site Details
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37 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (515)
What Guests Are Saying
Ponderosa Campground offers spacious, clean sites with helpful camp hosts and well-maintained facilities, making it a pleasant camping experience. Many visitors appreciate the peaceful environment, despite some noise from the nearby highway. While some sites may be challenging for larger trailers and have limited shade due to recent tree thinning, the overall positive atmosphere and convenience to town make it a favored destination for campers.
What Guests Are Saying
Ponderosa Campground offers spacious, clean sites with helpful camp hosts and well-maintained facilities, making it a pleasant camping experience. Many visitors appreciate the peaceful environment, despite some noise from the nearby highway. While some sites may be challenging for larger trailers and have limited shade due to recent tree thinning, the overall positive atmosphere and convenience to town make it a favored destination for campers.
Review Summary
Loren G
VerifiedOctober 12, 2021 • Stayed at: D-11, Loop: DLOO
Beth was our host, she took very good care of us and was very kind. She was also very helpful and informative regarding the wildlife, weather, and safety. She has a great personality and came to welcome us at our site as we attempted to set up in the dark. The campsite was very beautiful, though it was very cold. The campsite and restrooms were clean and well kept.
Jacqueline V
VerifiedOctober 11, 2021 • Stayed at: A-18, Loop: ALOO
The site was nice but the family next to me let their children scream loudly all day long, I love kids but this was excessive and it started at 6am. They also played loud music. The site manager drove by but never stopped to speak to them. I was afraid to say anything because I was alone and they looked rough. I had 3 nights reserved but left after two nights. I even went to town and bought ear plugs but I could still hear them. I would not go back to a campground again. I'll take my chances alone in the woods. I think the host should have done something instead of just ignoring it. All the sites were full so I could not move. Everyone else was good.
Michael L
VerifiedOctober 11, 2021 • Stayed at: C-09, Loop: CLOO
Camp Host Beth is such a great person!
Beth was always working hard and so pleasurable to talk to.
The site was very clean and the restrooms were as well.
Beth even recommended a nearby hike which was awesome!
We enjoyed our stay and will definitely return.
Jacqueline V
VerifiedOctober 11, 2021 • Stayed at: A-18, Loop: ALOO
The site was nice but the family next to me let their children scream loudly all day long, I love kids but this was excessive and it started at 6am. They also played loud music. The site manager drove by but never stopped to speak to them. I was afraid to say anything because I was alone and they looked rough. I had 3 nights reserved but left after two nights. I even went to town and bought ear plugs but I could still hear them. I would not go back to a campground again. I'll take my chances alone in the woods. I think the host should have done something instead of just ignoring it. All the sites were full so I could not move. Everyone else was good.
Michael L
VerifiedOctober 11, 2021 • Stayed at: C-09, Loop: CLOO
Camp Host Beth is such a great person!
Beth was always working hard and so pleasurable to talk to.
The site was very clean and the restrooms were as well.
Beth even recommended a nearby hike which was awesome!
We enjoyed our stay and will definitely return.
Sergio P
VerifiedOctober 10, 2021 • Stayed at: B-02, Loop: BLOO
The host is very professional, respectful and friendly. It is noticeable she enjoys her job, as the campground is very clean and she has a very positive attitude!
Ricky G
VerifiedOctober 10, 2021 • Stayed at: A-21, Loop: ALOO
The camp host was great and helpful!!
Cindy T
October 10, 2021
Nice sized campsites.
Sergio P
VerifiedOctober 10, 2021 • Stayed at: B-02, Loop: BLOO
The host is very professional, respectful and friendly. It is noticeable she enjoys her job, as the campground is very clean and she has a very positive attitude!
Ricky G
VerifiedOctober 10, 2021 • Stayed at: A-21, Loop: ALOO
The camp host was great and helpful!!
Location & Directions for Ponderosa (AZ)
1009 East Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541 United States
Elevation: 1,730 ft
Getting There
From Payson, Arizona, go east on State Route 260. The campground is located on the south side of 260. A campground sign is visible before the campground entrance.
Highway access
The campground is accessible via State Route 260, which runs east from Payson. No interstates or major highways are noted within 25 miles.
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
2PM
Check out time
11AM
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Fees & deposits
- A charge of $8 per night applies for a second vehicle.
Utilities
- No hookups for electricity, water, or sewer are available at this campground.
- Dump and fill station services are not available at this campground.
Site types & loops
- First-come, first-served sites can be accessed with payment at an onsite fee machine.
- You must arrive in-person to check availability of first-come, first-served sites; availability is not guaranteed.
Fires & fuel
- Firewood cannot be purchased at the campground; bring your own.
Safety & rules
- Fireworks are not allowed on National Forest Land.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 21, 2026