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Campground · Tonto National Forest · Arizona

Ponderosa Campground

51 sitesNo hookupsPets OKRVs to 130 ft

Ponderosa Campground is a 51-site campground in Tonto National Forest near Payson, Arizona. There are no electric hookups, so plan to bring your own power.

Location
Payson, AZ · Map and directions
Campsites
51 (2 group)
Electric
There are no electric hookups
Water / sewer
No water hookups listed
Max RV length
130 ft
Pets
Allowed at most sites (leash required)
Campfires
Allowed in fire rings, subject to fire restrictions
Reservations
Recreation.gov

About Ponderosa Campground

Named for the towering pines under which it sits, Ponderosa Campground is tucked in the rolling forests of northern Arizona. As one of the largest forest in the country, the Tonto National Forest is one of the most-visited urban forests in the United States, boasting about 5.8 million visitors annually.

Description: Recreation.gov. Conditions change, so check the official page before you go.

What to bring to Ponderosa Campground

Portable power stations

Silent battery power for lights, phones, fans, CPAP machines and 12V fridges.

See options on Amazon ↗

Foldable solar panels

Recharge a power station during the day, so it lasts the whole trip.

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Quiet inverter generators

More power for RVs and air conditioning. Check the campground's generator hours.

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12V portable fridges

No ice runs. Runs off a car socket or a power station.

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Rotomolded coolers

Keeps ice for days at sites with no power.

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Family camping tents

Room for everyone plus gear.

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Rooftop tents

Sleep off the ground on top of your car or truck.

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Self-inflating sleeping pads

The cheapest way to sleep better in a tent.

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Other campgrounds nearby

Christopher Creek Campground

5 mi away

44 sitesNo hookupsPets OKRVs to 22 ftWaterside

Sharp Creek Campground

7 mi away

20 sitesNo hookupsPets OKRVs to 120 ftWaterside

Mogollon Campground

9 mi away

26 sitesNo hookupsPets OKRVs to 32 ftWaterside

Aspen Campground

10 mi away

132 sitesNo hookupsPets OKRVs to 69 ftWaterside

Spillway Campground

10 mi away

24 sitesNo hookupsPets OKRVs to 45 ftWaterside

Houston Mesa Campground

12 mi away

86 sites1 electricPets OKRVs to 99 ft

More: all campgrounds in Tonto National Forest · campgrounds in Arizona

Frequently asked questions

Does Ponderosa Campground have electric hookups?

There are no electric hookups. Campers bring portable power stations or generators where allowed.

Can I reserve a site at Ponderosa Campground?

Yes, through Recreation.gov. Popular dates book up months ahead.

How big an RV fits at Ponderosa Campground?

The longest site takes vehicles up to 130 feet. Many sites are shorter, so check the individual site before booking.

Are dogs allowed at Ponderosa Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at most sites. Keep them on a leash and never leave them unattended.