Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Pine, AZ is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Pine and user-submitted reviews.
Houston Mesa Campground is located in the forested northern section of Tonto National Forest, just one mile north of Payson, Arizona and less than two hours from Phoenix. With family, equestrian and tent-only campsites, this campground can accommodate a range of visitors and offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, including several miles of hiking and horseback riding trails nearby. As the fifth largest forest in the United States, the Tonto National Forest is one of the most-visited "urban" forests in the United States (approximately 5.8 million visitors annually). Its boundaries are Phoenix to the south, the Mogollon Rim to the north and the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian reservations to the east.
Many visitors come to Houston Mesa to horseback ride, hike, camp and picnic. Houston Mesa Loop Trail is a 9-mile round trip through a pinyon and juniper woodland and can be accessed from the horse camping area. The Houston Mesa Interpretive Trail is a 0.5-mile self-guided trail.
The campground is located at an elevation of 5,200 ft. in a mixed forest and shrub area, with spacious campsites offering both sun and shade. Winters are pleasant and cool with cold nighttime temperatures, while summers are warm and sunny, providing a nice getaway from the hotter deserts around Phoenix. Hawks, eagles, javelina, deer, fox, skunk and coyote live in the area.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 474-7900.
Campers who make the quick trip to the town of Payson, one mile south, will find restaurants, shopping and other conveniences. Scenic driving and outdoor recreation abound in the surrounding Tonto National Forest, which embraces almost 3 million acres of rugged and spectacularly beautiful country, ranging from saguaro cactus-studded desert to pine-forested mountains beneath the Mogollon Rim.
$20 - $22 / night
No fires or grills allowed at any time. Charcoal and wood campfires are prohibited. However, stoves and grills operating solely on liquified petroleum gas that can be turned on and off ARE allowed.
These designated sites are the only areas you may camp in within the west Sedona area. Dispersed camping is prohibited outside of these sites.
This camping area is open 24/7 on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a 14-day maximum stay limit.
Along FR525, there are 5 designated camping areas:
Surprise (3.72 acres)
Windmill (1.41 acres)
Cockscomb (3.23 acres)
Greasy Spoon (2.47 acres)
Nolan (11.85 acres)
Across from FR525 is FR89B, which has 2 designated camping areas:
Javelina (1.24 acres)
Angel Valley (1.14 acres)
A short distance down Highway 89A from FR 525 is FR9570A, which includes 1 designated camping area:
Rockview (10.82 acres)
Quail Loop Campground
$20 - $60 / night
Planned with relaxation in mind and built with impeccable attention to detail, Verde Ranch Resort has it all. Book now to save your place at this gorgeous RV resort in the heart of Verde Valley, Arizona. Choose from one of 389 full hookup RV sites with 50 amp service, 14 furnished vacation rental cottages, including studio, one- and two-bedroom options; and 10 Glamping options (8 Conestoga Wagons and 2 Luxury Safari Tents)! Verde Ranch RV Resort is an all-ages RV resort conveniently located off Highway 260 and Interstate 17 near local attractions, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Sedona and just two and a half hours from the Grand Canyon.
We are happy to extend a 10% discount on RV site reservations to all Dyrt PRO members for up to a 6 night stay. When making your reservation online at campspot.com/book/verderanchrvresort, type in promo code DYRTPRO to apply the discount. Or you can call 928-567-7226 to make your reservation.
Discount is not available for weekly and monthly rates or on Cabin rentals.
$45 - $85 / night
Aspen Campground is a scenic hideaway for anglers, boaters, families and photographers, located in north central Arizona near Heber and Payson. It sits in a dense pine and aspen area forest near the shore of Woods Canyon Lake at an elevation of 7,000 ft. With spacious campsites, calm and scenic lake waters, a marina, boat ramp and many amenities, Aspen is one of the most popular camping spots in Arizona.
