Ponderosa Group Campground

Area Status: Closed

A developed group campground within the Lake Isabel Recreation Area. Attractions: hiking, fishing and non-motorized. St Charles Creek is close to the campground and may be fished. Access to motorized trails including Cisneros, St. Charles, and Snowslide. There is a pleasant hiking trail along Lake Isabel. Outside of peak season, reduced services such as vault toilets, water, trash, or a host may not be available. In 2025, this campground will close on September 2, 2025 for the season for a toilet replacement project.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Closed for the season.
Operational Hours:	Check in: 2 p.m. Check out: 12 p.m. (noon) Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Reservations:	Call 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov at least 4 days in advance. Friday and Saturday night minimum required stay on weekends. Three nights minimum on holiday weekends. Walk-ups are exempt from the nightly minimum.
Fees:	$145 by reservation only.
Usage:	Medium-Heavy
Restrictions:	Maximum overnight occupancy is only 60 people. Maximum day use occupancy is 120 people. Maximum number of vehicles allowed is 28. Dogs must be leashed at all times. No discharge of firearms or fireworks. Only licensed vehicles can operate inside campground. Camping is not allowed behind a locked gate.
Closest Towns:	Rye, CO
Water:	Drinking water from a hand pump.
Restroom:	Accessible vault toilet.
Operated By:	Concessionaire
Information Center:	San Carlos Ranger District

General Information

Directions:

Located in south central Colorado, 43 miles southwest of Pueblo. From Pueblo, go 25 miles south on Interstate 25 to exit 74. Go west 16 miles on state Hwy 165. Turn into the south entrance at Lake Isabel, go 1 mile and look for the Ponderosa Group Campground signs.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Group Camping

This group campground has a covered picnic shelter that seats 25 to 30 people. There are 2 grills that are 3' by 2' deep and there are 8 fire rings with grates at individual campsites. This campground also has a horse shoe pit, volleyball court, vault-type accessible toilet, drinking water from a hand pump and trash dumpsters.