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Valentine Ridge Campground

2 ReviewsAdd Review

Forest Service roads lead eight miles from Highway 260 to Valentine Ridge Campground, a dispersed camping area within Tonto National Forest that operates from mid-May through mid-October. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes due to switchbacks and hills, with cell service dropping out about halfway in. Each site includes a picnic table and fire pit, with some featuring BBQ grills and vault toilets available nearby.

The campground accommodates RVs up to 16 feet and allows both drive-in and walk-in camping at no charge. Sites are spaced well apart along unpaved forest roads, with low traffic reported due to the remote location. Campers seeking additional options can explore campgrounds around Tonto National Forest, while Airplane Flat Campground offers a developed alternative less than three miles north.

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Location

Dispersed Camping

Valentine Ridge Campground is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Young, take State Hwy. 288/Forest Road (FR)512/Young Road, north for 20 miles to FR 188; turn right onto FR 188 and follow it for 2 miles to the site.

Coordinates

34.24405135 N
110.79819228 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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Reviews

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2 Reviews

Zachary C.
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2020

Nice Secluded Campground

This campground was very pretty and we enjoyed staying here. It is about 8 miles down a fairly well kept dirt road but with the switchbacks and hills it take about 30 mins from highway 260. About halfway in there is no cell service. There is a picnic table and fire pit at each site. It appeared to be a very low traffic campground likely due to its location. No toilets or hookups. Would definitely stay here again.

  • Review photo of Valentine Ridge Campground by Zachary C., August 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Valentine Ridge Campground by Zachary C., August 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Valentine Ridge Campground by Zachary C., August 27, 2020
  • (6) View All
Kim and Spence S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 2, 2019

Nice and secluded

In November of 2017, we decided to go camping. But since it was off-season, so our choices were limited. We traveled past Payson in search of a campground that was open year-round, and we finally landed upon this serene beauty. It was a small campground located off of some unpaved forest roads with large campsites equipped with fire pits and some even with BBQ grills. There were picnic tables at the sites as well. There were two small bathrooms available to use near our campsite. At first we were the only ones in the campground, but eventually one other group showed up. Overall, we were happy with this campsite and would be happy to return someday. I am sure there are more campers in the busy season, but I'm sure it is still just as serene and beautiful

  • Review photo of Valentine Ridge Campground by Kim and Spence S., July 2, 2019
  • Review photo of Valentine Ridge Campground by Kim and Spence S., July 2, 2019
  • Review photo of Valentine Ridge Campground by Kim and Spence S., July 2, 2019
  • (6) View All
Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dispersed camping allowed at Valentine Ridge?

Valentine Ridge is a designated campground rather than a dispersed camping area. Camping is limited to the established sites within the campground boundaries, each with a picnic table and fire pit. For those seeking dispersed camping options, you'll need to look elsewhere in the surrounding national forest lands. Always check with the local Forest Service office for current regulations regarding dispersed camping in the broader area around Valentine Ridge.

Where is Valentine Ridge Campground located?

Valentine Ridge Campground is located past Payson, Arizona, approximately 8 miles down a dirt road off Highway 260. The campground is situated in a serene forest setting that requires about 30 minutes of driving time from the highway due to switchbacks and hills on the access road. Cell service disappears about halfway to the campground. The remote location offers a peaceful retreat in a beautiful natural environment away from crowded camping areas.

What amenities are available at Valentine Ridge Campground?

Valentine Ridge Campground offers basic amenities that include picnic tables and fire pits at each campsite. The campground maintains a rustic experience with limited facilities. There are vault toilets available for campers. The site appears to have designated camping areas rather than fully developed sites. Water is not provided, so campers should bring their own supply. The natural beauty and peaceful setting compensate for the minimal amenities.

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