Popular activities include trout fishing, hiking, boating and photography. Woods Canyon Lake is one of seven lakes in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area, and one of the most visited. Two other lakes are within a short drive. Woods Canyon Lake only allows electric boat motors. An easy hiking trail meanders around the lake, and the campground's paved roads make for great bike rides. Families might also enjoy attending educational programs given by Forest Service rangers on the weekends.
The large and rambling campground offers several camping experiences and environments from marshy meadows to a rocky forest. Wildlife viewing includes birds, squirrels, deer and elk. Deer, skunks and bears are common campground visitors. Summer temperatures can be very pleasant because of the elevation. However, the rainy season often brings afternoon thunderstorms from late June through August. Visitors should come prepared for rain and cool nighttime temperatures.
Visitors can explore endless vistas and take part in many outdoor activities in the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which encompasses 2 million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona and New Mexico. The Mogollon Rim Visitor Center, open weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, is only a short drive from Aspen Campground. Visitors can find an informative staff as well as books and gifts related to the local area. The nearest towns are Heber and Payson.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 535-0181.
$34 / night
With an elevation over a mile-high(5640 ft), Christopher Creek Campground's crisp, fresh air and vibrant views are a joy to behold. The facility is tucked along the banks of the spring-fed Christopher Creek, which passes just below the Mogollon Rim. The Mogollon Rim, pronounced by locals as "muggy-own," is a 200-mile long cliff in northern Arizona that ranges between 5,000 and 7,000 ft in elevation. The unique landscape was created by extreme erosion and faulting that has sculpted spectacular canyons and buttes. The rim serves as the geographical dividing line between the cool high country above and the hot, dry desert below. Christopher Creek is located in the desert portion, but is balanced by the cool waters of the creek and forested surroundings.
After a day of horseback riding or mountain biking, take a dip in one of the facility's three swimming holes to cool off from the summer sun. Each spring, the creek is stocked with rainbow trout, allowing anglers the opportunity to cast their hearts out for rainbows as well as brook and brown trout.
Christopher Creek provides creek side dwelling in Tonto National Forest, at the base of the Mogollon Rim. Sites are surrounded by ponderosa pines, junipers, oaks and manzanita evergreen shrubs.
The small town of Christopher Creek is just a short drive away and offers a few restaurant options for those who tire of cooking at the campground.. A series of lakes called the Rim Country Lakes are about a 10 minute drive east. Woods Canyon Lake is one of the most popular recreational lakes in the state and offers options for boating as well as a nature trail that loops around the lake's perimeter.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 474-7900.
$80 / night
This secluded forest camp offers easy access to two features of high visitor interest.The first is Knoll Lake, a medium-sized body of water tucked away in a picturesque setting. People come here to fish for trout and tour the lake in small boats.The second feature of interest near this campground is the spectacular Mogollon Rim, a two thousand foot escarpment that marks the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. This picturesque plunge from cool highlands to low deserts extends across most of Arizona. The area around Knoll Lake, however, is the home of some of the Rim's most magnificent views. It provides a scenic setting for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding or just sitting back and enjoying the panorama.Group Campouts and Events: This campground does not have facilities for large groups or group activities. If one campsite cannot accommodate your group (eight at a single site, 16 at a double site), please call the Mogollon Rim Ranger District at 928-477-2255 to plan your group camp-out at Elks, Moqui, or Long Valley group campgrounds.__Hover mouse over photo to display slideshow controls. View album on Flicker
Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort is located on Oak Creek, just minutes from Sedona. Visitors have been staying at Lo Lo Mai Springs in RV's, tents and cabins for over 50 years. Our gorgeous sites are surrounded by water and shaded by ancient cottonwoods and soaring sycamores. Our Cabins, RV and tent sites are nestled in the middle of nature, amongst the trees, near the flowing sounds of beautiful Oak Creek.
Lo Lo Mai is more than camping, we are an oasis escape from time and the desert. On the grounds you can find families camping, children on bicycles, dogs laying in the creek... and all just minutes from Sedona! Many of our guest never leave the park during their stay while others use Lo Lo Mai as a beautiful and relaxing base camp to explore the wonders of the surrounding area.
