Ponderosa Cove Campground

Star4.66
20 reviews
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Summer Destination

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
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Ponderosa Cove Campground
$175.00 - $175.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The peak-season nightly rate for Group Standard Nonelectric sites is $175. Additional fees include a $8 reservation fee for online bookings, $9...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$175.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.66

Top-Rated

Based on 20 reviews

14 Google reviews

Some mention

noise

"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."

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Campground Map

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Ponderosa Cove Campground

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Driving directionsFrom Placerville take Highway 49N a half-mile and turn right on Highway 193 to Georgetown. Take a right on Main Street in Georgetown and drive about 14 miles to the campground. Ponderosa Cove is north of the Stumpy Boat Ramp.
The campground is accessible via paved roads leading to Georgetown and further to Stumpy Meadows Reservoir. However, the last few miles may require careful navigation due to potential narrow or winding roads.
Nearby places
Placerville (~20 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car), Georgetown (~14 miles, approximately 20 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Georgetown (~14 miles away), including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Ponderosa Cove Campground

Experience the best of California's Mediterranean climate in these Sierra foothills, where golden summer days invite endless outdoor play and crisp winter mornings paint frost on pine needles. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched afternoons perfect for water activities, while spring and fall offer mild temperatures ideal for hiking and exploration. Winter transforms the landscape into a quieter wonderland, though rain may limit some activities. During peak summer months, fire restrictions help preserve this pristine wilderness for future generations.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for lake recreation and warm days; noted to be busier (July 4th example).

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Campground closes in early Sept; early-fall access is limited though late-summer conditions pleasant.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 23 so spring access is limited to late May; conditions vary early spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally closed outside May–Sept; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025; May 22, 2026 - September 06, 2026.. 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.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be imposed based on weather conditions.

About Ponderosa Cove Campground

Nestled among towering pines, Ponderosa Cove Campground welcomes groups seeking an unforgettable Sierra Nevada experience. Here, shaded campsites offer front-row seats to the sparkling waters of Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, where days unfold with the gentle splash of kayak paddles and the excited calls of osprey overhead. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, diving into cool mountain waters, or gathering around evening campfires, this group-friendly haven transforms outdoor adventures into lasting memories.
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.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

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.
HikingHiking opportunities abound in the nearby Eldorado National Forest, which boasts over 400 miles of trails. Specific trail details are not mentioned.
FishingFishing at Stumpy Meadows Reservoir is popular, with opportunities to catch brown and rainbow trout.
SwimmingSwimming is available at Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, but specific safety measures or designated swimming areas are not described.
BoatingBoating is permitted at Stumpy Meadows Reservoir. It is a no-wake lake, suitable for kayaks and paddleboards. One user review mentions launching kayaks and paddleboards from the area.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is described as ideal for bird watching and nature viewing. Specific wildlife species or recommended viewing areas are not mentioned.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear activity and fire risks due to thick underbrush and deadwood in the area.
Active AlertsFire restrictions may be imposed based on weather conditions.

Weather at Ponderosa Cove Campground

Reviews

4.7
20 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Ponderosa Cove Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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...
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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...
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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...
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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) -...
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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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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