Payson, Arizona sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet in the Tonto National Forest, offering a cooler climate than Phoenix with summer temperatures averaging 10-15 degrees lower. The area's camping options extend beyond RV parks with full hookups, including dispersed camping opportunities in surrounding forest areas. RV sites near Payson accommodate various camping styles with seasonal considerations affecting availability and amenities.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Verde Ranch RV Resort provides a convenient base for exploring Sedona's trails and attractions. "It's only 30 minute drive to Sedona and the drive is pretty. Worth it and enjoyable," notes a visitor at Distant Drums RV Resort, highlighting the accessible outdoor opportunities.
River access: Several campgrounds offer water activities along Verde River. A camper at Verde Valley RV and Camping Resort shares, "River access is available at site C which we stayed at and our furbabies loved it!" The resort sits alongside the river with designated access points for cooling off during warmer months.
Local winery visits: Wineries near camping areas provide day trip options. "A short walk across what the property will find you at Alcantara Winery. It was the perfect place to end our day of exploring the area," explains a visitor to Verde Valley RV and Camping Resort, pointing to accessible wine tasting opportunities without driving.
What campers like
Onsite activities: Many resorts offer recreational amenities beyond basic camping. At Verde River RV Resort, a guest mentions, "They have a pool and hot tub, mini golf, playground, pickle ball court, clubhouse, and lots of crafts and activities for the kids!" These extra features enhance longer stays.
Quiet camping environments: Some parks provide a peaceful atmosphere away from highway noise. At Oxbow Estates RV Park, a reviewer noted the park is "setback well off the highway near several farms so it was very quiet both during the day and especially at night," offering a tranquil alternative to busier locations.
Shaded sites: Tree cover matters significantly during warmer months. "The sites are shady, spacious and sparkling clean. There are hiking trails that lead to a nearby creek, beautiful bird feeders throughout the property," reports a visitor to Zane Grey RV Park, highlighting natural amenities that enhance comfort.
What you should know
Seasonal temperature variations: The Payson area experiences significant temperature fluctuations by season. "We are here in January and the end of December and it was a lot colder than I would have imagined," shares a camper at Verde Ranch RV Resort, suggesting winter visitors should prepare for colder nights than expected.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between in-town and forest locations. One camper at Verde Valley RV and Camping Resort noted, "Internet is almost non-existent. I had a T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon phone, and all were pretty much worthless most of the time."
Reservation timing: Peak seasons require advance planning. "Only downside is I-17 is way to close constant road noise when you're outside," mentions a reviewer at Verde River RV Resort, highlighting the importance of site selection when making reservations near major roads.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with specific facilities for children. "We love this campground! We have camped here around 5 times and always had a great stay. They have a pool and hot tub, mini golf, playground, pickle ball court, clubhouse, and lots of crafts and activities for the kids!" notes a family at Verde River RV Resort.
Safety considerations: Check campground rules and layouts for family comfort. A visitor to Rancho Sedona RV Park mentions, "They don't like you coming and going in vehicles after 10 pm, and all lights must be off too," indicating strict quiet hours that might benefit families with younger children.
Water recreation options: Creek and river access points provide natural play areas. "The creek is lovely to sit in or swim in and chill down," shares a visitor to Rancho Sedona RV Park, suggesting accessible water features for family enjoyment without requiring travel to larger lakes.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on specific needs and preferences. At Zane Grey RV Park, a visitor recommends, "I like the back of the park where we are so you don't get any road noise, but still there's not much traffic, especially in the evening," highlighting the importance of location within parks.
Hookup positioning: Some parks have challenging hookup locations. At Distant Drums RV Resort, a visitor noted the staff "escort you to your site and do a great job cleaning the sites between guests. The pavement was freshly blown and the gravel was raked in perfect rows upon arrival," demonstrating attention to detail important for RV setup.
Weather preparation: Temperature variations require adaptable camping gear. "The temperature was consistently 5 degrees below the towns of Camp Verde and Cottonwood," mentions an RVer at Zane Grey RV Park, suggesting RVers should prepare for microclimates even when traveling short distances between towns.