$59 - $150 / night
Houston Mesa Campground is located in the forested northern section of Tonto National Forest, just one mile north of Payson, Arizona and less than two hours from Phoenix. With family, equestrian and tent-only campsites, this campground can accommodate a range of visitors and offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, including several miles of hiking and horseback riding trails nearby. As the fifth largest forest in the United States, the Tonto National Forest is one of the most-visited "urban" forests in the United States (approximately 5.8 million visitors annually). Its boundaries are Phoenix to the south, the Mogollon Rim to the north and the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian reservations to the east.
Many visitors come to Houston Mesa to horseback ride, hike, camp and picnic. Houston Mesa Loop Trail is a 9-mile round trip through a pinyon and juniper woodland and can be accessed from the horse camping area. The Houston Mesa Interpretive Trail is a 0.5-mile self-guided trail.
The campground is located at an elevation of 5,200 ft. in a mixed forest and shrub area, with spacious campsites offering both sun and shade. Winters are pleasant and cool with cold nighttime temperatures, while summers are warm and sunny, providing a nice getaway from the hotter deserts around Phoenix. Hawks, eagles, javelina, deer, fox, skunk and coyote live in the area.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 474-7900.
Campers who make the quick trip to the town of Payson, one mile south, will find restaurants, shopping and other conveniences. Scenic driving and outdoor recreation abound in the surrounding Tonto National Forest, which embraces almost 3 million acres of rugged and spectacularly beautiful country, ranging from saguaro cactus-studded desert to pine-forested mountains beneath the Mogollon Rim.
$20 - $22 / night
No fires or grills allowed at any time. Charcoal and wood campfires are prohibited. However, stoves and grills operating solely on liquified petroleum gas that can be turned on and off ARE allowed.
These designated sites are the only areas you may camp in within the west Sedona area. Dispersed camping is prohibited outside of these sites.
This camping area is open 24/7 on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a 14-day maximum stay limit.
Along FR525, there are 5 designated camping areas:
Surprise (3.72 acres)
Windmill (1.41 acres)
Cockscomb (3.23 acres)
Greasy Spoon (2.47 acres)
Nolan (11.85 acres)
Across from FR525 is FR89B, which has 2 designated camping areas:
Javelina (1.24 acres)
Angel Valley (1.14 acres)
A short distance down Highway 89A from FR 525 is FR9570A, which includes 1 designated camping area:
Rockview (10.82 acres)
Planned with relaxation in mind and built with impeccable attention to detail, Verde Ranch Resort has it all. Book now to save your place at this gorgeous RV resort in the heart of Verde Valley, Arizona. Choose from one of 389 full hookup RV sites with 50 amp service, 14 furnished vacation rental cottages, including studio, one- and two-bedroom options; and 10 Glamping options (8 Conestoga Wagons and 2 Luxury Safari Tents)! Verde Ranch RV Resort is an all-ages RV resort conveniently located off Highway 260 and Interstate 17 near local attractions, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Sedona and just two and a half hours from the Grand Canyon.
We are happy to extend a 10% discount on RV site reservations to all Dyrt PRO members for up to a 6 night stay. When making your reservation online at campspot.com/book/verderanchrvresort, type in promo code DYRTPRO to apply the discount. Or you can call 928-567-7226 to make your reservation.
Discount is not available for weekly and monthly rates or on Cabin rentals.
$45 - $85 / night
Aspen Campground is a scenic hideaway for anglers, boaters, families and photographers, located in north central Arizona near Heber and Payson. It sits in a dense pine and aspen area forest near the shore of Woods Canyon Lake at an elevation of 7,000 ft. With spacious campsites, calm and scenic lake waters, a marina, boat ramp and many amenities, Aspen is one of the most popular camping spots in Arizona.
Popular activities include trout fishing, hiking, boating and photography. Woods Canyon Lake is one of seven lakes in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area, and one of the most visited. Two other lakes are within a short drive. Woods Canyon Lake only allows electric boat motors. An easy hiking trail meanders around the lake, and the campground's paved roads make for great bike rides. Families might also enjoy attending educational programs given by Forest Service rangers on the weekends.
