Business Details
17 Years
experience
Ponderosa Campground - Antonito, CO
Ponderosa Campground has provided exceptional outdoor experiences in the heart of the San Juan Mountains since 2009. Our 20 secluded RV sites and six unique cabins offer comfortable accommodations surrounded by aspen, pine, and cottonwood trees along the Conejos River. We specialize in creating memorable stays through access to fly fishing, hiking, and historic attractions like the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. Our team maintains clean facilities with modern amenities including laundry services, propane fire pits, and limited WIFI. We prioritize environmental responsibility through our 'Going Green' program that encourages sustainable practices.With decades of combined experience in hospitality, owners Frank and Kim OConnor ensure personalized service and local expertise. Our strategic location between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico provides easy access to mountain adventures and cultural landmarks. We maintain strict safety standards for pets and vehicles while offering flexible reservation options. Our commitment to quality earned recognition through partnerships with regional tourism boards. Whether seeking solitude or family recreation, our guests benefit from curated experiences in one of Colorados most scenic regions.
Services
RV Sites
Cabins
Fishing
Hiking Trails
ATV Use
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined hospitality experience in Colorado's San Juan Mountains
- Our property provides direct access to Conejos River fly fishing and mountain trails
- We maintain clean facilities with modern amenities including laundry and WIFI
- Our owners personally oversee operations with deep local knowledge
- We offer cash/check discounts and flexible reservation options
Services
RV Sites
Our 20 RV sites provide full hookups with water and 30-amp electricity. Most sites include sewer access, with a dump station available for others. Located along the Conejos River, these sites accommodate various RV sizes while maintaining scenic views of the San Juan Mountains. Reservations available up to one year in advance.
Cabins
Six unique cabins offer comfortable mountain accommodations. Options include Jack's Shack with hot tub and privacy, and standard cabins with kitchenettes. All cabins feature picnic areas and BBQ grills, with specific units offering full kitchens and sleeping lofts. Minimum 2-night stays apply during operating season.
Fishing
Catch-and-release fly fishing available directly on Conejos River property. We provide tackle supplies and licenses for convenience. Nearby attractions include Trujillo Meadows Reservoir (17 miles) and Platoro Reservoir (28 miles) for additional fishing opportunities in Colorado's premier trout waters.
Hiking Trails
Access scenic hiking trails starting just 3 miles from our property. Explore mountain paths surrounded by aspen, pine, and cottonwood forests. Trails connect to regional attractions including waterfall routes (10 miles away) and National Forest lands bordering our campground.
ATV Use
Designated ATV areas allow responsible vehicle use within campground boundaries. OHV passes available on-site. Vehicles exceeding site dimensions require staff arrangement for $5/day storage elsewhere on premises, ensuring safe and controlled recreational access.
People
Frank O'Connor
Owner
Frank O'Connor co-owns Ponderosa Campground with his wife Kim. With over 15 years in Colorado hospitality, he ensures operational excellence and guest satisfaction. Frank manages maintenance and outdoor amenities while sharing local history with visitors.
Kim O'Connor
Owner
Kim O'Connor partners with Frank in operating Ponderosa Campground. Her hospitality background focuses on guest services and environmental initiatives. Kim oversees cabin operations and coordinates seasonal programming while maintaining the property's natural beauty.
Questions
When does Ponderosa Campground open for the season?
We open annually on June 1st and operate through September 30th.
What pet policies apply at Ponderosa Campground?
Dogs are allowed with $5/day fee (max 3 per site) but must be leashed and attended.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, cash, and checks.
What outdoor activities are available nearby?
Guests enjoy fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad access.
Do you offer discounts for extended stays?
Yes, monthly rates apply for RV sites and we offer 5% cash/check discounts.
Reviews (5)
Christopher Alba
Jul 31, 2021
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Love this park. Weve visited at least 74 parks in the last 4 years and this is clearly now a favorite. Its small, right on a small river, lots of big trees, decent WiFi, clean restrooms, a park for the kids, and pleasant staff. We stayed here 2 nights to ride the Cumbres- Toltec train out of Antonio (something else I highly recommend). We look forward to coming back to spend more time.
John Smock
Jun 28, 2021
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This campground was an absolute gem!! The peaceful river, spacious sites, and super friendly staff made our experience so nice! Not a bad site in the campground. Family and pet friendly. Enjoy large groups or couples solitude. Ponderosa has it all. Clean showers and laundry facilities too. Will be back next year!!!
Liliana Montoya
Jun 14, 2021
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One of, if not THE, best campgrounds I have ever stayed at. Service was incredible, the owner was super friendly and kind and helped in any way he possibly could! The campground is beautiful and very quiet along with a lot of animal life. So peaceful and I was able to relax completely, all the neighbors were very kind and helpful, too. Clean and private restrooms and each campsite had a lot of space! Definitely will be going back again and staying for even longer next time. Thank you for your hospitality!
Respectfully, Angelo.
Respectfully, Angelo.
David Chorniak
Jan 18, 2021
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Overall, not very impressed. Just spent 6 nights there. Having hookups was nice, but had to buy an extra sewage hose (already had 2) because of the strange location of the sewage connection for my site. Also kinda weird that they ask you not to run your AC. ??? I didnt need to, but..... Fishing was decent in the propertys portion of the river, but, can be somewhat limited depending on the number of fishers. You are limited by private property both up and down steam. The lady at the check in window (possibly the owner) came across as grumpy. Kinda like she didnt want to be there. Friendly
James King
Sep 21, 2020
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Beautiful area right along the river. Not a large park so that's a plus. Some cabins available and we spent a few nights in one. We will probably return.
