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Colcord Ridge Campground

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Colcord Ridge Campground, near Payson, Arizona, is a fantastic escape for those looking to beat the summer heat. This campground offers spacious sites surrounded by tall pines, making it a great choice for families and nature lovers alike.

With picnic tables and fire rings at each site, you can easily gather around for meals or evening campfires. Visitors rave about the stunning views and the active wildlife in the area, including deer, coyotes, and even wild horses. One camper noted, “AMAZING campgrounds if you’re looking to escape the heat in the summer months.”

The campground is part of the Tonto National Forest, which means you’re close to plenty of outdoor activities. Nearby lakes and creeks provide opportunities for kayaking and fishing, while the Mogollon Rim offers breathtaking scenery. Just remember to check fire restrictions before your trip, as they can change during the summer months.

While the campground doesn’t have drinking water or electric hookups, it’s a pack-in/pack-out site, so be prepared to bring everything you need. Some campers have enjoyed the convenience of the maintained dirt roads, making it accessible even for lower vehicles. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Colcord Ridge is a great spot to unwind and connect with nature.

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Location

Colcord Ridge Campground is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Directions

Access #1 (36 miles east of Payson): From Payson, travel 33 miles east on paved State Hwy. 260. Turn right on unpaved Young Road/Forest Road (FR) 512 and continue 3miles to the site. Access #2 (23 miles north of Young): From Young, take unpaved State Hwy. 288/Forest Road (FR) 512 about 23 miles to the site.

Coordinates

34.27707688 N
110.84256667 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Colcord Ridge Campground needs a permit.


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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed May. 14, 2024

Spread out campground with amazing views and wildlife

AMAZING campgrounds if you’re looking to escape the heat in the summer months. Spread out areas all up and down Young Road. Active wildlife from deer to coyotes to wild horses. Perfect for families with kids as there are also lakes creeks and caves within driving distance.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Caitlin S., May 14, 2024
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  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Caitlin S., May 14, 2024
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Sep. 21, 2021

Great Vehicle Accessibility

Do you want to get away from the city but only have a vehicle that’s is low to the ground making dirt roads challenging or sometimes impossible? This is the campsite for you. While the site is on a dirt road it has been maintained enough that my typical sedan can get to it easily and the road is paved up until the turn off for the camp site. We’ve enjoyed beautiful sun rises from our camp and had good enough cell service to stream a horror movie. Double check what the fire restrictions are before leaving for your trip! This forest tends to have fire bans or can be completely closed during summer seasons when the fire risks are high. Sometimes you can find wild mushrooms growing which has always been a cool experience to me.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Kat E., September 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Kat E., September 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Kat E., September 21, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2020

Nice camping spot in the pines.

This is a nice fairly quiet campground in the pines three miles off of highway 260. There’s a picnic table and fire ring at the sites as well as a couple vault toilets at the campground. There’s a beautiful view looking out to the NW however there are some fairly large power lines to the west. We would stay here again, nice convenient place.

  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Zachary C., August 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Zachary C., August 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Zachary C., August 27, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Sep. 23, 2019

Amazing Camping off Yound Highway

Big open spots with lots to do nearby. There are multiple places to pull of of this road and camp. This is a pack in/pack out site with trees and fresh air. It is part of Tonto National forest so fire restrictions and usually in place through the summer. Tall pines are everywhere with junipers here and there. You can get some amazing views of the Mogollon Rim depending where you stop.
Forest Lakes and the rim lakes are close by. They are great for kayaking, fishing and camping. The fish hatchery is a fun stop for kids but the hours are pretty specific.

  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Jacob S., September 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Jacob S., September 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Jacob S., September 23, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Colcord Ridge Campground?

Colcord Ridge Campground offers basic amenities in a natural pine forest setting. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring for cooking and gathering. The campground has vault toilets for visitor use. This is a pack-in/pack-out facility with no garbage service, so visitors must take their trash with them when leaving. There's no running water or electric hookups available. Fire restrictions are typically in place during summer months as this campground is part of Tonto National Forest.

How do I make reservations for Colcord Ridge Campground?

Colcord Ridge Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservation system. Simply arrive and select an available site. Since this is a dispersed camping area within Tonto National Forest, no formal check-in process is required. During peak summer months and weekends, arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. For the most current information on availability and any potential permit requirements, check with the Tonto National Forest office before your trip.

Where is Colcord Ridge Campground located and how do I get there?

Colcord Ridge Campground is located in Tonto National Forest, approximately three miles off Highway 260 on Young Road. The campground is easily accessible via a dirt road that's well-maintained, making it suitable for standard passenger vehicles without high clearance. The location offers beautiful views to the northwest (though there are some power lines visible to the west). The campground's position in the pine forests makes it an ideal escape from summer heat, with several lakes, creeks, and caves within driving distance for additional exploration.

What are the best campsites at Colcord Ridge Campground?

The best campsites at Colcord Ridge Campground are those spread out along Young Road that offer more privacy and space between neighbors. Sites with northwestern views provide beautiful vistas, though be aware some have power lines visible in the distance. The campground features big, open spots nestled among tall pines and junipers, giving campers plenty of room to spread out. For families, sites closer to the main areas provide easier access while still maintaining the peaceful forest atmosphere. Multiple camping opportunities exist along the road, allowing visitors to find the perfect spot for their needs.