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Dispersed Camping

Control Road - Dispersed Camping

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Control Road - Dispersed Camping is located near the Mogollon Rim in Arizona, featuring forested terrain with pine trees and rocky ground. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Nearby attractions include Tonto Natural Bridge State Park and the town of Payson, offering additional outdoor activities and amenities.

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Location

Control Road - Dispersed Camping is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

34.37000081 N
111.1200004 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&T
    No Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Pets

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

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Reviews

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1 Review

Reviewed Oct. 21, 2019

Traffic noise

Tried control road after some extensive research. It wasn’t as good as expected. This site was too close to the 260 so traffic noise was loud. There was not too much shade as the area for camping was very leveled. The road in is paved for about 3 miles. Then turns to dirt. Some of the areas are tougher than others. Went down a ways to try to find a new spot but all the “nice” ones were taken and others were way too close to the road. Overall won’t be trying control road again

  • Review photo of Control Road - Dispersed Camping by Emily Z., October 21, 2019
  • Review photo of Control Road - Dispersed Camping by Emily Z., October 21, 2019
  • Review photo of Control Road - Dispersed Camping by Emily Z., October 21, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping rules apply on Control Road near Payson?

Standard dispersed camping rules apply on Control Road, including pack-in/pack-out waste management and adherence to fire safety regulations. There are likely restrictions on length of stay (typically 14 days maximum in National Forest dispersed camping areas). Since this is dispersed camping, no facilities are provided, so campers must be prepared with all necessary supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles. Contact the Tonto National Forest Ranger District for specific seasonal fire restrictions and current regulations.

Are there dispersed camping spots along Control Road in Payson?

Yes, Control Road offers dispersed camping opportunities with several level areas suitable for setting up camp. The camping areas are relatively open with limited shade. The sites are undeveloped and primitive, meaning no amenities or facilities are provided. Some camping spots are located close to Highway 260, which can result in traffic noise affecting the camping experience.

Where is Control Road located in Payson, AZ?

Control Road is located near Payson, Arizona, and is accessible via Highway 260. The road begins with a paved section that runs approximately 3 miles before transitioning to dirt. It's situated close enough to Highway 260 that traffic noise is noticeable at some camping areas. The location offers relatively level terrain for camping, though shade coverage is somewhat limited in the designated camping areas.

What vehicle requirements are needed for Control Road in Payson?

Control Road begins with approximately 3 miles of paved surface before transitioning to dirt. While high-clearance or 4WD vehicles aren't strictly required for the initial sections, they may be beneficial for accessing more remote dispersed sites further along the road. Road conditions can vary seasonally, with potential for ruts or washouts after rain or snow. Standard passenger vehicles can access the beginning portions of the road, but caution is advised when venturing further on the unpaved sections.