Ponderosa Campground (CO)

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Ponderosa Campground is located at the northwest end of the Soap Creek Arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir at 7880 feet (2402 m). The campground offers outstanding views and solitude. 

Note: During dry conditions, the first 7 miles (11 km) of Soap Creek Road are passable to trailers and RVs. Rain can make the Soap Creek Road impassable.

Seasonal potable water and trash/recycling collection provided. Vault toilets only. Horse Corral in upper loop.

Notifications and Alerts

• The Middle Bridge on HWY 50 near Dillon Pinnacles in Curecanti National Recreation Area has been closed for emergency maintenance. The emergency closure is in place between US 50 Mile Point 131 (intersection with Colorado Highway 92) and MP 138. Through-traffic between Montrose and Gunnison on HWY 50 is not possible during the closure. An alternate route is required at this time.

Need to Know

• During dry conditions, the first 7 miles of Soap Creek Road are passable to trailers and RVs. Rain can make the Soap Creek Road impassable.

• Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am. This includes generator use.

• Keep all pets on leash. Unattended pets are not allowed. Clean up after your pet.

• Fires are only permitted in the fire grates provided. Building fire pits is prohibited. Unattended fires are not permitted. All fires must be extinguished before leaving the site.

• Check-in & out time is 1 pm.

• Payment must be made immediately after occupying the site and may be made at the campground entrance fee station or Elk Creek Visitor Center. Please display your payment stub on the post in front of the site.

• Campsites may fit, if space allows, up to eight people, two tents, an RV, a boat trailer, and/or other vehicles.

• Camping is limited to 14 nights during a 30 day period.

• Keep vehicles on the pavement or gravel so you don't damage vegetation.

• Do not drain wastewater on ground. Catch water in a receptacle and empty at dump station or restroom.

• STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES . Remove plants, seeds, animals, a nd mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood . CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any o ther recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit the National Invasive Species Information Center . 

Contact Information

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 970-641-2337

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From U.S. Highway 50, turn onto CO Highway 92. In less than 1 mile (1.6 km) you will cross over the Blue Mesa Dam. Approximately one half (.5) mile after crossing the dam, turn right on Soap Creek Road (a gravel road also known as County Road 721 and/or Blue Mesa Drive). Proceed 7 miles (18 km) north on Soap Creek Road to reach the campground.

Available Campsites

• Site 2, Loop Upper, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site Scan and Pay Ponderosa Campground (CO), Loop Scan and Pay, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 7, Loop Upper, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 9, Loop Middle, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 11, Loop Middle, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 29, Loop Lower, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 5, Loop Upper, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 17, Loop Middle, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 19, Loop Middle, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 6, Loop Upper, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 8, Loop Middle, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 20, Loop Middle, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 23, Loop Middle, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 4, Loop Upper, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 21, Loop Middle, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 27, Loop Lower, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 13, Loop Middle, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 1, Loop Upper, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 28, Loop Lower, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 26, Loop Lower, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 12, Loop Middle, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 16, Loop Middle, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 3, Loop Upper, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 14, Loop Middle, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 10, Loop Middle, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 22, Loop Middle, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 18, Loop Middle, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 24, Loop Lower, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 15, Loop Middle, Type Standard Nonelectric

Photo Gallery