How much does camping cost at Ponderosa Cove Campground?

Camping fees at Ponderosa Cove Campground range from $175/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ponderosa Cove Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Ponderosa Cove Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ponderosa Cove Campground before I book?

Yes! Ponderosa Cove Campground has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Ponderosa Cove Campground?

Ponderosa Cove Campground is open May 22 to September 06. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ponderosa Cove Campground?

Ponderosa Cove Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Ponderosa Cove Campground have?

Ponderosa Cove Campground has 75 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ponderosa Cove Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ponderosa Cove Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Ponderosa Cove Campground?

Ponderosa Cove Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Ponderosa Cove Campground

4.13

20 reviews

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Top 16% in CASummer

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$175/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$175/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Ponderosa Cove Campground

$175.00 - $175.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $175.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$175.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

831-245-6891comments@AmericanLL.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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Ponderosa Cove Campground

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Nearby places

Placerville (~20 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car), Georgetown (~14 miles, approximately 20 minutes by car).

Weather at Ponderosa Cove Campground

Best Time to Camp at Ponderosa Cove Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight — expect warm, sun-drenched days (daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s °F / 24–30°C) and cool nights (40s–50s °F / 4–12°C) that make boating, swimming, kayaking and reservoir fishing ideal. Water activities are at their peak, osprey and other waterbirds are very active, and shaded Ponderosa sites offer comfortable afternoon relief. Weekends can be moderately busy (group sites fill first), but weekday visits are quieter and excellent for launching boats, Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Summer is peak season: best weather and water activities, but also busiest times.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 06. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground operates seasonally, opening on May 23, 2025, and closing on September 6, 2026. Reservations are unavailable between August 31, 2025, and May 22, 2026.

About Ponderosa Cove Campground

Ponderosa Cove Campground sits in Eldorado National Forest at mid-elevation, offering direct access to a reservoir for boating, swimming, and fishing. The campground features shaded Ponderosa pine sites with tent, RV, and group options, plus bear boxes and ample picnic tables. Reviewers praise the spacious group areas and water access but note occasional maintenance lapses and noise from day-use visitors.

Ponderosa Cove Campground is designed for group camping, with accommodations for tent camping and RV/trailer use. No primitive or luxury camping options are available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight — expect warm, sun-drenched days (daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s °F / 24–30°C) and cool nights (40s–50s °F / 4–12°C) that make boating, swimming, kayaking and reservoir fishing ideal. Water activities are at their peak, osprey and other waterbirds are very active, and shaded Ponderosa sites offer comfortable afternoon relief. Weekends can be moderately busy (group sites fill first), but weekday visits are quieter and excellent for launching boats, Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation4400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTowering Ponderosa Pines shade the campground, their trunks rising from terrain shaped by volcanic and glacial forces. Weathered granite outcroppings punctuate the forest, and the nearby reservoir sits in a landscape of smooth water-worn stones and fractured cliff faces. Views extend across Sierra foothills toward distant peaks. The setting blends intimate forest groves with open water access.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available. The campground is strictly for group camping with tent pads and RV/trailer spurs.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 75 guests allowed per group site.

Groups

The campground can accommodate up to 75 guests in a single loop. It features five parking spurs for RVs and trailers and ten walk-to tent pads.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov, via the contact center, or in-person.

Site SizeUser reviews and authoritative sources describe the campground as spacious enough to accommodate up to 75 campers, with additional room for tents and RVs.

PrivacyPrivacy is not explicitly mentioned in official sources or user reviews.

Total Campsites75 campsites

Recommended Sites“There are 5 dedicated RV/Trailer parking spurs, but only 4 are decent with a table. The 5th one is short to be used as a last resort.”

Need help booking Ponderosa Cove Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Ponderosa Cove Campground provides a variety of amenities aimed at group campers. The campground features a single loop of campsites with five parking spurs for RVs and trailers, each equipped with a picnic table. Additionally, there are ten walk-to tent pads, requiring parallel parking on the loop. Vault toilets and two water faucets are available on-site, and the campground is located close to Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, which offers opportunities for activities like boating and swimming. User reviews highlight specific features such as bear boxes, large grills, and a group fire ring. However, concerns about maintenance were noted in one review, mentioning that the bathrooms smelled terrible and the garbage facilities were insufficient during peak usage.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers plenty of recreational options, including bird watching, nature viewing, swimming, fishing, and boating at the nearby Stumpy Meadows Reservoir. Eldorado National Forest's extensive hiking trails and nearby attractions like Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park provide additional activities.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground is equipped with vault toilets.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

20 reviews

Satisfactory

Ponderosa Cove Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Ponderosa Cove Campground provide mixed impressions. Positive highlights include the spacious group camping area and proximity to the reservoir, while complaints focus on maintenance issues like dirty bathrooms and insufficient garbage facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the large group area, plentiful picnic tables, bear boxes, and proximity to the reservoir for activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. One user described it as a "huge area...

