Ponderosa Uinta, near Nephi, Utah, is a charming campground tucked away in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This spot is perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort, featuring clean, paved sites that are especially appreciated after a few days of roughing it.

The campground is known for its impressive shade from towering pine trees, making it a great escape from the sun. Campers have noted the well-maintained facilities, including toilets and drinking water, which add to the overall pleasant experience. One visitor remarked, “The camp host was awesome! Even dressed up as Tigger!”—a testament to the friendly atmosphere here.

For families, this place is a hit, with plenty of space for kids to play and explore. The nearby creek offers a lovely backdrop for relaxation, and the area is teeming with wildlife, including deer and turkeys. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with a touch of fun, Ponderosa Uinta is definitely worth checking out.

## Overview

 Ponderosa Campground is nestled in scenic Bear Canyon just off the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Nephi, Utah, is just 10 miles away. Visitors enjoy hiking and fishing in this quiet canyon. 
## Recreation

 Salt Creek runs alongside the campground, offering rainbow trout fishing. Bear Canyon Trail, for hiking, biking and horseback riding, begins at nearby Bear Canyon Campground.
## Natural Features

 The campground is named for the towering grove of Ponderosa pines in which it lies. The beautiful trees were planted in 1914 and the campground was built in 1933. Aspen and maple trees dot the landscape beneath the pines, providing plentiful shade and privacy between sites. Autumn leaves put on quite a show. 
## Contact Info

 For facility specific information, please call (385) 273-1100. 
## Nearby Attractions

 The Mount Nebo Wilderness Area is adjacent, brimming with beautiful mountain scenery, pristine waters, abundant wildlife, vibrant summer wildflowers and numerous trail opportunities. The Nebo Loop Scenic Byway stretches 37 miles through high alpine terrain, dense forests and colorful meadows. Devil's Kitchen Geological Area can be found along the loop, just 6 miles from the campground. It offers a 1/2-mile round-trip trail to interesting red rock hoodoos.
## Charges & Cancellations

 Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under \"Late Cancellations\" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure. Recreation.gov Billing Information Reservation transaction will appear on customer's credit card statements as \"Recreation.gov 877-444-6777.\" Changes to Policies and Procedures Recreation.gov reserves the right, when necessary, to modify reservation policies. These policies were last updated July 2018.

Ponderosa Uinta

Join the fun near Nephi. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Nephi campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Nephi, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Nephi

The Best Camping Near Nephi, Utah

Camped with 4 families! Camp host was awesome! Even dressed up as Tigger! Kids played in the "Hundred acre Wood".

stream right next to campsite

Great for families 

This place was shady and nice all around. The camping spots were spread out okay. Some spots were closer then others and this wasn't too far of the road but after 8 we couldn't hear any cars come down. Some spots are harder then others to back a trailer in but we were able to back our pop up trailer easily! May wasn't a bad time to go, but it got pretty cold at night. I wonder if its better in the summer months. I would recommend going to this place if your wanting to get away from cell range and be in the wilderness!

Awesome shady campground! 

The name, Ponderosa, is fitting for the amazing trees here. They create great coverage during the day. The roads are well maintained and there are two loops that are a popular spot for kids to ride their scooters and bikes around, which we will for sure bring next time.

We did not have a reserved spot here and showed up on Memorial day...🤞. We showed up and drove around seeing everything was reserved but if you look closely at the dates you might find some gaps between the check-out date and next check-in date. Check out time is Noon, we got there at 12:45 and throughout the day there were plenty of other cars driving through looking for spots. Our site was #17. It is close to the bathroom but not too close. The water wasn't running when we were there. 

we checked out the other two campgrounds of salt Creek, Cottonwood and Bear Canyon. there are small trees and brush coverage but nothing like these giant pine trees of Ponderosa. For sure larger group sites at Bear Canyon. also, leading up to the salt Creek road there were lots of pullover spots along there nevo loop road where people just camp if you're looking for a free alternative. 

Great shade and fun for kids

Very nice campground. Well kept and the host is very friendly. My family visits here every year

Very nice

Tent camped here in early August. Appreciated the large shady trees and relatively private camping sites. Great camp host! Well maintained. Would definitely stay here again.

Plenty of shade

This place is absolutely gorgeous, but it doesn't offer much more than the free Cottonwood Campground up the road, and it closes in early fall. The pines are incredible and it's worth checking out

Gorgeous but closed for fall

Nice campground with paved / concrete sites.  Very clean, especially if you've been camping on the dirt.  

I was there in late September and the daytime high was 75 and fell to 29 overnight.  Campground sites are along the creek.  

Lots of deer and turkeys in the area.

Photos of Ponderosa Uinta

Real photos from real campers