Little Green Valley dispersed camping area sits 15 miles east of Payson along State Highway 260, positioned in the mature ponderosa pine forests common to this part of Arizona. Located at approximately 6,500 feet elevation, the area experiences milder summer temperatures compared to lower desert regions. Campsites extend deeper into the canyon beyond the main road access points, with several clearings specifically designed to accommodate equestrian setups.
What to do
Trail riding to Hells Gate: Access the 7-mile trail leading to Hells Gate from Little Green Valley. "There is 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," notes a Little Green Valley reviewer.
Hiking Mogollon Rim: Explore the extensive trail system along the Rim. "Hiking, fishing and spectacular stargazing and are some of the many activities the rim has to offer! Even on the busy holiday weekend we are able to find isolated camping," reports a visitor at Mogollon Campground.
Swimming holes: Several natural water features dot the area for summer cooling. "Woods Canyon Lake is just a short drive away to enjoy hiking and you are within walking distance to the Rim," mentions a Mogollon Campground camper who found plenty of water recreation options nearby.
What campers like
Natural water access: Multiple streams provide water sources for horses and recreation. "This place is dispersed, meaning no hook-ups. Pack out what you pack in, no trash services. Can get a little loud on the weekends with the side by sides zooming around," shares one Little Green Valley/Bear Flats visitor.
Quiet camping options: Sites farther from main roads offer greater seclusion. "We stopped overnight traveling from the Phoenix area to Canyon DeChelly. Great spot. Quiet. Clean. A few other campers but we didn't notice them," explains a Little Green Valley camper who appreciated the privacy.
Weather conditions: The higher elevation provides relief from summer heat. "Great spots even for larger rvs. Very quiet but it will fill up depending on season/day of week. Beware monsoons if you have 2wd," warns a camper at Little Green Valley about seasonal considerations.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads require different clearance depending on location. "Roads are a bit bumpy, and they have some shallow water crossings. Rvs and campers can make it in with relative ease," notes a Little Green Valley reviewer describing the entry conditions.
Seasonal considerations: Fire restrictions often apply during summer months. "Tonto National Forest is usually fire restricted this time of year but Coconino is not. This site is barely into Coconino. It is still very dry so be careful with it!" explains a camper at Pivot Rock Canyon.
Camping etiquette: Pack-in, pack-out rules apply across all dispersed sites. "We stumbled across this site and fell really enjoyed it. Dispersed sites and minor to moderate traffic," mentions a Pivot Rock visitor who found the dispersed camping setup straightforward.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: The natural setting provides plenty of exploration opportunities. "Tall pines all around, lots of exploring room for kids. The camping areas are all pretty open and there are plenty of spots to park a trailer or RV," shares a reviewer at Pivot Rock Canyon who brought children along.
Swimming spots: Several locations offer family-friendly water access. "There is also a 7 mile hike to a place called Hells gate that has a swimming hole at the end of the hike," mentions a Little Green Valley reviewer describing a popular destination.
Space considerations: Choose sites with enough room for children to play safely. "AMAZING campgrounds if you're looking to escape the heat in the summer months. Spread out areas all up and down Young Road. Active wildlife from deer to coyotes to wild horses. Perfect for families with kids as there are also lakes creeks and caves within driving distance," recommends a visitor at Colcord Ridge Campground.
Tips from RVers
Trailer access: Most horse-friendly sites can accommodate larger rigs. "This is a nice fairly quiet campground in the pines three miles off of highway 260. There's a picnic table and fire ring at the sites as well as a couple vault toilets at the campground," notes a Colcord Ridge Campground camper.
Water crossings: Plan routes carefully to avoid challenging stream crossings. "Do you want to get away from the city but only have a vehicle that's is low to the ground making dirt roads challenging or sometimes impossible? This is the campsite for you. While the site is on a dirt road it has been maintained enough that my typical sedan can get to it easily," explains a reviewer at Colcord Ridge who found the access suitable for standard vehicles.
Cell service: Coverage varies throughout the camping areas. "Loved this spot! Good roads in. Great views. Some trees, but a lot in this area were burned. No amenities, so pack out what you bring in. Decent cell service," mentions a visitor to Milk Ranch Point Road describing connectivity options in this equestrian-friendly area.
