The Mogollon Rim area surrounding Kohls Ranch, Arizona features a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping options within the Tonto National Forest. Developed sites like Christopher Creek, Houston Mesa, and Ponderosa Campground provide amenities such as drinking water, toilets, and fire rings, while dispersed areas like Bear Canyon Lake offer more primitive experiences. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some sites like Mogollon Campground also offering cabin options. The region's pine forests and proximity to creeks and lakes make it a popular destination for those seeking cooler temperatures at higher elevations.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in the Kohls Ranch area. Many established campgrounds operate from April through October or November, closing during winter months. Summer brings relief from Phoenix heat, with temperatures typically 15-20 degrees cooler than the valley. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly in late spring and early summer before monsoon season. The area experiences significant weekend crowds during summer months, with many campers arriving from Phoenix. Road conditions vary, with some dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. One camper noted, "This is one of the first campgrounds you will find when hitting the Mogollon Rim so it can get warmer due to lower elevation in the summer months."
Campers consistently highlight water access as a major draw to the region. Christopher Creek, Tonto Creek, and several lakes provide opportunities for fishing, swimming, and cooling off during hot days. Ponderosa pines offer welcome shade at most campgrounds, though sites closer to highways may experience road noise from passing vehicles. Developed campgrounds with amenities fill quickly on summer weekends, while more remote dispersed sites offer greater solitude. According to reviews on The Dyrt, the area provides an excellent escape from summer heat while remaining relatively accessible. "The creek is stocked with trout for fly fishing enthusiasts," one visitor mentioned about Upper Tonto Creek. Wildlife sightings, including deer, are common throughout the region, adding to the camping experience.
$24 - $80 / night
"It's situated right off the highway just below the Mogollon Rim. It's nicely wooded so plenty of shade is available. A lot of the sites, mine included, are situated along the creek. "
"I have been coming here since i was a kid, my parents made sure we come here every year in the summer to enjoy cooler Arizona weather."
$35 / night
"The lake is in walking distance with rentable boats and swimming. The site was a drive up, with a table and pit."
"We found a spot close to the bathroom the toilets didn't smell. The lake was beautiful however wheelchair access isn't the greatest. I lucky had my off road tires on."
"Trailer was about 40 feet from the edge with unparalleled views. I'd stay away from the rim edge on windy days. No worries during our stay."
"And to see the view was just a 20 foot walk. Also we were right by a trailhead so we did have passerby’s but no worries. There is a host that comes around so that feel safe and welcoming."
$22 - $170 / night
"And the closest site to Water Wheel which is about ten miles away and Arizona’s best kept secret."
"Nature's Playground: The campground's proximity to swimming holes, hiking trails, and the charming town of Payson provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure."
"I’ve camped here twice and not only it’s great spot for the kids to roam around, it’s also nice having the lake close by."
"Most of the campsites closer to the lake entrance were designed to have multiple tents. There was loud music and gunshots (even though there is no target shooting allowed) well past midnight."
"Worth the drive! Woods Canyon Lake is closest ‘store’ so come prepared. Lake, trails, views, and off-roading!"
"This lake was amazing! We camped a short distance (about a mile up the hill) away from the lake where we had a completely secluded campsite and the boys built an incredible rock campfire pit!"
$22 - $100 / night
"This is one of my personal favorite campsites in Arizona, for many reasons. It's very clean, with drinking water and well maintained toilets/trash facilities."
"The only drawback to this popular weekend campground near the Mogollon rim, is its proximity to the highway."
"The woods were awesome and very little noise besides cars driving along the road. Thr road was a very easy drive. Only downside is the campsite was very close to the road."
"This is just a dirt road off of the highway."
$18 / night
"For the distance it is away from Phoenix you can beat it ! 2hrs drive time!"
"Just a 1/2 mile on dirt road so that’s nice but the walk in spots for this campsite are SMALL and VERY tight/close together. Not only that but all spots are parallel."
"Great location (Mogollon Dispersed).. The views and surrounding forest are beautiful.. There is a men's & women's outhouse at the entrance to the area."
