Ponderosa Grove Campground

4.12

87 reviews

Kanab Field Office 669 S Highway 89A Kanab, UT 84741

Stargazing

Featured in:Camping Near Zion National Park

Quick Facts

6,300 ft

Price

$12 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026

Quick Facts

6,300 ft

Price

$12 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026

Ponderosa Grove Campground

$12.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$12 per night for individual campsites; $50 per night for a group site accommodating up to 40 people. Fees are non-refundable, and reservations for...

Standard Site Fee$12.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$12.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-644-1200knut@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

4.12

Satisfactory

Based on 87 reviews

72 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulclean

"User reviews for Ponderosa Grove Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with an average sentiment of 4.6 out of 5. Campers appreciate the affordability, cleanliness, and peaceful atmosphere. Some reviews highlight issues like the lack of water and cell service, but these are generally regarded as minor inconveniences."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Kanab Field Office 669 S Highway 89A Kanab, UT 84741

Ponderosa Grove Campground

Kanab Field Office 669 S Highway 89A Kanab, UT 84741

Nearby places

Kanab (8 miles, 15 minutes), Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes), Zion National Park (approximately 45 miles, 1 hour)

Nearby supplies

Kanab offers the nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. No specific stores are mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Ponderosa Grove Campground

The high desert climate here brings dramatic seasonal contrasts that shape your camping experience throughout the year. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland with temperatures that can plunge well below freezing, while summer days can soar past 100°F in the valleys below. However, the campground's elevated position at 6,300 feet offers a natural respite—expect temperatures to be 10-15 degrees cooler than the surrounding lowlands, making those summer nights surprisingly comfortable under a blanket of stars.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in UT

Fall is highlighted as ideal with milder weather — reviewers and seasonal notes recommend it.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Individual campsites are first-come, first-served but reservable during peak season for the group site.
Current Alerts: Check BLM's website for fire restrictions and advisories.

About Ponderosa Grove Campground

Perched at 6,300 feet in the high desert just eight miles northwest of Kanab, Utah, Ponderosa Grove Campground offers adventurers a perfect basecamp for exploring southern Utah's most spectacular landscapes. This Bureau of Land Management gem features 34 thoughtfully placed sites—26 for car camping, 6 equipped for RVs, and 2 secluded walk-in spots for those seeking extra solitude. Whether you're here to tackle off-highway vehicle trails, explore hiking paths that wind through ancient geological wonders, or use it as your launching point for day trips to the famous Coral Pink Sand Dunes and Zion National Park, Ponderosa Grove provides the ideal blend of accessibility and wilderness escape.

The Ponderosa Grove Campground is versatile, offering options for individual tent sites, RV parking, and group camping. The campground is designed to cater to different camping preferences, from primitive tents to RV setups.

Historical Significance

Since its establishment in the 1970s, Ponderosa Grove has served as a gateway to some of the Southwest's most treasured landscapes. The campground sits at the crossroads of ancient history and modern adventure, offering direct access to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument's paleontological wonders and the otherworldly Coral Pink Sand Dunes. These surrounding lands tell stories spanning millions of years, from ancient seas to dinosaur habitats, all waiting to be discovered by today's explorers.

Weather and SeasonsThe high desert climate here brings dramatic seasonal contrasts that shape your camping experience throughout the year. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland with temperatures that can plunge well below freezing, while summer days can soar past 100°F in the valleys below. However, the campground's elevated position at 6,300 feet offers a natural respite—expect temperatures to be 10-15 degrees cooler than the surrounding lowlands, making those summer nights surprisingly comfortable under a blanket of stars.

ElevationAt 6,300 feet above sea level, Ponderosa Grove occupies a sweet spot in southern Utah's varied topography. This elevation places you above the desert floor's intense heat while remaining below the alpine zones, creating an ideal microclimate where desert and mountain ecosystems meet. The altitude not only provides welcome relief from summer heat but also offers expansive views across the layered landscape that stretches endlessly toward the horizon.

