Ponderosa Cove Campground
04 reviewsnull
Ponderosa Cove Campground
$175.00 - $175.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$175.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The peak-season nightly rate for Group Standard Nonelectric sites is $175. Additional fees include a $8 reservation fee for online bookings, $9 reservation fee for phone bookings, and $3 reservation fee for in-person bookings. Cancellation fees and change fees may apply.
About this campground
Nestled among towering pines, Ponderosa Cove Campground welcomes groups seeking an unforgettable Sierra Nevada experience. Here, shaded campsites offer front-row seats to the sparkling waters of Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, where days unfold with the gentle splash of kayak paddles and the excited calls of osprey overhead. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, diving into cool mountain waters, or gathering around evening campfires, this group-friendly haven transforms outdoor adventures into lasting memories.
Ponderosa Cove Campground is designed for group camping, with accommodations for tent camping and RV/trailer use. No primitive or luxury camping options are available.
Historical SignificanceAdventure seekers can step back in time at the nearby Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, where California's destiny changed forever with the glint of gold in 1848. This living museum brings the Gold Rush era to life with authentic buildings, costumed interpreters, and the very spot where James Marshall's discovery launched one of history's greatest migrations. The echoes of fortune seekers still resonate through these hills, adding layers of human drama to your wilderness escape.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of California's Mediterranean climate in these Sierra foothills, where golden summer days invite endless outdoor play and crisp winter mornings paint frost on pine needles. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched afternoons perfect for water activities, while spring and fall offer mild temperatures ideal for hiking and exploration. Winter transforms the landscape into a quieter wonderland, though rain may limit some activities. During peak summer months, fire restrictions help preserve this pristine wilderness for future generations.
ElevationPerched at 4,400 feet in the Sierra Nevada's rugged embrace, Ponderosa Cove offers that perfect sweet spot where mountain air invigorates without leaving you breathless. This elevation delivers refreshingly cool nights even during summer's peak, while positioning you high enough to escape valley heat but low enough to avoid the challenges of true high-altitude camping.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the sweet vanilla perfume of massive Ponderosa Pines, nature's aromatherapy welcoming you to each new day. These majestic giants frame stunning views of Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, where morning mist dances across glassy waters and sunset paints the sky in brilliant mountain hues. The surrounding Sierra foothills roll endlessly toward distant peaks, creating a landscape that shifts from intimate forest groves to sweeping panoramas with each turn of the trail.
Geological RegionCarved into the ancient granite bones of the Sierra Nevada foothills, Ponderosa Cove sits east of Stumpy Meadows Dam in a landscape sculpted by millennia of geological drama. At 4,400 feet, this rugged terrain tells stories of volcanic upheaval and glacial artistry, where weathered granite outcroppings punctuate forests of towering Ponderosa Pine. The surrounding high country offers a masterclass in mountain geology, from smooth water-worn stones along the reservoir to the fractured cliff faces that speak of the Earth's tremendous forces.
Campsite details
AccessibilityDetails about accessibility features are not provided in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeUser reviews and authoritative sources describe the campground as spacious enough to accommodate up to 75 campers, with additional room for tents and RVs.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is not explicitly mentioned in official sources or user reviews.
Total Campsites75 campsites
Recommended Campsites“There are 5 dedicated RV/Trailer parking spurs, but only 4 are decent with a table. The 5th one is short to be used as a last resort.”
Best CampsitesGroup Standard Nonelectric sites cater to large groups and offer amenities such as picnic tables, tent pads, and a shared fire ring.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 75 guests allowed per group site.
Groups
The campground can accommodate up to 75 guests in a single loop. It features five parking spurs for RVs and trailers and ten walk-to tent pads.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of one loop accommodating 75 guests, with parking spurs for RVs and trailers and walk-to tent pads. It has communal picnic tables and a shared fire ring.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground operates seasonally, opening on May 23, 2025, and closing on September 6, 2026. Reservations are unavailable between August 31, 2025, and May 22, 2026.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov, via the contact center, or in-person.