"There is a lake near by for fishing, has a small store and you can rent kyaks and small boats. Camp sites are not near each other, but within sight. Campfires allowed when conditions permit."
LegendRight off highway, so not nice and quiet. It’s super clean with a very nice staff. I can see driving around some sites may be tough to level. Unfortunately pond sites are nice, but closest to highway
GuideGreat location (Mogollon Dispersed).. The views and surrounding forest are beautiful.. There is a men's & women's outhouse at the entrance to the area. Each site has a number assigned, camping 50 feet within the designated sign. There is no trash receptacles or amenities. There is a designated dump station 2 miles at the Woods Canyon Lake turnoff, fees are collected. $10 to dump waste and $5 to fill water tanks.. $7 per bag of trash.
GuideSpent 2 weeks at Bermuda Flat during Easter weekend. Very busy during Easter but thinned out nicely during the week.. weather was warm during the day mid to high 80's. Water was a bit chilly but refreshing. Would stay again but would avoid Easter weekend.
ScoutVery quiet, yet there's a good bit of people coming and going on a daily basis. It says free Wi-Fi but I've been at two separate places here and the Wi-Fi is horrible at both places. Unfortunately the pool isn't open yet but should be open soon. Plenty to do nearby, overall this is a very nice spot to be.
ScoutI generally had 2 to 3 bars of 5G T-Mobile service the whole two weeks I was here
RangerWe checked out 3 campgrounds before settling on this one - Ponderosa, Christopher Creek & Sharp Creek. CG opened on April 1st, reservations start on the 15th. We arrived on the 7th so it was first come. Not crowded at this time. Stayed 5 nights including a weekend.
It's fairly high @ 6,000' which is exactly what we were looking for to avoid excessive heat. Road in & site pads paved. Water turned on. Hosts had just arrived and were nice but unfamiliar with the area. No firewood for sale here and no dump nearby in spite of some information indicating a dump at Ponderosa CG (it's not functional). Nearest supplies in Christopher Creek, a short distance from the CG. I know they have ice and some basic supplies. Maybe firewood? A couple restaurants/taverns there as well. There's a store @ Woods Canyon Lake on top of the Rim that opens this year later in April and there are some services including gas in Forest Lakes. Otherwise it's Payson or Heber.
The only downside that I would mention about the CG is highway noise. It's a fairly busy road and not far from the CG. Good cell service with Verizon.
GuideThis campground is quite stunning being in a mature Ponderosa forest with the creek fronting many of the camp spots. Like someone else has mentioned, the parking and many of the sites are tight/small. It appears that only 3 of the sites in loop A are non-reservable/first come first serve. We got one of those (36). Potable water and vault toilets.
GuideMuddy roads to make my way back to spot 26, but 100 percent worth it.
ScoutStayed at Site #1. Even with a quick "sunset to sunrise" trip, the views were great and the area was incredibly peaceful. Versatile: Plenty of space for everything from tents to large RVs and groups. Amenities: Lots of trees for hammocks and plenty of downed wood for foraging. Accessible: Sites are well-numbered and easy to find, even if you're arriving late.
Camping near Kohls Ranch, Arizona ranges from primitive dispersed sites to family-friendly campgrounds across varied elevations of the Tonto National Forest. Campers can expect significant temperature differences between day and night, with nighttime temperatures dropping 20-30 degrees below daytime highs. Road conditions vary widely depending on recent weather, with some remote locations requiring high-clearance vehicles following monsoon rains.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Knoll Lake Campground, you'll find a quieter alternative to more crowded lakes. "Spent the day on the lake which is well worth the extra drive to avoid the crowds at Woods Canyon. Found one spot with cell service where you turn off fr300 towards Knoll Lake," notes Whitney W. The surrounding forest hosts elk that can be heard bugling at night.
