Facilities

Club House

Laundry Room

Swimming Pool

Hot Tub

Fitness Center

Game Room

Rec Hall

Pavilion

Exercise Room

Restroom/Shower

Restroom Only

Shower Only

Restaurant

Groceries

RV Supplies

ATM Machine

WiFi

Dog Park

Cocktail Lounge

Dog Washing Station

Pit Toilet

Snack Bar

Play Ground

Sites

Water

20 Amp

30 Amp

50 Amp

Sewer

Cable TV

Services

Escort to Site

Self-Service RV Wash

Metered LP Gas

Firewood

Fishing Supplies

Pet Supplies

Onsite Rentals

Worship Services

Golf Carts

Fishing Guides

Onsite RV Service

Staffed RV Wash

Fishing Licenses

Complimentary Breakfast

Recreational activities in or near the park

Recreational Activities

Archery Range

ATV Riding

Biking

Boating

Body Of Water

Casino

Climbing

Dock

Driving Range

Fishing

Golf

Heated Pool

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Horseshoes

Kayaking

Lawn Bowling

Mini Golf

Paddle Boats

Pickle Ball

Putting Green

Ramp

Sauna

Shuffleboard

Snow Sports

Splash Pad

Swimming

Tennis

Wading Pool

Water Slide

Water Sports

Water Umbrella

Whitewater Rafting

Policies

RV Age Restrictions

Pets Welcome

Pet Restrictions

Pet Restriction on Quantity

Pet Restriction on Breed

Pet Restriction on Size

No Pets

Tent Camping Allowed

Folding Tent Campers Allowed

No Tents

No Overnight Guests

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Ponderosa Campground offers a refreshing high-country retreat within the <strong>Tonto National Forest</strong>. Situated at an elevation of approximately 5,800 feet, this destination provides a welcome escape from the desert heat of southern Arizona. Travelers are greeted by the distinctive scent of pine and a tranquil atmosphere that defines the Arizona mountains. It serves as a quintessential forest service experience for those seeking a deep connection with the natural landscape and a <strong>peaceful camping environment</strong>.</p><h2>Location & Surroundings</h2><p>Located just 15 miles east of <strong>Payson, Arizona</strong>, the park sits nestled within the rolling hills of the Mogollon Rim country. The surroundings are dominated by one of the world's largest stands of <strong>Ponderosa Pines</strong>, creating a lush, green canopy that provides ample shade. The terrain is rugged and scenic, offering easy access to the dramatic geological drop-off of the Rim, which provides spectacular views of the valleys below and the vast wilderness beyond.</p><h2>Amenities & Park Features</h2><p>This is a traditional forest service facility focused on providing a rustic, authentic experience. The park features <strong>paved parking spurs</strong> suitable for various RV lengths, though it is important to note there are no hookups available. Visitors have seasonal access to <strong>potable water</strong> and well-maintained vault toilets throughout the loops. Each individual site includes a heavy-duty picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, making it easy to enjoy traditional outdoor meals under a dense forest canopy.</p><h2>Nearby Attractions & Things to Do</h2><p>Adventure seekers can quickly reach <strong>Tonto Natural Bridge State Park</strong>, which features one of the largest natural travertine bridges in the world. Water enthusiasts often head to <strong>Woods Canyon Lake</strong> for trout fishing and kayaking, located just a short drive away on the Rim. For those who prefer land-based activities, the area provides direct access to several trailheads, including the famous <strong>Highline Trail</strong>, which offers miles of scenic hiking and mountain biking opportunities.</p><h2>Who This Park Is Best For</h2><p>This park is ideal for <strong>self-contained RVers</strong> who prioritize natural beauty and quiet nights over resort-style amenities. It is a favorite destination for families looking to escape the summer heat and for <strong>nature photographers</strong> wanting to capture the diverse flora and fauna of the Arizona high country. If you enjoy dry camping and want a cool, shaded basecamp for exploring the Mogollon Rim, this campground provides the perfect balance of accessibility and rustic charm.</p>



Tonto Ponderosa is a family-friendly campground located in Payson, Arizona. The campground is situated in the heart of the Tonto National Forest, offering visitors a chance to explore the area's stunning natural beauty. The campground features a variety of amenities, including RV sites, tent sites, cabins, and a swimming pool. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, hiking, and biking in the surrounding area. The campground is conveniently located near a variety of restaurants, shops, and other attractions in Payson.

