Ponderosa Campground is located 15 miles east of Payson on S.R. 260. There are 48 units including 2 group units that can hold 50 campers each. The campground is well spaced and shaded by the largest stand of Ponderosa pines in the world. Ponderosa Campground is set just below the Mogollon Rim and fishing is available 20 minutes east at Woods Canyon Lake or Willow Springs Lake.
Ponderosa is a good place to look when all of the campgrounds are full on top of the Mogollon Rim at the Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area or at Willow Springs Lake. If you are looking to explore the town of Payson, this is one of the closest campgrounds to the town. If you are looking to go fishing, head east up to the top of the Mogollon Rim and look for turnoffs to either Woods Canyon Lake or a bit further down the road at Willow Springs Lake.
The two group sites each have several campsites with in the group site and can handle up to 50 campers in each group site.
There is also a dump station located on site.
The Forest Service has installed bear proof food storage lockers in about half of the campsites.
Directions
From Payson, travel east on S.R. 260 for 15 miles to the campground turnoff on your right. A campground sign is visible before the campground entrance.
General Notes
- Elevation: 5660′
- Season: April to October
- Stay Limit: 14 Days
- Units 48 + 2 group sites
- Trailer Limit: 22′
- Potable Water: Yes
- Vault Toilets
- Showers are available at Houston Mesa Campground
- Vault Restrooms
- Campsite Tables, Grills and Fire Rings
- Information: Payson Ranger District – (928) 474-7900
- No Utility Hookups
