Best Campgrounds near Payson, AZ

Many large group sites with beutiful views over the mogollon rim. Some folks seem to leave there trash about which is unfortunate. Very separated and private feeling

Lots of dispersed sites on this road. Quite a few sites occupied closer to the road's east entrance. The further down the road you drive, the rougher the road is. Stayed overnight in the camping area just beyond the dam. Beautiful forest. No amenities, okay cell service. People could do better picking up after themselves, though--some noticeable trash at the sites. Not too much traffic during our stay.

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.

Eh. Fine for just a quick overnight if just passing through, I guess. A bit crowded, overrun, and quite a few RVs that look like they stay as long as they can. Lots of broken glass and some trash, at least where we stayed. I personally wouldn't stay in this area again due to how popular the road seems, but it is convenient if you're looking for somewhere free and close to Sedona.

We went in November, the week of Thanksgiving. It was amazing. Had a spot right on the water. For sure take paddle boards and kayaks, there is an amazing little canyon to explore. The only downside was the birds are very friendly, you can't leave food out.

Even ground, fairly quiet, decent stargazing. Definitely cold overnight for mid April.

Some spots have a nice view of the rim and there are spots more inland but very nice ! You have to camp in the designated sites. There is a pit toilets at the beginning of the road due to a trail departure. Nice flat spots with fire pits and the road to go is a bit bumpy but if you don’t go too fast it is easy :)

Quiet spot. The road is rough so 4x4 or high clearance is best. Beautiful sunsets and you can walk / drive down to cool off in the river at the Lawrence Crossing Campground/ River area.

I usually go further north of the cove to great open space where you can really spread out. shoreline fishing is great and peaceful. Depending how far you go along the northwest shore you can get nearly a mile away from the hardstand toilets and trash. Lots of places to pull up or pull in.

I enjoy coming here a couple days to get away from hustle & bustle of city life. It’s quiet, beautiful and temp is perfect but no amenities, nothing very barren most places have fire pits. There’s borough dam but can not camp within 1/4 mile of it. Though next time I need to be more prepared. I don’t have a refrigerator so back in town for more ice.

Notes about nudists are correct. If you have a large rig or trailer, do not cross the arroyo as the access road has some washout spots.  Adventure vans and off road capable will be fine.  A bit of road noise at night if you don't cross the arroyo.

Pretty clean, but some users seem to leave their trash behind.

Great overnight hang, but not a long term location at all.

It was very private.  I don't think anybody was camping anywhere near me.  On the weekend, a few kids would drive up and drink at the end of a road that wasn't too far away, but they drove by.  I stayed for 3 nights and visited Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek, Cottonwood, Montezuma Castle, Motezuma ('s?) Well.  The red dirt reminded me of the red clay in Georgia.

The sun can be brutal during the daytime, so if I stayed here again, I'd put up a good tarp for blocking it.  It was quiet at night, but not really dark enough for incredible stargazing. Likewise, one day, while hiking in Sedona, it seemed cool.  Sure enough, within 45 minutes, the sun was skin-burningly bright, and even my big hat wasn't enough to save me.  

A drive into town for necessities was just a quick jaunt (10 minutes?) 

If you want to get away to a site that is fairly secluded but still be near the trappings of town, go here.  Also, visit Sedona while you're here.

It did exactly what we wanted. Quiet, private, and a ba-jillion stars. We pulled a 16ft trailer with out issue. And by we, I mean my husband :)

Hidden away camp area. Only way to get to it is to boat in, but there is plenty of dock space