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Tonto/Ponderosa

Escape to Ponderosa Campground in Payson, AZ. Enjoy rustic RV camping in the Tonto National Forest near the Mogollon Rim. Perfect for a cool mountain getaway.

Ponderosa Campground | Payson, AZ | Tonto National Forest

Has bathroom, No electric,  dog friendly, our site C3 had some broken black top, about 13 miles outside of Payson. I will love to go back. We hiked the fire road just outside of the campground.

Visited there in April 2026 for three nights. The first night the camp was mostly empty and was peaceful except for a little bit of road noise. The second and third nights, which were Friday and Saturday night. The campground filled up with many people bringing with them generators and loud music, also on Saturday night, a large family with five children arrived and picked the campsite right next to ours. Before they even had set up, They had unloaded several toys off of the trailer, including a quad and turned all five kids loose with no supervision. They rode the quads up and down the road continuously until dark and even through our campsite while they blasted their music. The camp host came by three separate times and talked to them, but obviously never stopped them. As soon as it started to get a little dark, they fired up an old, noisy, smelly generator and ran it the entire night. The noise never stopped from that campsite and unfortunately the host did nothing to stop that if. First thing in the morning the kids, all under 10 were driving the quad again. If you’re looking for an enjoyable camping trip I advise finding somewhere else to stay.

We were looking for a quick Saturday night camp outing in our Airstream and this looked both convenient to get to and the reviews weren't bad.  The campground is geared more towards intro-to-tent-camping types. Probably good for kids, with bathrooms and water being a nice convenience. The sites aren't super well maintained and the spots to park vehicles are pretty small and uneven. I wouldn't drag anything bigger than a 20ft trailer up here. Tent camping with kids tho? You're golden. The road noise isn't bad in D loop. Pavement from your doorstep in Phoenix to your site makes it easy to access. Payson is 15 mins away. Quick and easy getaway.

Less crowded here, open spaces , bathrooms are not the cleanest, running water. No rivers flowing through but it is a good place to camp. Hosts drives multiple times & not too social . Go pick your spot then go to the machine box and book it, numbers only !! No letters. Place ticket on your dash and the other copy on your spot . Bathroom is near by A12!!, second camping trip spot D3 is huge and very private !! The hosts rents propane fire pits $40

We had a great time . Lots of running water . Clean restrooms. Awesome host spacious camp spots . Very peaceful. Will
Be back

Spent the last 2 days tent camping there.  Awesome experience the stars were just incredible!!!  The sites were huge, the restrooms clean and the hosts, George and Rebecca were wonderfully!  Sooo quiet and peaceful and coyotes sang to us.

Tall mature pinetrees. Very quiet.
Will be full this weekend. Very nice to be camping in your own personal campgrounds. Camp hosts were incredible. He jump started my battery because of the overnight freezing weather. So I could leave on-time.  All the camp hosts were friendly and helpful. My camping experiences were amazing and informative. The camp hosts were helpful and informative without being busy bodies. Plan on an extended stay when I come back from camping in Colorado,  My amazing home state. Have always enjoyed the very friendly locals. Just too old for the cold. I miss the winters of boarding and skiing. Don't miss moving snow in the winter.
Just another wonderful spring day.

Removing 7,000 trees from this area is an absolute travesty. Shame on U.S. Forest Service for butchering the land. Going from 350 trees per acre to 80 is truly vile. Horrible decision and absolutely unacceptable.

Lovely campground with semi private sites and drop toilets. Site C8 had a lot of ground bees (my brother was stung twice), & a pack of javelinas traversed our site looking for scraps while we were sleeping (woke me up 🐗).

I have wondered if anyone else has had trouble with the host. The guy that was there last time was great. Last month. This new female thinks she owns you. Checking for payment and constantly driving her little golf cart thru and basically mad digging people. What a shame. Beautiful site. Unfortunately we won't be back. We weren't there to feel like we were onstage.... Constantly being scrutinized. Think Houston mesa has better hosts. Trying that or canyon point next weekend.

Just got home from our camping trip. Had never stayed at Ponderosa before. It was wonderful! Campsites were clean, they all had bear boxes to keep your food in. The restrooms were very clean. The camp hosts were so nice. It was $22 per night. They offered firewood bundles for $8, we already had wood though. The campsites didn't feel too close together like some can. It was a fantastic trip and our new favorite place to camp!

Reviews

Tonto/Ponderosa

User Reviews