Ponderosa Camp
00 reviewPonderosa Camp
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
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
The campground charges $8 per vehicle, payable via cash, check, or the Scan and Pay phone app.
Share this campground
USFSProvider
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of off-road adventure country, Ponderosa Camp offers a true back-to-basics camping experience that beckons to those seeking solitude and exploration. This dispersed camping haven has become a favorite basecamp for 4x4 enthusiasts who come to challenge themselves on the rugged trails that spider-web through the surrounding wilderness. With just the essentials—a vault toilet, informative bulletin board, and convenient self-pay station—Ponderosa Camp strips away the frills to deliver an authentic outdoor experience where the rumble of engines meets the whisper of wind through ancient pines.
Ponderosa Camp caters to dispersed camping enthusiasts, with no formalized or designated campsites. The campground is popular among 4x4 and OHV groups due to its trail access.
Weather and SeasonsThe changing seasons paint Ponderosa Camp with dramatically different brushstrokes throughout the year. Summer arrives with gentle warmth that invites long evenings around the campfire and comfortable nights under star-studded skies. As autumn approaches, crisp air signals the transition to winter's grip, when snow blankets the landscape and temperatures plunge below freezing. These colder months transform the camp into a winter wonderland, though accessibility becomes a genuine adventure in itself—making 4x4 capabilities not just useful, but often essential.
ElevationPerched at 2,800 feet above sea level, Ponderosa Camp occupies that sweet spot where mountain air feels refreshingly crisp without leaving you gasping for breath. This moderate elevation brings cooler temperatures year-round, with winter transforming the campground into a frosty retreat where morning coffee steams dramatically in the cold mountain air.
Natural Features and SceneryThe majestic Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest embraces Ponderosa Camp in a verdant tapestry of towering evergreens and diverse woodland ecosystems. Ancient ponderosa pines stand sentinel over the campground, their vanilla-scented bark and impressive girth telling stories of centuries past. Nearby streams carve their patient paths through the landscape, creating ribbon-like corridors where wildlife congregates—deer picking their way to water at dawn, eagles soaring overhead, and the occasional glimpse of more elusive forest inhabitants rewarding the patient observer.
Geological RegionSet within the spectacular Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Ponderosa Camp rests in a landscape sculpted by millennia of geological forces. The surrounding mountainous terrain rises and falls in dramatic waves, carved by ancient glaciers and modern waterways that continue to shape these lands. Crystal-clear rivers wind through valleys, their banks supporting rich riparian ecosystems that burst with life. This dynamic landscape offers endless exploration opportunities, from rocky ridgelines that challenge hikers to gentle meadows where wildflowers dance in the mountain breeze.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in the materials.
Sites SizeThe campground accommodates 5-6 camps in non-designated spots.
Sites PrivacySites are dispersed, but specific information on privacy levels is not detailed.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect camping spots closer to the trail for easier access to OHV recreation.
Best CampsitesThere is no designation for specific campsites since this is a dispersed camping area.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Stay limit information not provided.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Specific guest limits per site are not defined for this campground.
Groups
Group sites are not mentioned in the materials.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed camping arrangement with room for 5-6 camps in non-designated spots.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground is open for the season. Specific opening and closing dates are not provided.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not supported at this campground.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis with limited options for dispersed camping (5-6 non-designated spots).
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy is not applicable as reservations are not accepted.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Ponderosa Camp is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those interested in OHV (Off-Highway Vehicles) activities. Other recreational opportunities include fishing and, to a lesser extent, hunting and shooting.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in nearby rivers or streams, but no specifics on fish types or quality were provided.Winter Activities
No winter recreation options are mentioned in the materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are strictly prohibited.
Hazards
General hazardsHazards include wildlife encounters and rugged terrain. Lack of potable water and garbage services may also pose challenges.
Active alertsActive campfire ban in effect.
Weather forecast
91
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 12.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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
Closest emergency services include Naches Fire Department and Yakima Memorial Hospital (approximately 28 miles from the campground).
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates are not defined.
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling services are available. Campers must pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is near river/stream and is suitable for fishing.
Common complaintsLimited facilities such as lack of potable water and garbage services.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Naches, travel west on Highway 12 for 4.4 miles. Continue straight onto Highway 410 W for 24.2 miles. Turn right on Little Naches Road / Forest Road 19 and follow 3 miles to Road 1903. Turn right and go 1 mile to camp.
The campground is accessible via paved highways up to Highway 410. Forest Road 19 and Road 1903 are unpaved and may be challenging to navigate for standard vehicles. Seasonal closures might influence accessibility.Nearby places
Naches (Approximately 28 miles, about 40 minutes travel time).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Naches, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel. Naches also has restaurants and shops.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Ponderosa Camp has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available in the provided materials.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No positive highlights from campers are documented.
Common Concerns
No common complaints or issues are documented.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips or recommendations are mentioned.
Seasonal Insights
No user reviews or seasonal trends are available.
Camper Quotes
No direct quotes from users are provided.
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews or details about preferred campsites are available.
Accessibility Features
No accessibility-related reviews are provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews or details about pet policies or experiences are provided.
Last updated August 10, 2025