Ponderosa Uinta

Star4.47
166 reviews
Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Nephi, UT, 84648
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$15 - $57/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Season opens April 2...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Utah Recreation Company site

Official Website
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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 Uinta
$15.00 - $57.00 / night
Campsite Fees
23 single sites priced at $29.00 per night, capacity - 8 people + 1 vehicle. 1 double site priced at $57.00 per night, capacity - 16 people + 2...
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Standard Site Fee$29.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 166 reviews

89 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanwell-maintained

Some mention

bugs

"User reviews for Ponderosa Campground are generally positive, highlighting the beauty of the natural surroundings, the cleanliness of the campground, and the friendliness of camp hosts. However, there are recurring complaints about the lack of water and issues with campsite management."

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Campground Map

Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Nephi, UT, 84648

Ponderosa Uinta

Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Nephi, UT, 84648

Driving directionsFrom I-15, take Nephi exit 225. Travel about 6 miles east on Highway 132/Nephi Canyon to the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway. Turn left onto the byway and travel 3.5 miles to Bear Canyon turnoff. Turn left and drive 0.5 miles to the campground.
Accessible via paved roads through Highway 132 and Nebo Loop Scenic Byway. Seasonal closures may apply to the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway during winter.
Nearby places
Nephi: 10 miles (approximately 15 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Nephi, approximately 10 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Ponderosa Uinta

Experience nature's grand seasonal performance at Ponderosa Campground, where warm, sun-drenched summer days give way to crisp mountain evenings perfect for campfire stories. As autumn arrives, the canyon transforms into a painter's palette of gold, crimson, and amber—a photographer's dream and nature lover's paradise. While winter's snow blankets the high country in peaceful slumber, spring and summer emerge as the prime seasons for camping adventures, offering ideal conditions for outdoor exploration and relaxation.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 17% in UT

Open and peak season Apr 25–Sep 1; reviews say most enjoyable in spring & summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Autumn colors noted, but campground closes Sep 1 so fall access/peak is limited.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 7% in UT

Opens Apr 25; reviews highlight spring as an excellent time to visit.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed during winter months (season ends Sep 1).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 25, 2025 - September 1, 2025 (Peak Season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Season opens April 25 and closes September 1. Reservations start from June 24 to September 1.
  • Current Alerts: Some reviewers noted falling trees and lack of safe water access. Seasonal flooding may also impact usability.

About Ponderosa Uinta

Escape to the breathtaking heights of Ponderosa Campground, where century-old pines whisper stories of the past at 6,200 feet above sea level. Nestled in the heart of Bear Canyon along the spectacular Nebo Loop Scenic Byway, this mountain retreat invites you to unwind beneath a canopy of towering Ponderosa Pines, shimmering Aspens, and vibrant Maples. Each well-appointed campsite comes complete with picnic tables and campfire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. Modern vault toilets and smoothly paved roads ensure comfort meets wilderness, while nearby trails beckon hikers, anglers cast lines in pristine waters, and horseback riders explore endless mountain paths.
Ponderosa Campground caters to tent campers and RV users, offering single-family sites and a double site. The campground's facilities are basic, with a focus on outdoor experiences among towering Ponderosa pines.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in by 12 PM on scheduled arrival date.
Check-out
Check-out by 12 PM on scheduled departure date.
Stay Limit
The maximum stay is 14 days in a 30-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Ponderosa Campground offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and biking, with opportunities for nature exploration and relaxation. The nearby Nebo Loop Scenic Byway and Mount Nebo Wilderness Area enhance the outdoor experience.
HikingHiking opportunities are available with access to the Bear Canyon Trail, which is suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. One user, Alan S, mentioned hiking Mount Nebo for 'great views.'
FishingFishing is permitted in Salt Creek, which runs alongside the campground. The creek is a popular spot for catching rainbow trout.
BikingBiking is supported in the area, including the Bear Canyon Trail. However, specific details about trail terrain and difficulty are not provided.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to abundant wildlife, and sightings of deer and other animals have been reported by users. Anita G noted: 'The wildlife is phenomenal; deer at our campsite.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards due to proximity to Bear Canyon. Campers must store food securely to avoid attracting bears. Falling tree hazards have been noted in reviews.
Active AlertsSome reviewers noted falling trees and lack of safe water access. Seasonal flooding may also impact usability.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Ponderosa Uinta

Reviews

4.5
166 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Ponderosa Uinta is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Ponderosa Campground are generally positive, highlighting the beauty of the natural surroundings, the cleanliness of the campground, and the friendliness of camp hosts. However, there are recurring complaints about the lack of water and issues with campsite management.
Review Summaries
Based on 166 reviews

What Campers Love

Commonly praised aspects include the peaceful and clean environment, the towering Ponderosa pines, and the well-maintained vault toilets. Many users appreciated the helpfulness of the camp hosts,...
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Based on 166 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the lack of running water, unresolved safety concerns with old trees, and issues with campsite reservations. Marie N noted, 'There hasn’t been water at the taps for over...
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Based on 166 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing your own water and trash bags, as there are no running water facilities or dumpsters on-site. Some users also suggest visiting nearby attractions such as Mount Nebo and...
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Based on 166 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the campground is most enjoyable during spring and summer when the natural beauty is in full display, though water shortages have been a consistent issue over the years. Fall...
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Based on 166 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful, quiet campground in the middle of a grove of 100-year-old Ponderosa pines.' - Bryan T 2. 'The wildlife is phenomenal; deer at our campsite.' - Anita G 3. 'Vault toilets clean as in our...
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Based on 166 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 009 is frequently mentioned for fitting a 45-foot fifth-wheel and being close to the creek. Campsites 012 and 013 are noted for their shade, while campsite 006 is praised for being next to...
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Based on 166 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly reviewed, but Cheryl L mentioned that the camp hosts maintain the facilities well, which may aid usability.
Based on 166 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but there is a limit of two dogs per site, and they must be leashed at all times. A user noted that unleashed dogs were a concern near the camp host's trailer.
Based on 166 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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