This is a lovely older forest service campground located in the Tonto National Forest of Arizona. Tall Ponderosa Pine trees surround you. The camp sites vary so depending on your camping style you could be challenged with the size of your RV. There is water available and pit toilets. The dump station was closed on this trip but the last time we were here it was a $10 charge. New to the campground is a pay station for those who don’t have reservations, credit card only. There are a number of first come first serve sites, but many are not suitable for RVs with very slanted paring spots or are too short and not far off the roadway. Reservations are available online at rec.gov.
Ponderosa is located a short distance east of Payson, AZ on Highway 260.
The lake is down this trip, and its windy. But the hiking is the best. There are 3 different hikes in the hills in different directions. The Petroglyph Trail its a favorite. This is an easy hike but steep in places on a well maintained trail with lots of steps. The trail takes to you to wonderful views of the lake as well as several sites of petroglyphs. And if you keep your eye out, you'll see others along the trails. There is a bench part way up that gives a great view of the surrounding area.
Lovely cafe with milk shakes, floats and sundaes. Coffee, espresso too! Staff were friendly and service was great. Root Beer Float yummy!
The museum is closed. The doors are boarded up. Phone number we called went to a Fax line. Shame, we were interested in this.
The Grand Theatre is closed for visitors. They are looking for funding to renovate. It looks like it was a fabulous place. We wish we could have gotten inside. Still worth a look. Its not far from the Gadsden Hotel.