Ponderosa Picnic Area
Overview
The Ponderosa Picnic Area is a day-use site for large groups, making it a perfect place for family reunions and group gatherings. It is located along the scenic Beaver Canyon, running adjacent to the Beaver River. The picnic area includes two group sites that can accommodate a total of 200 people and up to 20 vehicles. Visitors enjoy picnicking, fishing and relaxing along the river.
Facilities
- The East site (site 1) can accommodate up to 120 people, while the West site (site 2), can accommodate up to 80 people. Reservations can be made for individual sites or the whole group area.
- Each site contains multiple picnic tables, grills, campfire circles, and electric lights.
- Vault toilet bathrooms and drinking water are available during the operating season of May - October.
- An amphitheater with bench seating is also available, located on-site within the East site.
- A concrete pad is placed in the center of the group sites, which can be used for activities like volleyball, badminton, or pickleball (visitors must provide their own nets and equipment).
Natural Features
Towering ponderosa pines, cottonwoods, aspens and maples provide partial shade in the grassy, gently sloping picnicking site. Between the trees are scenic views of the canyon.
Recreation
The Beaver River offers great rainbow and brook trout fishing. Hiking and biking trails begin a short drive east of the recreation area, and horseshoe pits and a volleyball court are available for visitor use. *Picnickers must bring their own equipment (horseshoes, net, ball, etc.).
Reservations
Make Reservations HereDay use is available only when the site is not marked as "Reserved". Reservations are posted in advance at the entrance to the Picnic Area and additionally near the information kiosk. Reservations can be made online through Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. All campgrounds on the Fishlake National Forest are managed by High Country Recreation under the terms and conditions of a concession permit that was issued to them by the Forest Service in 2020.
Email: highcountryrec@gmail.com
General Information
Day Use Only
April - November
6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Day Use Only - No Overnight Camping)
No camping allowed in this area. Ponderosa Picnic area is available for day use only.
Pets must be leashed. Fires allowed only in designated fire pits and grills.
Fees are subject to change on an annual basis. For more information on daily rates, please see Recreation.Gov
- Pets must be leashed at all times within this recreation area. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors and to protect wildlife.
- Clean up dog waste and dispose of it properly.
- Keep dogs from chasing, harassing, and disturbing wildlife, livestock or other visitors.
Address: 575 South Main Street Beaver, UT 84713
Phone: (435) 438-2436
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 38.26104167
Longitude: -112.5084583
Elevation
7,000
Directions
The Ponderosa picnic area is located approximately 9 miles east of Beaver, Utah. From Beaver, travel east on Hwy-153 (200 North) for 9 miles. The picnic area is located on the right (south) side of the highway and is marked with a wooden entrance sign.
Parking
Paved parking is available within the recreation area and can accommodate roughly 20 vehicles
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Drinking water is available during the operating season of May - October. Several spigots are available for visitor use, located throughout the site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Each site has multiple tables and benches available. Check site descriptions for more information when reserving online.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