Walk-in AvailabilityInformation on walk-up availability is not explicitly provided.
Cancellation PolicyCustomers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.
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
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers plenty of recreational options, including bird watching, nature viewing, swimming, fishing, and boating at the nearby Stumpy Meadows Reservoir. Eldorado National Forest's extensive hiking trails and nearby attractions like Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park provide additional activities.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities abound in the nearby Eldorado National Forest, which boasts over 400 miles of trails. Specific trail details are not mentioned.Fishing
Fishing at Stumpy Meadows Reservoir is popular, with opportunities to catch brown and rainbow trout.Swimming
Swimming is available at Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, but specific safety measures or designated swimming areas are not described.Boating
Boating is permitted at Stumpy Meadows Reservoir. It is a no-wake lake, suitable for kayaks and paddleboards. One user review mentions launching kayaks and paddleboards from the area.Wildlife viewing
The campground is described as ideal for bird watching and nature viewing. Specific wildlife species or recommended viewing areas are not mentioned.Winter Activities
No winter activities like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing are mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are popular, as noted in user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions may apply during dry weather conditions. The group fire ring is the only designated area for campfires.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include bear activity and fire risks due to thick underbrush and deadwood in the area.
Active alertsFire restrictions may be imposed based on weather conditions.
Weather forecast
85
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 24%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are likely available in Georgetown (approximately 14 miles away), including police stations and general medical services. Specialized hospitals may require travel to Placerville (~20 miles).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025; May 22, 2026 - September 06, 2026.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities include a dumpster, but maintenance concerns were raised in reviews. For example, one user stated: "The garbage dumpster was almost full when we arrived for our 6 night stay. We couldn’t fit anything else in it by day 3."
Proximity to water featuresLocated approximately 150–200 yards from Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, providing easy access to kayaking and paddleboarding.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight issues such as inadequate waste and restroom maintenance and concerns regarding fire hazards from deadwood and underbrush. Noise disturbances due to external visitors have also been reported.
HostHosts are present but may not promptly address maintenance concerns, as mentioned in user reviews regarding full dumpsters and smelly bathrooms.
Campground Map
null
Driving directionsFrom Placerville take Highway 49N a half-mile and turn right on Highway 193 to Georgetown. Take a right on Main Street in Georgetown and drive about 14 miles to the campground. Ponderosa Cove is north of the Stumpy Boat Ramp.
The campground is accessible via paved roads leading to Georgetown and further to Stumpy Meadows Reservoir. However, the last few miles may require careful navigation due to potential narrow or winding roads.Nearby places
Placerville (~20 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car), Georgetown (~14 miles, approximately 20 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Georgetown (~14 miles away), including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Ponderosa Cove Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Ponderosa Cove Campground provide mixed impressions. Positive highlights include the spacious group camping area and proximity to the reservoir, while complaints focus on maintenance issues like dirty bathrooms and insufficient garbage facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the large group area, plentiful picnic tables, bear boxes, and proximity to the reservoir for activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. One user described it as a "huge area...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints from users include poorly maintained facilities, such as "the bathrooms needed to be emptied. The smell was terrible," and "The garbage dumpster was almost full when we arrived for our 6...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend keeping the gate at the bottom of the hill closed to prevent uninvited visitors and suggest visiting during less crowded times to avoid maintenance shortcomings.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer visits seem to attract more crowds, as noted in one review mentioning July 4th weekend, which was "full but still had space for everyone." Winter weather conditions are likely harsh given the...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- "This is one of the best group campsites I've been to. Huge area literally holds 75 people." (Adam Nelms) - "The garbage dumpster was almost full when we arrived for our 6 night stay." (Diane G) -...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific comments about campsite GA001 note issues like fire hazards and poor maintenance. Positive reviews highlight the spacious group camping setup.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no user reviews specifically address pet-related experiences or policies.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025