Best Dispersed Camping near Payson, AZ

Dispersed camping is widespread throughout the Tonto National Forest near Payson, Arizona, with numerous free sites along forest roads. Little Green Valley, FR414, and the Mogollon Rim offer established dispersed camping areas with varying levels of accessibility. Most sites are primitive with no amenities, requiring visitors to follow leave-no-trace principles. Several locations feature fire rings from previous use, though fires are not permitted at all sites, particularly during dry seasons and fire restrictions.

Access roads range from paved highways to rough dirt trails requiring high-clearance vehicles. Little Green Valley features relatively well-maintained roads that most vehicles can navigate, while roads along the Mogollon Rim may present challenges during wet weather. Many dispersed sites are positioned near FR414, which has gravel surfaces suitable for larger rigs at the entrance areas, though conditions deteriorate further in. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste, as no services are available at these primitive sites.

The camping experience varies by location, with Mogollon Rim sites providing dramatic views across the landscape. Little Green Valley sites offer pine forest settings with access to small streams. Some areas experience moderate traffic noise from nearby highways, though sites further from main roads provide greater seclusion. "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," notes one visitor to Little Green Valley. Another camper at FR414 mentioned, "There are many sites along this road with good access even for large rigs. The fire road in is gravel and fairly well maintained. Many sites are pull thru and most have fire rings."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Payson, Arizona (129)

    1. Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Sun Valley, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 474-7900

    "This is a beautiful spot off AZ state highway 260. Roads are a bit bumpy, and they have some shallow water crossings. Rvs and campers can make it in with relative ease."

    "This is just a dirt road off of the highway."

    2. FS 609 - Dispersed Camping

    14 Reviews
    Strawberry, AZ
    16 miles
    Website

    "I'd recommend driving further in to be away from the noise of the highway. I saw some reviews saying the gate was closed, but it was open when we were there in July 2022."

    "Car camped with the dog. The area was nice and the spots had fire rings. Maybe a little rocky for tent camping so bring a rake."

    3. FR414 Dispersed Camp Site

    5 Reviews
    Payson, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 474-7900

    "There are many sites along this road with good access even for large rigs. The fire road in is gravel and fairly well maintained. Many sites are pull thru and most have fire rings."

    "Close to the main highway, road was easily accessible. saw a few other people camping a couple miles away. tons of spots!!"

    4. Molitor Spot Along Rim Road - Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Pine, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "What a great dispersed camp site! Do not pull of at the first site. Keep driving along the rim and you’ll find the perfect spot for you with an amazing view."

    "We arrived around noon on Friday, and within an hour or two there were two others who arrived--but thankfully turned around to find another spot.  "

    5. Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area

    20 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 535-7300

    "Bear Canyon campground and lake located off AZ260 north east of payson."

    "The lake is not very easily accessible for camping but it's an easy hike down for fishing, photography, and simply enjoying nature. Keep your eyes peeled, you may spot a bald eagle."

    6. Milk Ranch Point Road

    4 Reviews
    Pine, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 477-2255

    "Not a steep drop off so safe for having dogs around very windy im assuming bc of the location. Dirt road coming in but not bad at all. Easy to get our travel trailer in and out."

    "No amenities, so pack out what you bring in. Decent cell service."

    7. Dispersed Camping - Rd 6107 near Mogollon Rim

    2 Reviews
    Pine, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 477-2255

    "We selected this dispersed campsite from the Dyrt review for our inaugural trip with our new travel van.  The view below the Mogollon Rim is breathtaking.  "

    "You have access to multiple lakes that you may fish out of and plenty of campsites."

    8. NF-414 Dispersed Site - Tonto NF

    2 Reviews
    Payson, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 474-7900

    9. Pine Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Pine, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 474-7900

    "Right off the highway. You can hear some of the traffic but it wasn’t a big deal to us. The dirt roads are decently kept and wasn’t too rough of a ride."

    "Along a mountain side there are 3-4 sites in close proximity however still kinda private. Established fire pits. Great tall trees for hammocks, flat rock base in some areas."

    10. Payson Rim Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Pine, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 477-2255

    "Arguably some of the best in Arizona.

    We rolled in around 6:30 pm and were still able to find a prime spot without competition."

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Showing results 1-10 of 129 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Payson, AZ

376 Reviews of 129 Payson Campgrounds



Guide to Payson

Dispersed camping near Payson, Arizona generally requires high-clearance vehicles for best site access. The terrain sits at elevations between 5,000-7,500 feet along the Mogollon Rim, creating dramatic temperature drops after sunset even in summer months. Most areas have no cell service beyond the main highways, with best connectivity reported at Milk Ranch Point Road dispersed sites.

