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
Josh J
VerifiedJune 28, 2026 • Stayed at: D-11, Loop: DLOO
Overall, campsite was great. We go here a few times a year.
Danielle G
VerifiedJune 29, 2026 • Stayed at: GR-E, Loop: ELOO
Good location that wasn't to far from Payson. Lost of room in the group campsite.
Peter H
VerifiedJuly 5, 2026 • Stayed at: B-04, Loop: BLOO
We were really impressed at how far apart the campsites were very nice
fern c
VerifiedJuly 6, 2026 • Stayed at: C-06, Loop: CLOO
Dump station not operating need a long water hose to fill your tank
Bambi W
VerifiedJuly 6, 2026 • Stayed at: C-09, Loop: CLOO
Very nice campground. Very clean and lots of space between sites. I was in C9 which was a very private back in site. Nothing but forest behind me and no one near the passenger side of the RV. On the other side it was quite a distance to the next site too. Would definitely book this site again!
Kimberly S
VerifiedJuly 6, 2026 • Stayed at: D-03, Loop: DLOO
We stayed at site D-Loop (D-03). This campsite was everything we could ask for. This site specifically was closest to the bathroom and was a short walking distance from the trash and potable water. Thank you to the last reviews that were left for this site or I would have not chosen this gem. The D-03 campsite in near the back of the entire campground which was perfect so we could not hear any traffic from the freeway.
The entire campground was clean and well-kept. Bathrooms were in good condition and toilet paper was stocked and little to no bugs. I would 100% recommend this campsite to anyone looking for an outdoor getaway with convenience (20 mins from town) and peace of mind (reliable, clean, and beautiful campground).
robert c
VerifiedJuly 12, 2026 • Stayed at: A-14, Loop: ALOO
Quite at night - clean bathrooms - friendly Host - fresh water available at each brick bathroom - garbage cans - dog friendly. Our reserved camp spot was misrepresented on the description. A-14 drive way was very slanted and we could not level our camper. The campground map needs to be updated and more informative. The campground has been thinned out, more sun gets through than before, bring a canopy. Very poor cell phone service. We have AT&T and the phones showed 3 bars LTE but did not work. Best spots woul;d be A-9, C-9, C10. Many of the FF (first come first serve) spots were better than ours. Hope this helps our fellow campers.
Stephanie V
VerifiedJuly 12, 2026 • Stayed at: A-07, Loop: ALOO
Great place to camp, very quiet and restrooms where clean. Will camp here again
jacki w
VerifiedJuly 20, 2026 • Stayed at: D-08, Loop: DLOO
If you're looking for privacy skip D08. This used to be my favorite site until trees were cleared out. I understand what needed to be done but this site is no longer desirable for those seeking peace and quiet.
It is very spacious, just be careful of low tree stumps. Plenty of room for 2-3 tents.
Kirk C
VerifiedJuly 23, 2026 • Stayed at: A-07, Loop: ALOO
We kind of ended up at Ponderosa by accident. The Houston Mesa campground was closed due to some sewage issues. We're happy it turned out that way. It's a bit farther out of town and therefore I think probably a little quieter although it is right off of Highway 260. That being said the campground is clean and well laid out. We had an excellent pull through spot for our toy hauler. We ended up staying one night on our way to Colorado and two nights on our way back because we enjoyed the area. The spot had a nice table and fire pit although fire restrictions were in place at the time. I don't think you can go wrong with this one.🤠
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