About Us

A Private Membership Airstream Park

Ponderosa Shadows is generally open from May 15th to October 15th, weather permitting. The Park is owned by Ponderosa Shadows, Inc., a Not-For-Profit Arizona Corporation, which in turn is owned by the 40 individual members. The typical membership is held jointly by a couple; a few members are single.

Each of the 40 memberships is assigned a spacious lot (not less than 8,000 square feet). Most sites include a storage shed (about 10'x12') for personal use. Most sites have dual hook-ups (one for the owner and one for a guest). Electrical updates completed by the end of the 2018 season provide  upgraded power pedestals accessible on each lot that now support 50 amps, 30 amps, and 20 amps, covering the needs of all Airstream models to date. Most of the sites also have cement patios, and many have gazebo (screen house) slabs. In addition to the campsites, the park also has common areas such as roads, and a ramada-type building with a large fireplace, and complete kitchen and rest rooms, which serves as a meeting/activity hall. There are also about 10 acres of undeveloped land.

Location, Location, Location

Located in the heart of the White Mountain Recreation Area, but less than a 4-hour drive from Phoenix, the park is nestled among the tall pines near the edge of Show Low Lake. Despite its quiet rural setting, the park is only a mile from a hospital and a Wal-Mart. There are public tennis courts, six public golf courses, and 40 fishing lakes and streams nearby. There are restaurants to suit almost any taste and churches for almost every creed. And the best sweet corn and tomatoes you ever tasted are grown just a few miles down the road!

The weather is ideal from late spring to early fall. The park is situated at an elevation of 6,600 feet, where the air is crisp and clear. The average daily high temperature from June through September is 84 degrees, while the average low is about 51. The skies are generally clear, but brief afternoon showers are not uncommon in July and August.

The White Mountain Recreation Area offers an opportunity to explore the numerous natural and historic attractions nearby. Motor trips to the neighboring National Parks, National Forests and Indian Reservations are quite popular, as are boating, fishing, golfing, and dining expeditions. In-park activities include member-hosted dinners, potlucks, pancake breakfasts, happy hours, movie night, game night, etc.

Membership

Since there is no paid staff at Ponderosa Shadows, another important activity is the volunteer work it takes to make the Park function smoothly. Everyone does their share, according to their abilities.

Ponderosa Shadows is intended for mature adults,  55 years of age who own an Airstream. Memberships may be jointly owned. If a Membership is jointly owned, only one Member must meet the 55 years of age requirement. The other Member must be at least 50 years of age.

As of August 25, 2018, up to 20% of the Memberships can be owned by a Member under 55 years of age, but they must be at least 50 years of age. If jointly owned, the other Member must also be at least 50 years of age.

After an application is approved by the Board of Directors, the applicant may purchase a Membership from anyone who has one for sale and at a price mutually agreed upon. There is also a one-time membership transfer fee of $250.00. Those memberships that are for sale may offer a one-time, FREE 3-night stay on their site to interested buyers (Board approval required).

An annual assessment is made to each Member for 1/40th of the year's operating expenses, including all utilities and taxes.