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints from users include poorly maintained facilities, such as "the bathrooms needed to be emptied. The smell was terrible," and "The garbage dumpster was almost full when we arrived for our 6...

Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific comments about campsite GA001 note issues like fire hazards and poor maintenance. Positive reviews highlight the spacious group camping setup.

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend keeping the gate at the bottom of the hill closed to prevent uninvited visitors and suggest visiting during less crowded times to avoid maintenance shortcomings.

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer visits seem to attract more crowds, as noted in one review mentioning July 4th weekend, which was "full but still had space for everyone." Winter weather conditions are likely harsh given the...

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "This is one of the best group campsites I've been to. Huge area literally holds 75 people." (Adam Nelms) - "The garbage dumpster was almost full when we arrived for our 6 night stay." (Diane G) -...

Based on 20 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.

Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no user reviews specifically address pet-related experiences or policies.

Based on 20 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want a spacious group setup or easy reservoir access for kayaking, paddleboarding, and summer water activities.

Skip if

You need consistently quiet surroundings or expect spotless facilities during peak season.

Nearby Campgrounds

Stumpy Meadows sits in Eldorado National Forest near Georgetown, operated by Royal Elk Park Management at mid-elevation among shaded pines. The campground offers direct access to Stumpy Meadows Reservoir for boating and fishing, with hiking trails threading through the surrounding forest. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs, with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables throughout the property.

$36.00 - $72.00 / night

Eldorado, Georgetown, CA, USA

Black Oak sits in the mid-elevation forest of Eldorado National Forest near Georgetown, offering direct access to Stumpy Meadows Lake. Operated by Royal Elk Park Management, this intimate campground provides tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Visitors fish, swim, and boat on the lake, with reviewers praising the secluded character of individual sites and the warm, clear water.

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Camino Cove Campground

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Camino Cove Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Eldorado National Forest, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The campground provides reservoir access for fishing and water-based recreation during the summer season. Visitors use the site as a base for lake activities and forest exploration.

Dru Barner Campground

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Dru Barner Campground sits in the Eldorado National Forest foothills near Georgetown, operated by the Georgetown Ranger District. This mid-sized campground offers spacious sites popular with equestrian campers and RV travelers seeking a quiet, budget-friendly base for exploring Otter and Rock creek areas. Spring brings wildflowers, migrating birds, and comfortable temperatures before summer crowds arrive.

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Dru Barner Campground sits in the Eldorado National Forest foothills near Georgetown, operated by the U.S. Forest Service as a horse-friendly staging area for multi-day pack trips and day rides. Spacious pull-through sites accommodate trailers, with four water troughs serving equestrians heading into the backcountry. Summer brings the most reliable trail conditions, with warm days and cool nights at 3,271 feet elevation.

Sunset-Union Valley sits on the shore of Union Valley Reservoir in Eldorado National Forest at 5,000 feet elevation. This large, Forest Service campground offers water access for boating and swimming, showers, and a dump station. Spacious sites accommodate tents, RVs, and groups, with mountain biking and fishing nearby.

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Wolf Creek California sits in Eldorado National Forest near Placerville, offering mid-elevation access to Union Valley Reservoir and the Crystal Basin. Operated by Royal Elk Park Management, this mid-sized campground serves tent campers, RV users, and groups with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for reservoir swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking during the seasonal operating window.

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Fashoda is a small campground in Eldorado National Forest near Pollock Pines, operated by Royal Elk Park Management at 5,100 feet elevation. Shaded sites with fire rings and picnic tables sit within walking distance of Union Valley Reservoir, where campers fish, swim, and launch boats. The campground offers showers and potable water during its seasonal operation.

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PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST - BECKWOURTH RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 7, BLAIRSDEN, CA, USA, 96103

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West Point Campground

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Mill Creek Campground (Plumas)

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YUBA RIVER RANGER STATION, 15924 HIGHWAY 49, Camptonville, CA, 95922, USA

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Pinecrest sits in mid-elevation Stanislaus National Forest, operated by Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort and serving as base camp for Pinecrest Lake access. This very large seasonal campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, a dump station, and an on-site camp store. Campers hike, fish, swim, bike, and boat during their 14-day stays, with fall bringing the clearest weather and smallest crowds.

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Campgrounds

Eldorado National Forest

Ponderosa Cove Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Ponderosa Cove Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsbdev7_018841.pdf">Group Camping Recreation Opportunity Guide</a> (ROG) - This guide contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.

Open Season: June – September