Crawdad hunting in creeks: Christopher Creek offers a unique family activity catching crawdads in the creek. "I have been coming here since i was a kid... The best part is catching crawdads with our home made fishing poles (which is a step up from when i was a kid and would catch them with cups)," says Jennifer A. For an easy technique, Marissa J. suggests "a simple slice of protein (bacon, jerky, etc.) tied to a string does the trick."
Hiking to swimming holes: The Little Green Valley dispersed area features a notable hiking trail. "It also has a 7 mile hike to a place called Hells gate that has a swimming hole at the end of the hike. Lotta weekenders come up and hike up there," says Thomas S. This makes for a perfect day trip during summer months.
Space between sites: Houston Mesa Campground offers generous spacing for a more private experience. "We love the ample space at each campsite, allowing us to park comfortably and spread out for a relaxing stay. Our kids adore playing in the dirt and exploring the trees," says Brad | Britany B. The campground maintains clean facilities with well-kept bathrooms.
Proximity to water features: Upper Tonto Creek provides camping near Horton Creek. "Great campsites walking distance to Horton Creek trail, has fire ring, table, and level tent area for easy set up," shares Liza C. The creek is stocked with trout for fishing enthusiasts and multiple trails branch out from the campground.
Late-season camping options: Some areas offer camping later into the fall. "This is a great campsite just a short drive from Phoenix. Clean bathrooms that had motion sensor lights for night time use. Clean drinking water and easy access to trash receptacles," notes Penny A. about Christopher Creek, which remains open when higher elevation sites close for the season.
Road conditions and access: Reaching some remote sites requires preparation. "We turned off at FR 752 which is shortly after Babe Haught trail. You have to take it slow heading back since the road is rough. I drive a Hyundai Sante Fe Sport and was fine," reports Jay L. about accessing Knoll Lake Campground.
Weekend crowds and noise levels: Certain campgrounds experience significant weekend traffic. "While it was super busy on the weekend, the mid-week peace of this place was priceless," notes Shari G. about Upper Tonto Creek. For quieter camping, midweek visits are recommended at most locations throughout the region.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Facilities range from well-maintained to primitive. "Bathrooms were cleaner than most restaurants," reports Roman R. about Knoll Lake Campground, while at Bear Canyon Lake, Michelle D. warns of "Vault toilets on the 89A loop that are smelly (expected) and full of black widows (beware!)."
Best sites for kids: Ponderosa Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "The site was amazing, tall trees, clean bathrooms, fire and bbq pits, also a bear safe for your food. Firewood is sold here for 8$ and the camp hosts are really nice," says B O. The campground's location makes it a good basecamp for exploring the region with children.
Wildlife experiences for children: Several campgrounds offer wildlife viewing. "Elk wander through the campgrounds in early mornings and evenings. Beautiful place," shares Sharon F. about Aspen Campground. These encounters provide educational opportunities for children.
Creek access points: Christopher Creek offers water play areas appropriate for families. "The creek sits below a small embankment and you have to walk down to it," explains Penny A. This creates a natural barrier that can help parents monitor children's water access.
Dump station information: Not all campgrounds offer dump facilities. "Dump station was closed while we were here and it looks like they charge to use is when open," notes Chris P. about Houston Mesa Campground. At Ponderosa Campground, dump stations are available for a fee.
Solar considerations: For those relying on solar power, site selection matters. "We run on solar, so found one of the only spots with enough sun to keep us charged up," shares Shari G. about Bear Canyon Lake. Most campgrounds have dense tree cover, which is great for shade but challenging for solar collection.
Cell service availability: Connectivity varies widely. "Verizon service isn't optimal, but it's manageable," mentions Brad | Britany B. about Houston Mesa, while at Knoll Lake, Jesse S. reports "Zero cell service." RVers working remotely should check connectivity before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Kohls Ranch, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Kohls Ranch, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 258 campgrounds and RV parks near Kohls Ranch, AZ and 117 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Kohls Ranch, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kohls Ranch, AZ is Christopher Creek with a 4.4-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kohls Ranch, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 117 free dispersed camping spots near Kohls Ranch, AZ.
Keep Exploring