The large and rambling campground offers several camping experiences and environments from marshy meadows to a rocky forest. Wildlife viewing includes birds, squirrels, deer and elk. Deer, skunks and bears are common campground visitors. Summer temperatures can be very pleasant because of the elevation. However, the rainy season often brings afternoon thunderstorms from late June through August. Visitors should come prepared for rain and cool nighttime temperatures.
Visitors can explore endless vistas and take part in many outdoor activities in the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which encompasses 2 million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona and New Mexico. The Mogollon Rim Visitor Center, open weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, is only a short drive from Aspen Campground. Visitors can find an informative staff as well as books and gifts related to the local area. The nearest towns are Heber and Payson.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 535-0181.
$34 / night
Guide
Decent dispersed spot, the road in is old asphalt with some big dips and holes but mostly avoidable. Bunch of rocks sticking up in the dirt as you drive around the loop of the campsite but my truck was fine. Stayed here a couple times, first time was almost a week and second time was a few days. Can hear a little bit of highway noise but mostly white noise which I did not mind.
Traveler
Quiet and calm vibe. Found some random deer hooves at my site which is a little strange but otherwise it was perfect
Traveler
The area was really beautiful. I had a pretty strange experience, however. I arrived late at night and once I finally found a camping space, there was a truck that pulled up after me, parked about 10 feet away and the person just sat in the truck without ever getting out. At first I thought, they're just Sharing the space, but then I started to feel very unsettled- like they were watching me or something. As a single female, this is something that was fairly uncomfortable. They sat there for at least an hour, never moving and finally drove away. The next morning I saw this elk skin was draped over the fence behind me and hooves along the fence as well.
Traveler
Dirt road is a bit washboard but very manageable by any vehicle.
Spots line the road to the left & right as you travel down the road. cell Service can be excellent or poor depending on site you choose (avoid the ones in the dips/valleys if its a concern for you)
No facilities, just good ol’ convenient Arizona boondocking.
I came in mid December and there were only a handful of others.
Scout
The climb from Sedona was a bit torturous for my poor 3” lifted Tacoma. The road has intentionally been unmaintained to make it spicy for the paid ORV tours. Around dusk, I saw a guy come in from 17 and start dropping down towards town. He had Honda Goldwing strapped in the bed of his pickup. He made it a few hundred yards down and decided to go back the way he came.
Scout
I enjoyed the creek view and the springs, but the lack of campsite wifi is too much to give this campground my approval. The lack of wifi, especially when there is no cell coverage, is unbelievable. Had FHU, but again the connectivity is not existent, even being close to Sedona.
Edited by slope game 2 days ago
Ranger
This place is huge! Nestled in the red rock country of Arizona, this Thousand Trails campground offers a scenic and tranquil escape. The sites are well-spaced, and the amenities include a pool, hot tub, 2 dog parks, hiking trails, river access and clubhouse. Its proximity to Sedona, Jerome and local wineries makes it an excellent choice for those seeking relaxation and exploration.
Scout
I stayed in August for 2 nights and then in September, passed back through and stayed for 6 nights.
I had an ebike the second stay and I explored some of the roads and wilderness campgrounds in the surrounding area. The pool and hot tub are a few minute walk from the new campground area. The old campground has lots of trees but parking is TIGHT.
There is a crowded exercise room available, crowded because it has almost everything imaginable for a workout.
The new campground makes STARLINK easy as there are no trees to obstruct. The spaces in the new campground are large and the two I used were level gravel lots with new hookups.
Guide
There’s some sweet spots and some not so sweet spots. There are ports potties which are nice. Bad part is no campfires allowed. A few did it anyways but it was pretty dry. Not the best, but not the worst. Very good jumping off point for MYB though.