What to do

Fishing at nearby lakes: Bear Canyon Lake offers fishing opportunities with relatively less crowding than other area lakes. "The lake itself doesn't have 'beach' area per se. It's quite rocky but for the nimble it's not too bad and there are lots of flat rocks to sit on," notes one visitor to Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area.

Hiking to swimming holes: Several trails lead to natural water features during spring and early summer. "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," shares a camper from Little Green Valley.

Stargazing at rim viewpoints: The elevation and distance from urban areas creates exceptional night sky viewing. "The stars... I mean, wow! The starry sky at night was one of the best we've seen anywhere, just stunning," reports a visitor to Molitor Spot Along Rim Road.

Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk offer opportunities to spot elk, deer, and wild turkeys. "We had a recurring group of curious cattle since we were right next to their water hole," reports a camper at FS 609 - Dispersed Camping.

What campers like

Canyon views: Many campers seek out rim-edge sites for dramatic vistas. "We selected this dispersed campsite from the Dyrt review for our inaugural trip with our new travel van. The view below the Mogollon Rim is breathtaking," notes a visitor to Dispersed Camping - Rd 6107 near Mogollon Rim.

Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation provides relief from Phoenix heat, often 15-20 degrees cooler. "Easy 20 min drive on FR 300 off of route 87. SUV or above can handle it. Enough room for two cars. Fantastic views of the rim, and the sunrise was absolutely incredible," shares a camper at Molitor Spot.

Seclusion from crowds: Many dispersed sites offer privacy despite popularity. "This is definitely a great place to come to if you want solitude," writes a camper about FS 609. Another notes about Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed: "This is just a dirt road off of the highway. I saw another review that said there was some road noise, but if you keep following the road back, there is campsites all the way along it and it gets very peaceful and quiet."

Established fire rings: Most sites have existing rings from previous use. "Off Rim Road this windy rocky road leads you to breath taking views! Along a mountain side there are 3-4 sites in close proximity however still kinda private. Established fire pits. Great tall trees for hammocks, flat rock base in some areas," reports a visitor to Pine Dispersed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping areas near Payson, Arizona?

The Payson area offers excellent dispersed camping options in the Tonto National Forest. Bear Willow Road Dispersed Camping provides privacy despite being popular, with sites situated along dirt roads near Woods Canyon Lake. For those seeking spectacular views, Rim Road offers beautiful scenery right off the highway with numerous spots about a mile into the woods. Other noteworthy options include Bear Canyon Lake (northeast of Payson off AZ260), West Clear Creek with its nearby trailhead, and various spots along the Mogollon Rim. Most sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving early during peak seasons is recommended.

Is free camping allowed year-round in Payson, AZ?

Free dispersed camping is generally allowed year-round in the Tonto National Forest surrounding Payson, but with important seasonal limitations. Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area is free with no reservations required, though higher elevation sites may be inaccessible during winter snowfall. West Clear Creek Dispersed Camping offers free camping but implements fire restrictions during summer months. Most dispersed sites have a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. Always check current forest conditions before your trip, as seasonal fire restrictions, weather events, or forest closures may temporarily limit camping opportunities. The Forest Service occasionally changes policies, so verify current regulations at the Payson Ranger District office.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Payson?

Dispersed camping sites around Payson are truly primitive with minimal to no amenities. Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt provides spectacular lake views but no facilities. Similarly, at Mesquite Wash Dispersed, you'll find undeveloped areas without water or electric hookups. Most sites lack picnic tables, trash service, restrooms, and potable water. Some areas may have informal fire rings, but seasonal fire restrictions are common, especially in summer. Cell service ranges from limited to nonexistent in most locations. Campers should prepare to be entirely self-sufficient with adequate water, waste disposal methods, and proper equipment for leave-no-trace camping.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle to access dispersed camping areas around Payson?

Vehicle requirements vary significantly across Payson's dispersed camping areas. Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping is accessible with standard vehicles - even minivans and sedans can reach many camping spots when conditions are dry. In contrast, Superstition Mountains -- Dispersed Sites along Hwy 88 is recommended only for high-clearance vehicles due to rocky terrain. While some areas like Schoolhouse Point and sites near main forest roads are generally accessible with 2WD vehicles in good weather, road conditions can deteriorate after rain or snow. For remote sites on forest service roads or those at higher elevations along the Mogollon Rim, high clearance or 4WD is strongly recommended, especially during wet conditions.