Located in the beautiful foothills of the Sierras, Thousand Trails Ponderosa RV Campground is ideally situated on the South Fork of the American River, the most popular whitewater river in the western United States. Rafting, kayaking, fishing, swimming, gold panning and sunbathing are favorite pastimes for customers of our RV campground in California. Boasting more than 2,000 feet of river frontage, the sites at Ponderosa offer excellent RV camping with 30-amp, 50-amp, sewer, pull-thru, and tent spots. Come hook up with us at this popular RV camp in the California mountains.
At Thousand Trails Ponderosa RV Campground, our local attractions include award-winning wineries and vineyards, Red Hawk casino gaming, world-class skiing, Folsom Lake, and numerous golf courses, just to name a few. Whether this is your first experience at our RV campground in California or another of many, we suggest venturing out into our local and surrounding areas to get a taste of the wonderful flavors and cultures that are so abundant in the Sierra foothills.
We are proud to offer three wireless internet connection hot spots for your convenience, and a comprehensive recreation schedule during peak season.
Many customers praised the staff for being friendly, helpful, and accommodating, although some reported rudeness from certain employees.
Location
The park's location along the river and proximity to local attractions received high marks from visitors.
Facilities Condition
While some amenities like the pool and cabins were well-maintained, many reviews highlighted issues with cleanliness and maintenance of bathrooms and showers.
Reservation Challenges
Customers expressed frustration over the difficulty in booking sites, particularly due to limited availability following flood damage.
Noise and Crowding
Several reviews mentioned issues with noise from other campers and cramped site conditions, impacting the overall experience.
GC
Gina Congi
2 days ago
5.0
This is one of our favorite thousand trails locations. It's great year round.
SB
Steve Bacher
Nov 1, 2025
5.0
Absolutely wonderful park. This was our first time here and we loved it! The staff was incredibly helpful and our getaway cabin was perfect for our family. There was so much to do in this area too. We spent our days at the 2 local parks and walking the trails along the river. There is so much history in this area, we can't wait to return!
DW
david waller
Oct 28, 2025
5.0
Always enjoyed staying here. Campground is well maintained and managed.
PC
Patty Cortes
Jul 22, 2025
5.0
Awesome location. Great staff!!
EA
Eric Anderson
Jun 26, 2025
4.0
This is a beautiful location in a well-maintained park. My only complaint about it is that they don't have more sites available to reserve. Also, I wish they had electric vehicle charging stations
Frequently Asked Questions About Thousand Trails Ponderosa
What types of camping accommodations are available at Thousand Trails Ponderosa?
Thousand Trails Ponderosa offers RV campground sites with 30-amp and 50-amp hookups, sewer connections, pull-thru sites, and tent spots, along with cabin rentals.
What recreational activities can guests enjoy at Thousand Trails Ponderosa?
Guests can enjoy rafting, kayaking, fishing, swimming, gold panning, sunbathing, and family-friendly activities with a comprehensive recreation schedule during peak season.
What are the operating hours of Thousand Trails Ponderosa?
The campground is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Is Thousand Trails Ponderosa wheelchair accessible and family-friendly?
Yes, the campground has wheelchair accessible entrances and welcomes children, making it suitable for families and those with accessibility needs.
What payment methods are accepted at Thousand Trails Ponderosa?
The campground accepts American Express, Cash, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa for payment.
How can I make a reservation at Thousand Trails Ponderosa?
Reservations can be made online through their official website at https://thousandtrails.com/california/ponderosa-rv-resort/ or by calling their local phone number at +1 530-642-5830.
What nearby dining options are available near Thousand Trails Ponderosa?
Nearby dining options include Gorilla Rock Tacos, Fire Water Grill, Sierra Rizing bakery and coffee shop, Whitewater Pizza Company, Squally's on The River, Marco's Cafe, Troublemakers Beer Garden, and Take a Bite Deli in Lotus.
What water-based activities near the campground can guests enjoy?
Guests can participate in rafting, kayaking, and other water sports on the South Fork American River, with nearby services like Action White Water Adventures, OARS American River Outpost, Beyond Limits Rafting Adventures, and WHITEWATER CONNECTION.
What local attractions are close to Thousand Trails Ponderosa?
Local attractions include award-winning wineries and vineyards, Red Hawk casino gaming, world-class skiing, Folsom Lake, numerous golf courses, and Coloma Valley historical site.
What nearby services might be useful for guests at Thousand Trails Ponderosa?
Nearby services include gas stations like Chevron and Shell, massage therapy at Lotus Massage, pet grooming at Saras Cool Critter Cuts, postal services at United States Postal Service, and insurance support at Brightway Insurance, The Andrea Dodson Agency.