Ponderosa Campground

Part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area system, Ponderosa Campground sits along a creek near Antonito, providing both drive-in and boat-in access depending on the specific site. The campground accommodates RVs up to 26 feet with electric and water hookups, though space remains limited for larger rigs. Several tent sites spread across the property, with site #9 noted as particularly well-suited for RVs with driver-side slides.

The creek runs directly through the campground, offering immediate fishing access without leaving the grounds. Michael M. notes that "hiking on the CDT is near the campground and fishing is right in the campground." A camp host provides local fishing advice and maintains the facilities, which include clean bathrooms, showers, and a dump station. The Continental Divide Trail passes nearby for hikers looking to explore beyond the immediate area.

Seasonal deer flies can create challenges during summer months, with some campers cutting stays short due to the persistent insects. The campground tends to attract repeat visitors who appreciate the direct water access and relatively quiet atmosphere. Most sites feature fire rings with grates and picnic tables, with campfires permitted throughout the season.

For additional camping options in the region, campers can explore campgrounds near Curecanti National Recreation Area. The season runs from May through mid-October, with reservations available for advance planning.

Fee Info

$16.00 per night ($8.00 per night with Interagency Senior/Access Pass)

Reservation Info

All sites are first-come first-served.

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Location

RV Park

Ponderosa Campground is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

From U.S. Highway 50, follow CO Highway 92 1/2 mile past Blue Mesa Dam to Soap Creek Road. Proceed 7 miles north on the gravel Soap Creek Road.

Address

18584 State Highway 17
Antonito, CO 81120

Coordinates

37.12225824 N
106.32919875 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated clean facilities, helpful hosts, and scenic locations with good amenities. Some noted concerns about site spacing and seasonal biting flies that can be problematic during certain periods.

Reviewed Jul. 21, 2023

Would be 5 stars, except....Deer flies!!!

Stunning spot, lots of tent sites, room for maybe 12 campers of modest length, mine is 26' spot #9 is prime for a camper with a driver side slide/kitchen table. unknown if it's seasonal but the biting flies, primarily deer flies are beyond bearable, I survived 4 days, most other campers left after one night. The camp host is very friendly, and knows the best fishing holes.

Site#9
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Ponderosa Campground by MARC C., July 21, 2023
  • Review photo of Ponderosa Campground by MARC C., July 21, 2023
  • Review photo of Ponderosa Campground by MARC C., July 21, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2021

Secluded and beautiful

I actually deleted my other review because I thought I had the wrong campsite but I checked and it’s all good. The only amenity we had was a vault toilet with a nearby water pump, a fire pit, picnic table and bear boxes. The vault toilets were probably the nicest I’ve been too. They were clean and didn’t smell at all.

The view was beautiful and it’s a short hike down to wade in the cool water. I really enjoyed the quiet here. There were only a few other campers and it mostly felt like we had the place to ourselves.

Site18
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Ponderosa Campground by Abigail R., July 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Ponderosa Campground by Abigail R., July 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Ponderosa Campground by Abigail R., July 10, 2021
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2019

Lots of amenities

Nice, clean privately owned campground with lots of amenities. Hot showers, bath house, ice and few supplies sold in the office. Campsites right along the river. Very friendly staff. Campsites are a little too close for our liking but worked out well for our stay. Close to lots of fishing and hiking in the area. Beautiful place to watch the sunset and the stars at night. Nice and quiet at night.

  • Review photo of Ponderosa Campground by Angelica B., August 24, 2019
  • Review photo of Ponderosa Campground by Angelica B., August 24, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2017

The River runs through it

The website listed for this campground is correct Ponderosa campground Antonito, CO.

Phone 719.376.5857

This is a very relaxing place to stay and it seems like most of the people there have been there many times before. The drive in is easy on Route 17 and does not require a vehicle with high ground clearance. They do allow campfires, they have clean bathrooms and a shower house. I stayed in a backpacking tent after driving all day arriving on a Friday at about 4:00 PM. The campground is set-up for small campers and has some cabins for rent too. The bathrooms with showers are clean and comfortable. The sites have fire rings with grates and picnic tables. The owner manager is great, providing quality fishing advice, conversation and even a free cup of coffee in the morning. Hiking on the CDT is near the campground and fishing is right in the campground. The steam train is right up the pass and I happened to be there the night before opening day catching a photo when I drove over the pass to Chama New Mexico. The Cumbres and Toltec Train traveling between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. This is a very nice drive and Chama is a cool place to visit, it is a trail town on the CDT.

I will visit this campground again for sure.

Site6
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Ponderosa Campground by Michael M., August 30, 2017
  • This video shows the Ponderosa Campground facilities and the steam train down the road a few miles.
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  • Review photo of Ponderosa Campground by Michael M., August 30, 2017
Reviewed Jun. 28, 2016

Secluded Campsite.

This campsite is only accessible via boat. There are two fire pits. The land is flat compared to other sites at the Reservoir. Most of the ground is covered with sand. The mosquitoes were not too terrible even though we were right by the water. There are no bathroom facilities just nature. It is a nice quiet cove with amazing views. The stars and the moon light up the sky. I highly recommend staying there if you have boat access. It is secluded and private.

  • Review photo of Ponderosa Campground by Kelly P., June 28, 2016
  • Review photo of Ponderosa Campground by Kelly P., June 28, 2016
  • Review photo of Ponderosa Campground by Kelly P., June 28, 2016
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ponderosa Campground have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ponderosa Campground has water hookups.

Are fires allowed at Ponderosa Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Ponderosa Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Ponderosa Campground have wifi?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Ponderosa Campground does have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Ponderosa Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.