How much does camping cost at Ponderosa Campground?

Camping fees at Ponderosa Campground range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Ponderosa 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 Campground before I book?

Yes! Ponderosa Campground has 6 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 Campground?

Ponderosa Campground is open May 07 to October 31. 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 Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Ponderosa Campground?

Fire policies at Ponderosa Campground: Fires are only permitted in the fire grates provided. Building fire pits is prohibited. Unattended fires are not permitted. All fires must be extinguished before leaving the site.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Ponderosa Campground have?

Ponderosa Campground has 28 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ponderosa Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ponderosa 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 Campground?

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

Ponderosa Campground (Co)

3 reviews

Ponderosa Campground, Soap Creek Road, Colorado

Summer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Colorado

Quick Facts

7,880 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Ponderosa Campground...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Ponderosa Campground Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,880 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Ponderosa Campground...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Ponderosa Campground Official Website

Get Directions

Ponderosa Campground (Co)

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

POND: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-641-2337

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Ponderosa Campground, Soap Creek Road, Colorado

Ponderosa Campground (Co)

Ponderosa Campground, Soap Creek Road, Colorado

Nearby places

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Weather at Ponderosa Campground (Co)

Current alerts(10)

Camping is limited to 14 nights during a 30 day period.
Campsites may fit, if space allows, up to eight people, two tents, an RV, a boat trailer, and/or other vehicles.
Check-in & out time is 1 pm.
Do not drain wastewater on ground. Catch water in a receptacle and empty at dump station or restroom.

Best Time to Camp at Ponderosa Campground (Co)

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the warmest, most reliable conditions at 7,880 ft and fully opens boating and reservoir access—perfect for launching boats, paddlecraft, and long days on the water. Expect daytime highs roughly 50–90°F (10–32°C) with crisp nights around 40–60°F (4–15°C); afternoons can produce brief mountain thunderstorms so plan water activities for mornings. Wildlife viewing and shoreline fishing are at their peak, though weekends and mid-summer see the highest campsite and boat-ramp traffic,so Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: summer; boating and reservoir access fully open and most reliable weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 07 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Ponderosa Campground is open seasonally from May 1 to November 26. It is closed during the winter.

About Ponderosa Campground (Co)

Ponderosa Campground sits at 7,880 feet in Curecanti National Recreation Area, offering budget-friendly tent, RV, and primitive sites with direct access to Blue Mesa Reservoir. This small, seasonally operated campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a high-elevation alpine setting. Visitors launch boats, paddle the reservoir, and watch wildlife during summer months when conditions are most reliable.

Ponderosa Campground offers standard nonelectric sites that cater to both tent and RV campers. It is a first-come, first-served campground with a focus on rustic and natural experiences.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the warmest, most reliable conditions at 7,880 ft and fully opens boating and reservoir access—perfect for launching boats, paddlecraft, and long days on the water. Expect daytime highs roughly 50–90°F (10–32°C) with crisp nights around 40–60°F (4–15°C); afternoons can produce brief mountain thunderstorms so plan water activities for mornings. Wildlife viewing and shoreline fishing are at their peak, though weekends and mid-summer see the highest campsite and boat-ramp traffic,so Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation7880 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks one of Blue Mesa Reservoir's scenic fingers, surrounded by ridges and valleys carved by ancient geological forces. At this elevation, ponderosa pines provide scattered shade while the reservoir stretches below. The upper loop includes a horse corral for equestrian access to the surrounding backcountry. Views extend across the water to the mountainous terrain beyond.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style or luxury lodging options available at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping is limited to 14 nights during a 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsites may fit up to eight people, two tents, an RV, a boat trailer, and/or other vehicles.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are made through Recreation.gov, specifically via their Scan and Pay system, which requires payment upon arrival.

AccessibilityThe campground has unpaved surfaces, which may limit accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site SizeThe campground can accommodate tents and medium-sized RVs or trailers.

PrivacySites offer an average level of privacy, with layouts intended to balance proximity and solitude.

Total Campsites28 campsites

Recommended SitesTents and medium-sized RVs are best accommodated at this campground.

Need help booking Ponderosa Campground (Co)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Ponderosa Campground offers an array of basic but practical amenities set amidst the scenic Soap Creek Arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Campers can enjoy picnic tables, fire grates for building fires, and a self-pay station for convenience. Trash and recycling collection are provided seasonally. However, there are no shower facilities, potable water, camp store, or Wi-Fi available. Vault toilets are the only restroom option on-site. A unique feature is the horse corral located in the upper loop, catering to equestrian campers.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Ponderosa Campground emphasizes outdoor recreation, offering access to hiking, boating, and equestrian activities. Its proximity to Blue Mesa Reservoir further enriches the outdoor experience.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

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Tips from campers

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From Booking Sources

0.0

3 reviews

Limited Reviews

Ponderosa Campground (Co) has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

No user reviews are currently available to provide insights into visitor experiences.

