Ponderosa RV Resort

Kayla Potts

We really enjoyed our first visit to Thousand Trails Ponderosa! The atmosphere was peaceful and laid-back, making it a great place to relax. While my husband spent time gold panning, the kids and I explored the campground and had a blast. The pool was perfect for younger kids, with a gradual depth from 3 feet to 5 feet. We also spent time in the lodge, which had plenty to keep everyone entertained, including a pool table, foosball, ping pong, a treadmill, puzzles, and a few other games. There was also a TV in the lodge with access to streaming services like Netflix, the campground offered Wi-Fi, and we had reliable cell service throughout our stay, which was a nice bonus. The playground is pretty small and simple, but it was enough to keep the kids occupied for a little while. The river was one of our favorite parts. The beach areas were clean and relaxing, and it was fun watching the rafters float by. Just be aware that the current can change, so keep an eye on younger children. I also thought it was a nice touch that each tent site had a canopy over the picnic table. From what I saw, all of the RV sites had electrical hookups, which is a huge plus because we're planning to come back with our camper. This trip was just to check everything out. One of the rangers mentioned that some campsites were still unavailable due to flooding, so not every site was open. One of the biggest highlights for us was the location. There's so much nearby if you want to get out and explore. We found a pizza place just around the corner, Apple Hill is a short drive away, and there are lots of cute little shops nearby. I also appreciated that the campground is gated and requires a gate code, which made it feel more secure since random visitors can't just drive in. The reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 is mostly because of the campground itself. Compared to Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs, it's much smaller, so there isn't nearly as much to explore. I was also disappointed that tent campers don't have access to electrical hookups like they do at Lake of the Springs. It also didn't seem like there were as many organized family activities. One of the things we love about Lake of the Springs is the candy bingo on Saturday mornings, live music, the water play area at the park, multiple bathroom locations, and just the overall variety of things to do. Even with those differences, we had a wonderful time and will definitely be back—especially when we bring our RV. If you're looking for a quieter, more relaxing campground in a great location, Ponderosa is definitely worth visiting.

Erin Marchman

This TT has an amazing location right on a beautiful stretch of the American River. Spaces are very limited as their main rv area is closed, and some spaces are definitely better than others, many areas you are crammed together. Our truck camper door opens directly into our neighbors patio space, for example. It feels like they are cramming people in wherever they can squeeze them in, which is understandable with more than half of the campground closed for repair. The staff are very friendly and helpful, though we haven’t needed to bother them for much. There is a nice taco stand with shaded outdoor seating (dog and kid friendly) with misters going to keep cool, which is wonderful as it gets quite hot here in the summer. The town has a gas station with actually great food, and several other small cafes and restaurants. Every one we have tried has been great. There is NO grocery store or laundromat. The closest ones are in Placerville about 20-30 minutes away. No laundry on site. They advertise free wifi, but this is only in the rec area, you will need to pay for wifi at your site. If you have wheels (stroller, wheelchair) you will be very limited getting around the campground. There is one paved loop and the rest is deep gravel that just sucks your wheels in, so you're not going anywhere in that, which includes getting to a place where you can even see the river unfortunately. Off-leash dogs all over the place makes me anxious for my baby, and for my (leashed) dog who has been attacked before. All in all, a lovely campground in an incredible location. Laundry, and a bit more accessibility getting around the campground would bump it up to 5 stars for me, even despite my crowded site :)

Cali Explorer

This is the most well maintained thousand trails location I've been to. Other locations could learn a thing or two from this one!! Excellent customer service, excellent fire mitigation throughout the property, small extra touches everywhere that show that the owners and employees truly care about this property. The shoreline has been weeded, each site is free of loose branches and dry brush. Adequate gravel throughout so driving through is a breeze. When we did have an issue with our cabin assignment, the staff was completely reassuring and took care of our issue immediately. The pool and pool area and clubhouse are super clean and well air conditioned. We've just had a really nice time every time we stay here!! Best kept secret in the area!

Steve Kistler (STK217)

My first time camping here, and I see why my friend comes back every year. We went trout fishing, swimming and tubing down the river with some white water rapids. The site manager Sarah, was super nice. She even remembered my friend's name from the reservation, and made sure to welcome us back. I could spend an entire weekend just relaxing by the river.

Ski Gaucho

Awful management , either poorly trained or not knowledgeable enough. Sarah the assistant manager refused to provide me with a suitable camping site , fabricating an excuse relating to all other sites being reserved . I stayed for ten days and only a few sites where taken , at times other campers came by to look at my trailer since it is a very unique rig . They asked why I was in such a deplorable area ( next to the highway , with no trees and in an unkept area ) when there where so many more desirable locations . I tried several times to secure a better location , but I was offered a site she called " overflow " adding that no one likes that area(?) Not very nice of her. It could have something to do with my statement related to my political leaning . I certainly felt discriminated against . I take on battles which can benefit people , and at my age I find more pleasure in knowing that ignorance and stupidity wallows in it's own deprecating stew.