Ponderosa Cove Campground

Eldorado National Forest, CA · ≈25.1 mi to Cameron Park
Sites
1
Max rig
45 ft
Pull-through
No
Hookups
None
ADA
To town
25.1 mi
Signal

✓ Best for

  • Groups up to 75 people
  • Campers with big rigs
  • Pet-friendly group camping
  • Campfire and grilling groups

✕ Not ideal for

  • RVers needing hookups
  • Groups far from town services
  • ADA accessibility needs

Connectivity

T-Mobile is your best shotWeak signal — expect spotty service · 2 of 3 carriers reach here
VerizonLTE
AT&T
T-MobileLTE

What's here

1 Group Standard (no Hookups)Reserved as one unit · Drive-In access · largest capacity: 75 people
Rig compatibility

Will your rig fit?

Checked against every site's real dimensions.
Your RV length
35ft
35 ft
Your fit summary
See availability →

Amenities & features

Amenities
Campfires allowedFire pitsGrillsPets allowedPicnic tablesShade
Activities
Camping
CampIntel Score

How we score

We score what we can verify.
Workable for mid-size rigsRig fit
Remote — plan aheadAccess
Basic amenitiesConvenience
Verdicts come from our Rig fit, Access & Convenience sub-scores — each built only from verifiable Recreation.gov data.

Where it is

Nearest town: Cameron Park, ~25.1 miGet directions ↗

Photos

Photos: Kelly Maxey, Kelly Maxey

Overview

Overview Ponderosa Cove greets group campers with shaded campsites close to scenic Stumpy Meadows Reservoir. The campground provides a pleasant destination for bird watching and nature viewing, in addition to activities at the lake. Recreation Enjoy a picnic in the campground, or head to another picnic area at Stumpy Meadows Boat Ramp. The reservoir is great for swimming and fishing for brown and rainbow trout. Boating is also popular, but this is a no-wake lake. Facilities The campground can accommodate up to 75 guests along a single loop of campsites. Five parking spurs can be used for RVs and trailers. Each of these spurs has a picnic table. Ten walk-to tent pads are provided, and parking for these requires parallel parking on the loop. Vault toilets and two water faucets are provided. Natural Features Ponderosa Pine, the namesake of the campground, is known for its wonderful sweet vanilla aroma and its massive height. The campground sits east of the dam, just opposite the road from the Stumpy Meadows Lake, at an elevation of 4,400 feet. The lake sits in the foothills of the rugged Sierra Nevada high country of California. In the Eldorado National Forest, the climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Nearby Attractions Eldorado National Forest boasts over 400 miles of hiking trails, so hikers have plenty of options to explore. Take a drive on the El Dorado County Scenic Highway or visit the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Charges & Cancellations Recreation Fee: Recreation fees are the fees a visitor pays for things like overnight camping, a day-use pavilion, group facilities, a tour or a permit. Recreation fees vary by location and/or activity. Reservation Fee: A fee may be charged at the time a reservation is made to cover the cost of reservation services. This fee is in addition to the Recreation Fee and is non-refundable. Fees for camping, day use, group sites, cabins and lookouts: $8 if made on-line; $9 if made through the call center; $3 if made in-person. Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: Customers 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.. Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 14 days before your arrival date. Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld.

Managed by USDA Forest Service · Primitive campground