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Ponderosa Campground (Co)

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

POND: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-641-2337

Go if

You want affordable lakeside camping with boat launch access and don't mind vault toilets or afternoon thunderstorms.

Skip if

You need full hookups, flush restrooms, or guaranteed weather outside peak summer months.

Nearby Campgrounds

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Soap Creek sits at 7,740 feet in a remote corner of Colorado where cell service drops out and the first-come, first-served tradition still applies. The campground draws visitors willing to trade convenience for solitude. Download the Recreation.gov app before you arrive. You'll need the offline QR code to pay.

102 ELK CREEK, GUNNISON, CO 81230, USA

Lake Fork Campground sits on the shores of Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service. This large, high-elevation alpine campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. Visitors fish, boat, hike, and watch wildlife along the reservoir, with fall bringing vivid aspen color and quieter shorelines.

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

21001 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA

Red Creek Group Site sits in Curecanti National Recreation Area near Gunnison, offering high-elevation alpine access to Blue Mesa Reservoir. Operated by the National Park Service, this group-only campground provides vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables for organized gatherings. Visitors fish the reservoir, hike nearby trails, and watch wildlife along the water's edge.

$60.00 - $60.00 / night

Less Visited

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East Elk Creek Group Campsite

23935 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

East Elk Creek Group Campsite sits in the high-elevation alpine country of Curecanti National Recreation Area, near Gunnison. Operated by the National Park Service, this small group-only site offers privacy and direct access to Blue Mesa Reservoir for boating and fishing. Fall brings kokanee salmon runs and brilliant aspen color, making it a prime spot for wildlife viewing and fishing along the shore.

1 campsites

Reservable

13.193 km

$120.00 - $120.00 / night

Elk Creek Campground sits at 7,540 feet on the shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area, operated by the National Park Service. This large campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with electric hookups and a dump station, serving as a base for boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. Reviewers praise spacious, level sites and nightly ranger talks, though wind and limited shade are common trade-offs at this high-elevation alpine setting.

$24.00 - $34.00 / night

Frequently Visited

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Stevens Creek Campground

29130 Hwy 50

Stevens Creek Campground sits on the shores of Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area, about 20 miles west of Gunnison. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing on Colorado's largest body of water, with spacious sites and clean facilities maintained by friendly hosts.

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Cimarron Campground sits at 6,895 feet in Curecanti National Recreation Area near Montrose, Colorado, offering tent and RV camping with flush toilets and potable water. Summer brings reliable weather and easy access to Crystal Reservoir fishing, canyon viewpoints, and historic railroad exhibits, with warm days (70–85°F) and cool nights (40–50°F). The campground is known for clean facilities and attentive hosts, though some reviewers note rusty water and bright utility lighting.

Cimarron Campground (Co)

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Cimarron Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Curecanti National Recreation Area, near Montrose and Crystal Reservoir. Operated by Recreation.gov, this small campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Visitors fish for trout in Crystal Reservoir, hike canyon trails, and explore nearby railroad exhibits in a quiet setting.

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Less Visited

3.5

(15)

Red Bridge Campground

210 West Spencer Avenue, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA

Red Bridge Campground sits along the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River near Lake City, managed by the BLM's Gunnison Field Office. This very small, primitive riverside site offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables but no potable water. Campers come for riverside fishing, fall aspen color along the Silver Thread Byway, and exceptional stargazing in a quiet high-elevation setting.

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East Elk Creek Group Campsite

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Campgrounds

Ponderosa Campground (Co)

About Curecanti National Recreation Area

Context for the broader area surrounding Ponderosa Campground (Co), sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Located on the Western slope of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Curecanti includes three reservoirs in the Upper Gunnison River Basin (Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal). There are opportunities for hiking, boating, kayaking, camping, fishing, paddle-boarding, windsurfing, wildlife watching, and many other recreational activities.

Directions

Curecanti is located between the Colorado towns of Gunnison (to the east), Montrose (to the west), and Lake City (to the south). The West Elk Mountain Wilderness area borders Curecanti to the north. U.S. Highway 50 runs the length of Curecanti east to west.

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