Ponderosa (AZ)

Tucked amid the old-growth pines of northern Arizona is a primitive campground that is sure to thrill any outdoorsy person and pooch! The Ponderosa Campground is a great way to experience the Tonto National Forest, the fifth-largest forest in America! Almost 6 million people visit here each year, and it is no surprise why, with its complex and varied ecosystems including several lakes, eroded canyons, ponderosa pine forests, and arid desert. The preserve offers a terrific educational and sensory experience for families with children of both the two- and four-legged variety! If you decide to bring Fido along, make sure you keep a close eye on them and pick up any messes they make.

The vanilla-scented ponderosa trees have a mostly open understory which offers plenty of space for campsites and a perfect canopy to shade visitors. The campground boasts 48 single sites and 2 group sites that can accommodate up to 50 people. Facility amenities include water access, campfire rings, grills, a picnic area, trash collection, and pit toilets. The group campsite also contains a large cooking facility as well. 

Electrical hookups are unavailable at this time, but you can buy firewood for $7 a bundle, and that will give you plenty of light to sing campfire songs by at night! It is important that you buy your wood from the vendor -- this prevents the spread of invasive pests and diseases. 

Bears are common here, so be sure to dispose of trash in the bear-proof receptacles and keep food in airtight containers far from sleeping quarters!  Single sites are available for $18 a night and accommodate two tents, but additional vehicles will incur a fee of $8 per night. Group sites can be rented for a nightly rate of $90 for up to 50 campers -- what a bargain! 

There is something so refreshing about getting back to the basics and relying on the land. Ponderosa Campground will help to put some distance between you and those buzzing devices, allowing you to relax and recharge your creative energy!