Camper submitted image from Valentine Ridge Campground - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Valentine Ridge Campground - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Valentine Ridge Campground - 3
Roads
Camper submitted image from Valentine Ridge Campground - 4
People
Camper submitted image from Valentine Ridge Campground - 5
Camping

Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Valentine Ridge Campground

Valentine Ridge Campground is near Payson, AZ, and features rugged terrain with a mix of forested areas and open spaces. Temperatures can range from lows in the 30s during winter to highs in the 90s in summer. Nearby attractions include the Mogollon Rim, offering scenic views and hiking opportunities, and the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, known for its natural rock formations.

Description

National Forest

Valentine Ridge Situated near Canyon Creek, known for its rainbow trout fishing. A 9-mile all-terrain bicycle loop trail starts at the campground. Wildlife includes: Abert squirrel, black bear, mountain lion, elk, turkey and deer. Arizona Game & Fish Department Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery is nearby. Public is welcome.

Suggest an Edit

Location

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

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Good

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.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
0%
50%
0%
0%

4.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

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
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

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Valentine Ridge Campground?

    Valentine Ridge Campground allows vehicles up to 16 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Valentine Ridge Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Valentine Ridge Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.