Guide
This was not an easy place to find. We came through Jerome and took 89A S all the way through. If you get to Potatoe Patch campground you are very close, but make a left off 89A South to get to these spots instead of a right (where the fee site Potatoe Patch campground was closed)
GuideAll the individual locations are blocked. You need to stay in group dispersed camping areas. If you get there later, good luck finding a spot. If you like neighbors, this is for you. The views are very nice in morning. Expect tons of red dirt everywhere.
Guide
Very nice spot. A little rocky, but the view was fantastic. Very remote and quiet with a beautiful dark night sky. Roads are a little rough getting up but we did ok with our rig.
GuideDirt road in but very drivable. Lots of available places to pull off and camp. Beautiful scenery. In sight of I17 but no sound from it at all. No available shade but my solar set up needs full sun, so it's perfect for me. Will definitely come back
Guide
As soon as I got there, I got the dog out and what do we immediately find? Used drug needles littering the ground around a fire ring. Definitely not somewhere I'd feel comfortable staying the night.
Scout
Got in late and while driving around trying to find a spot, we encountered some strange people. One man half dressed walking around with a flashlight, wondering what we were doing. There may be some campers but there was a large number of homeless people when we went. Very crowded area. Ended up moving on to different spot.
Scout
Overcrowding has ruined this place. 95 percent of all spots were closed off for camping, and the few spots that were available had multiple ppl in them. Would not recommend
ScoutApproachable, very good spot near the highway, also with a camper van.
Guide
At the start of the road there are a couple of large areas where there were multiple vans parked but we kept going further down until we found a spot on our own. It was flat and we had a nice quiet night.
Guide
Plenty of sites up this road although not all level. Surrounded by trees. Some traffic up and down the road but that settled by evening. We couldn’t hear the highway. Recommended.
Guide
Paved road right up to the site. A little noisy from the traffic, but doable. Good flat ground, fire ring, and plenty of available fire wood.
Scout
This place was $90, and well relatively well located it was not a positive experience .
They are not terribly responsive, the shower and toilet was one tiny room... Good for folks who are both short and comfortable in confined spaces.
Guide
We recently spent 4 nights here, along with about 10-15 other camping vehicles, ranging from a Toyota Camry to 5th wheels and horse trailers. Easy access for our 39ft class A and toad, but it was busy around 2pm when we arrived and filled up even more afterward. Every day a few spots opened up by 10/11a but filled by 5p. There were a couple of port-a-potties, if needed. The camping site is actually bumpier than the gravel road coming in. Not much noise, considering proximity to highway and other campers, surprisingly.
GuideCamping is only allowed in the big designated campsites, which is not what I thought driving in. It took a bit to find a spot because there are “no camping signs” all over. Once we found a good spot tho, it was awesome. There was a lovely backdrop of the mountains and portapotties.
Traveler
Keep driving down the road and space will open up wider. We parked right past the little grate after you get to the more open space. Quite a few others but we weren’t looking for too much room or privacy. Got there right at sunset.
Scout10-21-2024 Went to site. No camping signs now posted. Road is now a designated OHV trail known as "Outlaw OHV Trail".
Scout
We camped there for several days in Oct.2024. Road was rough but solid. Most any size rig could access this site. Good Verizon signal. Our biggest disappointment was the red dust. It got into all our rigs and is a mess to clean up. Overall it's a good site.
Guide
I really like the place, however, and this is a big however. The road in is 20 miles or so, and it's all unprepared, so for a smaller vehicle like mine, I had to be very careful. That 20 miles takes about an hour and a half. Remember everything you need before coming into child's. It's a long day if you have to run to the store Trust me, I spent 5 hours there and back. Hot springs are a mile from my campsite. River seems pretty nice. Gonna wet a worm see if the sucker's. biting although there are a couple protected species of suckers.
Camping near Pine, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Pine, Arizona, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Pine, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Pine, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 302 campgrounds and RV parks near Pine, AZ and 140 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Pine, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pine, AZ is Houston Mesa Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 37 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pine, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 140 free dispersed camping spots near Pine, AZ.
What parks are near Pine, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Pine, AZ that allow camping, notably Coconino National Forest Recreation and Coconino National Forest.