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
No sites found matching your criteria.
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.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
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
Nicholas G
VerifiedJanuary 22, 2020 • Stayed at: B-02, Loop: BLOO
We have camped here before, but this time there were so many wasps. Every time we got food out, they swarmed all over our kitchen area. It was terrible. There have been wasps before, but never this bad. We will probably not be returning.
Jay C
VerifiedJanuary 21, 2020 • Stayed at: C-03, Loop: CLOO
Bees, bees, bees
Jay C
VerifiedJanuary 21, 2020 • Stayed at: C-03, Loop: CLOO
Bees, bees, bees
Stephen D
VerifiedJanuary 20, 2020 • Stayed at: A-14, Loop: ALOO
I went on a weekday (2) in October... Hardly anyone around. Next time I will get a spot farther away from the highway. Trucks engine brakes were a bit loud. Stopped around midnight... Fun time....
Stephen D
VerifiedJanuary 20, 2020 • Stayed at: A-14, Loop: ALOO
I went on a weekday (2) in October... Hardly anyone around. Next time I will get a spot farther away from the highway. Trucks engine brakes were a bit loud. Stopped around midnight... Fun time....
David S
VerifiedJanuary 18, 2020 • Stayed at: A-18, Loop: ALOO
I reserved two sites together for a family outing. I needed a site close to the bathroom facilities as I am physically challenged, The reservation was confirmed, everything was great until arrival as the site closest the bathroom facilities that I had reserved was taken! The occupant decided he was going to stay a few extra days and did not move his camper. The campground host did everything he could to make our stay enjoyable, but had I known we would not be staying on the sites I had reserved, we would not have made the trip up to this campground. If sites that have been reserved aren't going to be available, give the consumer a heads up.
David S
VerifiedJanuary 18, 2020 • Stayed at: A-18, Loop: ALOO
I reserved two sites together for a family outing. I needed a site close to the bathroom facilities as I am physically challenged, The reservation was confirmed, everything was great until arrival as the site closest the bathroom facilities that I had reserved was taken! The occupant decided he was going to stay a few extra days and did not move his camper. The campground host did everything he could to make our stay enjoyable, but had I known we would not be staying on the sites I had reserved, we would not have made the trip up to this campground. If sites that have been reserved aren't going to be available, give the consumer a heads up.
Jilleen H
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: A-05, Loop: ALOO
Beautiful and peaceful campground in September. Our camp hosts were super accomodating when we had to change spots due to the size of our 5th wheel. Ponderosa Campground was very clean and well kept. There was not a lack for recreation, we especially enjoyed Kayaking at a "private" lake in the mountains.
melinda h
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: C-05, Loop: CLOO
Wonderful high elevation campground. Very clean & spacious sites
Craig S
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: A-19, Loop: ALOO
Great camping excellent hosts very peaceful
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