Ponderosa Hut

Welcome to Ponderosa Hut

Ponderosa Hut is located along the Kidman Trail in the Mount Crawford Forest and has been designed for people camping with horses.

Set between native forest and pine plantation, the site features newly upgraded post and rail horse-yards, making it the perfect stop-over for those travelling on horse-back.

Ponderosa Hut is now available to riders of the Kidman Trail for single-night stays.  Please contact us directly to make your booking. 

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The forest is closed to the public on declared Total Fire Ban days. To report a fire, call 000.

The Kuitpo and Mount Crawford Forests are located within the Mount Lofty Ranges Fire Ban District. For fire ban information phone 1800 362 361 or visit the CFS websiteBeing aware of a Total Fire Ban is your responsibility.

Fire is prohibited on ForestrySA land and Forest Reserves between November 1 and April 30 in any year. (These dates may be extended in areas where high fire danger persists).

Facilities and features

  • Ponderosa Hut sleeps 20 people. Maximum occupancy in this exclusive-use area is 20 people
  • Large campground with small shelter, providing ample room for tent camping
  • Picnic tables
  • Fire pit
  • Rainwater (not suitable for drinking)
  • Toilet
  • Four individual horse yards suitable for holding horses overnight

Bookings

  • Minimum 2 night stay
  • Bookings are available between 1 April and 30 November.
  • All organised groups must discuss their activities with the ForestrySA Ranger prior to booking

Fees

  • From $112 per night

Arrival and departure

  • 2pm arrival, 10am departure
  • Please contact the Kuitpo Forest Information Centre one day prior to arrival to obtain access, on (08) 8391 8800 (open 10am – 12pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

How to get there

From the Mount Crawford Information Centre, turn left onto Warren Road and follow for 2.5km. Turn left onto Cricks Mill Road (to Mount Pleasant) and follow for 3.5km. Turn left onto Starkey Road. The campground is located at the end of the road.

GPS: -34˚43΄53˝ 138˚59΄29˝

Terms and conditions

  • Many organised competitions and events are held in the Mount Crawford and Kuitpo Forest Reserves. These require the submission of an event application, which are approved on a case by case basis. If your accommodation booking relates to an event please contact the Mount Crawford or Kuitpo Information Centres for more information. Please note that booking of a facility does not necessarily mean your event will be approved.  Events need to be booked a minimum of four weeks in advance. Submit an Event Application here.
  • You are not permitted to drive in the forest. Vehicles must be parked in designated areas only
  • The gate to Ponderosa Hut must be kept locked at all times
  • The use of generators is not permitted. Please consider other forest users and keep noise levels down
  • Fires: Wood fires are permitted from 1 May to 31 October. Gas fires are permitted from 1 April to 30 November. Dead, fallen timber can be collected from adjoining pine plantations and used for firewood. It is an offence to cut standing timber. Someone must be present at all times and ensure that the fire is fully extinguished before departure
  • Dogs are permitted, provided they are kept under control at all times. Please be aware of fox baiting programs operating in the area
  • Cleaning: The centre, toilet and grounds must be left in a clean and tidy state, with all rubbish removed
  • Other conditions may be imposed by the ForestrySA Ranger

The forest is closed to the public on declared Total Fire Ban days. To report a fire, call 000.

The Kuitpo and Mount Crawford Forests are located within the Mount Lofty Ranges Fire Ban District. For fire ban information phone 1800 362 361 or visit the CFS websiteBeing aware of a Total Fire Ban is your responsibility.

Fire is prohibited on ForestrySA land and Forest Reserves between November 1 and April 30 in any year. (These dates may be extended in areas where high fire danger persists).

Cancellations

  • All cancellations must be made at least 14 days prior to the check in date and will incur a $15 ($AUD) cancellation fee. No refunds will be provided for cancellations made within 14 days of check in date.
  • Cancellations are to be reported reported to ForestrySA in writing, and upon approval (provided the cancellation is made at least 14 days prior to the check in date) you will be refunded the cost of the booking less the $15 ($AUD) cancellation fee.
  • ForestrySA reserves the right to cancel bookings without prior notice, and with no liability to ForestrySA. On the instances where ForestrySA cancels your booking, you will be refunded 100% of the cost of the booking.