Ponderosa Picnic Area

Campground · Utah · 2 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Fishlake National Forest (NF) · Open Access

2
Bookable sites
up to 120
People per site
2
Accessible sites
7,551 ft
Elevation
PONDEROSA PICNIC AREA

Overview

Ponderosa Picnic Area is located along the Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway. It is next to the Beaver River, at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Visitors enjoy fishing and relaxing along the river.

Recreation

The Beaver River offers great rainbow and brook trout fishing. Hiking and biking trails begin a short drive east. Horseshoe pits and a volleyball court are available, but picnickers must bring their own equipment (horseshoes, net and a ball).

Facilities

The picnic area is a day-use site for large groups, making it a perfect place for family reunions and church outings. Site 1, called East, can accommodate up to 120 people, while site 2, called West, can accommodate up to 80 people. Reservations can be made for either individual sites or the whole area at once.


Each site contains tables, grills, campfire circles, electric lights. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. An amphitheater with bench seating is also located on-site.

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.

Nearby Attractions

Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway curves past the picnic area, offering 17 miles of scenic driving through the beautiful Tushar Mountains. Numerous lakes and streams throughout the area provide fishing, boating and canoeing opportunities.

The facts

  • 2 bookable sites
  • 2 sites for day use only
  • 2 accessible sites
  • Up to 120 people per site
  • Loops: EAST, WEST

Site types

  • 2 Group Picnic Area

Amenities

  • Electric hookups
  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables

Not recorded upstream: water hookups, sewer hookups, grills, shade, pets allowed.

Book on Recreation.gov

2 campsites at Ponderosa Picnic Area

Check-in 8:00 AM · Check-out 8:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
001EASTGroup Picnic AreaPull ThroughPaved—120♿
002WESTGroup Picnic AreaPull ThroughPaved—80♿

Getting there

From Beaver, Utah, travel east on paved State Route 153, the Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway, for approximately 9 miles, to the picnic area.

38.25889, -112.50139 · 38°15'32.0"N 112°30'5.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 80°F in Jul, down to 36°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F374047536375807871584536
Low °F161723283645525144332416
Precip in1.91.82.12.21.90.82.01.61.31.71.31.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 1.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

PONDEROSA PICNIC AREA
PONDEROSA PICNIC AREA

Member photos

Common questions about Ponderosa Picnic Area

Can you reserve a site at Ponderosa Picnic Area?
Yes, Ponderosa Picnic Area is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Ponderosa Picnic Area have?
2 sites.
Does Ponderosa Picnic Area have hookups?
Electric.
Are campfires allowed at Ponderosa Picnic Area?
Campfires are allowed at Ponderosa Picnic Area. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Ponderosa Picnic Area

Comments

Contact

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

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.