Camping near Payson, Arizona offers a retreat from the Phoenix heat, with temperatures typically 15-20 degrees cooler than the valley. The area sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation, surrounded by the Tonto National Forest with a mix of pine, juniper, and oak trees creating a diverse woodland setting. Multiple campgrounds around Payson remain open year-round, though higher elevation sites close during winter months due to snow.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: McDowell Mountain Regional Park provides miles of dedicated biking paths with varying difficulty levels. "Rode several trails, including part of the big Pemberton Loop. Everyone was friendly and our group site was well maintained," notes a Scout leader who visited McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
Historic sites exploration: Just 2 miles east of Houston Mesa campground, visitors can explore Shoofly Indian ruins. As one camper mentioned, "2 miles East on Houston Mesa rd. Away you can drive to shofly Indian ruins," making it an easy side trip during your Houston Mesa Campground stay.
Swimming holes: The area features multiple natural swimming spots, especially welcome during summer months. A regular visitor to Little Green Valley explains, "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," while noting the Little Green Valley area offers beautiful spots for cooling off.
What campers like
Rim views: Camping sites along the Mogollon Rim provide dramatic overlooks across Arizona's high country. A camper at Milk Ranch Point Road shared, "There are many spots off FR218 where you can pull off and back up basically to the edge of the rim with your car, or at most a 100 foot walk to the rim," describing the accessibility of prime viewing locations at Milk Ranch Point Road.
Campground cleanliness: Many Payson area campgrounds receive praise for their maintenance. A Houston Mesa visitor noted, "Clean Campground and Bathrooms," while another mentioned, "Spots are close together but a decent amount of nature separates you and gives you some privacy. Bathrooms were clean."
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Payson support diverse wildlife populations. At Colcord Ridge Campground, campers report seeing "Active wildlife from deer to coyotes to wild horses," making the area excellent for wildlife enthusiasts. The campground offers "Spread out areas all up and down Young Road" where these animals can frequently be spotted.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: The Payson area frequently implements fire restrictions during summer months. A visitor to Colcord Ridge Campground advises, "This forest tends to have fire bans or can be completely closed during summer seasons when the fire risks are high," making it essential to check current regulations before your trip.
Cellular coverage: Mobile service varies greatly around Payson. Some campgrounds offer decent connectivity, with one Mogollon camper noting, "Reasonable cell coverage with Verizon," while others may have limited or no service.
Road conditions: Access roads to dispersed camping areas can challenge some vehicles. At Little Green Valley, a camper reports, "Roads are a bit bumpy, and they have some shallow water crossings. RVs and campers can make it in with relative ease," though cautions, "Beware monsoons if you have 2wd."
Tips for camping with families
Nearby activities: Multiple family-friendly destinations surround Payson. A visitor suggests, "Perfect for families with kids as there are also lakes, creeks and caves within driving distance," making Colcord Ridge Campground a good base camp for exploration.
Space for play: Look for campgrounds with room for children to explore safely. Houston Mesa campers appreciate that "The campground's proximity to swimming holes, hiking trails, and the charming town of Payson provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure."
Facilities: When camping with families, clean restrooms matter. At Mogollon Campground, visitors note "The campsites are always clean with clean toilets and drinking water. The campsites are pretty spreadout from each other," providing necessary facilities without feeling crowded.
Tips from RVers
Dump station availability: RV campers should note dump station policies vary. At Houston Mesa, "Dump station was closed while we were here and it looks like they charge to use is when open," while another campground charges "$10, regardless of camping here or not."
Site spacing: RV sites near Payson range from spacious to compact. At Pivot Rock Canyon, campers note "The camping areas are all pretty open and there are plenty of spots to park a trailer or RV," making it suitable for larger rigs without hookups.
Non-hookup options: Many RVers appreciate Houston Mesa's practical design despite lacking full services. "These spots are fairly large and allow for some large rigs and is located right on the edge of town. No hook ups though but you can fill your tanks on site," reports one visitor, highlighting the campground's convenience for self-contained RVs.
