Can you reserve a site at Ponderosa Cove Campground?

Yes, Ponderosa Cove Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Ponderosa Cove Campground?

45 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Ponderosa Cove Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ponderosa Cove Campground.

Are campfires allowed at Ponderosa Cove Campground?

Campfires are allowed at Ponderosa Cove Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Ponderosa Cove Campground, California — 1 site, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

Ponderosa Cove greets group campers with shaded campsites close to scenic Stumpy Meadows Reservoir. The campground provides a pleasant destination for bird watching and nature viewing, in addition to activities at the lake.

Recreation

Enjoy a picnic in the campground, or head to another picnic area at Stumpy Meadows Boat Ramp. The reservoir is great for swimming and fishing for brown and rainbow trout. Boating is also popular, but this is a no-wake lake.

Facilities

The campground can accommodate up to 75 guests along a single loop of campsites. Five parking spurs can be used for RVs and trailers. Each of these spurs has a picnic table. Ten walk-to tent pads are provided, and parking for these requires parallel parking on the loop. Vault toilets and two water faucets are provided.

Natural Features

Ponderosa Pine, the namesake of the campground, is known for its wonderful sweet vanilla aroma and its massive height. The campground sits east of the dam, just opposite the road from the Stumpy Meadows Lake, at an elevation of 4,400 feet. The lake sits in the foothills of the rugged Sierra Nevada high country of California.

In the Eldorado National Forest, the climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.

Nearby Attractions

Eldorado National Forest boasts over 400 miles of hiking trails, so hikers have plenty of options to explore. Take a drive on the El Dorado County Scenic Highway or visit the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

Charges & Cancellations

Recreation Fee: Recreation fees are the fees a visitor pays for things like overnight camping, a day-use pavilion, group facilities, a tour or a permit. Recreation fees vary by location and/or activity.
Reservation Fee: A fee may be charged at the time a reservation is made to cover the cost of reservation services. This fee is in addition to the Recreation Fee and is non-refundable. Fees for camping, day use, group sites, cabins and lookouts: $8 if made on-line; $9 if made through the call center; $3 if made in-person.
Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes.
Cancellation Fee: Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee..
Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 14 days before your arrival date.
Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld.

The facts

1 bookable site
Vehicles up to 45 ft
Up to 75 people per site
Loops: PONDEROSA COVE CAMPGROUND

Site types

1 Group Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Fire pits
Picnic tables
Grills
Shade
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups.

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Ponderosa Cove Campground

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 1:00 PM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
GA001	PONDEROSA COVE CAMPGROUND	Group Standard Nonelectric	—	—	45 ft	75	🐾

Getting there

From Placerville take Highway 49N a half-mile and turn right on Highway 193 to Georgetown. Take a right on Main Street in Georgetown and drive about 14 miles to the campground. Ponderosa Cove is north of the Stumpy Boat Ramp.

38.87417, -120.60278 · 38°52'27.0"N 120°36'10.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Low °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Precip in	8.6	7.1	9.8	4.6	2.0	0.8	0.1	0.1	0.5	3.1	5.8	8.6

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Ponderosa Cove Campground

Can you reserve a site at Ponderosa Cove Campground?: Yes, Ponderosa Cove Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Ponderosa Cove Campground have?: 1 site.
What is the maximum RV length at Ponderosa Cove Campground?: 45 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Ponderosa Cove Campground?: Yes, pets are allowed at Ponderosa Cove Campground.
Are campfires allowed at Ponderosa Cove Campground?: Campfires are allowed at Ponderosa Cove Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Ponderosa Cove Campground

Stumpy Meadows 2.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Black Oak 2.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
West Point Campground 8.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Bridal Veil Group Area and Picnic Ground 9.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Dru Barner Campground 9.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Sunset-Union Valley 10.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Wolf Creek California 10.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Fashoda 11.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Ponderosa Cove Group Campground 2.2 mi · Campground
Camino Cove Campground 9.4 mi · Campground
Dru Barner Campground 9.9 mi · Campground
Sunset Campground 11 mi · Campground

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Ponderosa Cove Campground