Ponderosa Uinta
4.4467 reviewsUinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Nephi, UT, 84648
Quick Facts
6,200 ftPrice
$15 - $57/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
23 campsites
Season
Season opens April 2...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
6,200 ftPrice
$15 - $57/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
23 campsites
Season
Season opens April 2...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsPonderosa 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
Total Campsite Fees$29.00
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What Campers Say
4.44
Recommended
Based on 67 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."
Fees & Passes at Ponderosa Uinta
$15 - $57/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: The maximum stay is 14 days in a 30-day period.
Cancellation: Cancellations before check-in incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee....
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Utah Recreation Company website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this historic mountain sanctuary, where the very trees that shade your campsite were planted by visionary foresters in 1914. These majestic Ponderosa Pines have witnessed over a century of outdoor adventures, growing from saplings to the towering giants that define the landscape today. The campground itself, carefully carved from the wilderness in 1933 during America's great conservation era, stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between humans and nature.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationPerched at 6,200 feet where the air is crisp and pine-scented, Ponderosa Campground offers a refreshing escape from summer's heat. This high-altitude haven delivers consistently cool temperatures that make for comfortable days and sleeping-bag-worthy nights. The elevation brings you closer to dramatic cloud formations, intensifies the blue of the sky, and provides sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys that seem to stretch forever into the horizon.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living cathedral of century-old Ponderosa Pines, their cinnamon-bark trunks rising like ancient pillars toward the sky. Planted in 1914, these gentle giants share the forest with graceful Aspens that dance in the mountain breeze and stately Maples that provide cooling shade. The melodic waters of Salt Creek wind nearby, offering both a soothing soundtrack and refreshing respite. When autumn arrives, the entire canyon erupts in a spectacular display of gold and crimson, creating one of Utah's most photographed natural phenomena.
Geological RegionDiscover the rugged beauty of Bear Canyon, a pristine pocket of the vast Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest where high alpine terrain meets dense, verdant forests. This geological wonderland showcases the dramatic uplift of ancient mountains, carved by millennia of wind and water into the spectacular landscape you see today. The diverse ecosystem supports an impressive array of flora, from the dominant Ponderosa Pines to delicate wildflowers, while the varied terrain ranges from gentle meadows to challenging peaks, offering something for every outdoor enthusiast.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews. However, a review by Cheryl L notes that camp hosts keep the facilities clean and well-maintained, which may aid general usability.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating both tents and RVs. Jeff B noted that he fit a 45-foot fifth-wheel with little trouble in site 9.
Sites PrivacyThe campground provides good privacy between sites due to the shade and spacing of trees. Sheryl D mentioned: 'The sites seemed far enough apart that you had some privacy.'
Total Campsites23 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #6 is noted for its proximity to the creek. Sites #12 and #13 are highly sought after for their shade. Larger trailers fit best in Site #9.
Best Campsites
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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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum site occupancy is 8 people per single site.
Groups
The campground offers a double site for group camping, accommodating up to 16 people and 2 vehicles. Fees are $57 per night.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized into single-family sites with designated picnic tables, fire rings, and paved parking spurs.
Open and Closed SeasonSeason opens April 25 and closes September 1. Reservations start from June 24 to September 1.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites available from September 2 to October 18. Arrive early for higher availability during weekends and holidays.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations before check-in incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee. No refunds are provided for Scan and Pay transactions.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
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.
Hiking
Hiking 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.'Fishing
Fishing is permitted in Salt Creek, which runs alongside the campground. The creek is a popular spot for catching rainbow trout.Biking
Biking is supported in the area, including the Bear Canyon Trail. However, specific details about trail terrain and difficulty are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The 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
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, but the campground is closed during the winter season.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not supported at this campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within campfire rings only. Fireworks are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife 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.
Weather at Ponderosa Uinta
30
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 67%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest hospital, police station, and ranger station are in Nephi, approximately 10 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 25, 2025 - September 1, 2025 (Peak Season)
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates on a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy, with no dumpsters on-site. Rachell L commented: 'Just wish they had a dumpster like their other campgrounds.'
Proximity to water featuresSalt Creek runs alongside the campground, providing opportunities for trout fishing.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include lack of water at taps, falling trees, and issues with campground hosts. Several reviews noted infestation issues with worms or bugs falling from trees.
HostHosts are generally noted as helpful and friendly, though some reviewers mention inconsistent service. Hosts like Tamara received recognition for excellent service.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
67 reviews
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 67 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,...
Based on 67 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 67 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 67 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 67 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 67 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 67 reviewsShow more
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 67 reviewsPet-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 67 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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