Within the Tonto National Forest, Sharp Creek operates as a US Forest Service campground that accommodates RVs up to 120 feet on paved roads. The campground runs from May through October, with sites priced between $29-150 per night depending on size and amenities.
The forested setting includes vault toilets, potable water, and a dump station, with camp hosts maintaining the facilities throughout the season. Momo H. notes "potable water hookups if you're running low" for RVers needing to refill tanks. Sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern hooks, though fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. The campground's creek runs intermittently depending on seasonal rainfall.
Multiple campers mention the dispersed site layout that provides space between neighbors. The area offers fishing access to nearby lakes within a short drive. Paved internal roads make the campground accessible for larger rigs and easier for cycling. A hiking trail leads to the creek area, described as roughly 1.5 miles round trip by visitors.
For those seeking additional forest camping options, Christopher Creek sits 2.2 miles west with a different setting along the creek corridor.
Description
Overview
Sharp Creek is a small campground located in an area of central Arizona known for its pleasant temperatures, spectacular scenery and outdoor recreation. There are tent-only, family and group sites to accommodate a wide range of visitors.
Recreation
The campground is in a central location for hiking, fishing, boating and picnicking. Anglers can try for trout in nearby Christopher Creek. Hikers can access the historic Highline National Recreational Trail, which runs for 51 miles along the base of the Mogollon Rim, from the 260 Trail three miles east of the campground. Two lakes nearby offer additional fishing and boating options.
Facilities
Sharp Creek is a small campground with 28 campsites conveniently spread out into 3 loops. Campsites are spacious, comfortable and well-maintained, with some shade. Each has a picnic table, grill, campfire ring and lantern holder. One additional loop contains three group campsites that can each accommodate 75 people. 19 Sites are reservable and 9 sites are first-come, first-serve. Payment for first-come, first-serve sites is completed using the on-site fee machine or with the mobile app using scan & pay. No cash is accepted.
Natural Features
Sharp Creek sits at a cool 6,000 feet elevation, perfect for escaping the desert heat of southern Arizona and getting away to shaded forests and refreshing creeks and lakes. It is surrounded by a thick ponderosa pine forest below the Mogollon Rim. The clear waters of Christopher Creek are less than a mile away. The Mogollon Rim, pronounced by locals as "muggy-own," is a 200-mile long cliff in northern Arizona that ranges between 5,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation. The unique landscape was created by extreme erosion and faulting that has sculpted spectacular canyons and buttes. The rim serves as the geographical dividing line between the cool high country above and the hot, dry desert below.
Nearby Attractions
The small town of Christopher Creek is less than a mile away and has a few restaurant and shopping options for basic conveniences. Woods Canyon and Willow Springs Lakes sit above the Mogollon Rim, only a 10-minute drive away, and offer boating and fishing.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (928) 474-7900.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSharp Creek is located in Arizona
Directions
This facility is located 23 miles northeast of Payson, Arizona, approximately 1.5 miles east of Christopher Creek. From Payson, take Highway 260 east for 23 miles. The campground is on the south side of Highway 260.
Coordinates
34.2997222 N
110.9980556 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/23/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 3/23/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/23/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/23/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 3/23/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/23/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 51 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 1 hr 52 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 2 hrs 2 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 3 hrs 9 min from Tucson, AZ