Natural Features and SceneryWake up to panoramic views of the Vermilion Cliffs' fiery red walls and the pastel layers of the White and Pink Cliffs that inspired the naming of nearby Bryce Canyon's geological formations. The campground nestles among aromatic sagebrush and hardy desert scrub that paint the hills in subtle grays and greens. This high desert habitat buzzes with life—watch for mule deer browsing at dawn, listen for coyotes calling across the canyons at dusk, and keep your eyes skyward where golden eagles and red-tailed hawks patrol the thermals. Desert cottontails dart between the brush while coveys of quail scurry along ancient game trails.

Geological RegionPositioned atop the majestic Vermilion Cliffs, Ponderosa Grove offers front-row seats to one of Earth's most spectacular geological theaters. The campground overlooks layer upon layer of ancient history written in stone—from the White Cliffs' Navajo Sandstone to the pink-hued Claron Formation that creates the famous hoodoos of Bryce Canyon. Just minutes away, the Coral Pink Sand Dunes showcase nature's artistry in motion, where ancient Navajo Sandstone has been ground into flowing waves of coral-colored sand. This unique location places you at the intersection of multiple geological wonders, where sagebrush-dotted hills give way to some of the most photographed rock formations in the American Southwest.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 12 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is by 2 PM.

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights

Guests Allowed Per Site

10 guests maximum per individual campsite

Groups

The group camping site accommodates up to 40 people and includes features like a locking gate, group fire pit, shade pavilion with a barbeque grill, and parking for 13 vehicles.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutFeatures include a gravel loop road allowing access to 26 car-camping sites, 6 RV sites, and 2 walk-in campsites. Group camping areas are also available.

Reservation PlatformsReservations for group sites can be made through Recreation.gov. Individual sites operate on Scan & Pay.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability is offered for individual campsites. Payment is made onsite via Scan & Pay or fee collection tubes.

Cancellation PolicyFees are non-refundable. Scan & Pay transactions cannot be modified or refunded.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the source data. Vault toilets are available, and the sites have gravel parking areas, which may provide basic accessibility.

Site SizeStandard sites are designed to accommodate up to two vehicles and one to two tents. RV sites can handle trailers up to 24 feet in length.

PrivacySites offer moderate privacy, with some areas offering more shade and seclusion. The campground as a whole is described as quiet by users.

Total Campsites35 campsites

Recommended SitesMany reviews suggest staying close to shaded areas for comfort during hot weather. Sites near the north side provide convenient access to the sand dunes.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The Ponderosa Grove Campground caters to outdoor enthusiasts with a mix of activities including ATV/UTV riding, hiking, photography, horseback riding, and OHV recreation. Proximity to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes and other regional attractions makes it a hub for adventure seekers.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rattlesnakes, coyotes, and extreme weather conditions (heat in summer, frost in spring).

Active AlertsCheck BLM's website for fire restrictions and advisories.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted only in designated grates. Gathering firewood is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 7:30 AM.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are in Kanab, approximately 8 miles away, providing access to hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingA trash dumpster is provided at the entrance of the campground. No recycling facilities are mentioned.

Water FeaturesSand dunes are directly across the road; there are no natural water bodies onsite.

Weather at Ponderosa Grove Campground

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.1

87 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews for Ponderosa Grove Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with an average sentiment of 4.6 out of 5. Campers appreciate the affordability, cleanliness, and peaceful atmosphere. Some reviews highlight issues like the lack of water and cell service, but these are generally regarded as minor inconveniences.

Review Summaries

Based on 87 reviews

What Campers Love

- Affordable with a $12 per night fee for individual sites. - Clean and well-maintained vault toilets. - Scenic views and proximity to Coral Pink Sand Dunes. - Quiet and peaceful environment, even...

Based on 87 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of potable water on-site. - Limited to no cell service. - Presence of flies near the vault toilets. - Extreme temperatures during summer and winter months.

Based on 87 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own water as there is no potable water on-site. - Arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot. - Visitors recommend exploring the sand dunes at sunset for the best views. - Pack...

Based on 87 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months receive mixed reviews due to high daytime temperatures, but nights cool off significantly. Fall is highlighted as an ideal time to visit for milder weather. Winter and early spring...

Based on 87 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Quiet, shady, beautiful views. Have fun!' - Lorraine Jackson 2. 'Flat spots with RV sites separated from tent sites. Fire pits and picnic tables. Pit toilets. No water.' - Paisley Close 3. 'Great...

Based on 87 reviews