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.
$22 - $170 / night
"And the closest site to Water Wheel which is about ten miles away and Arizona’s best kept secret."
"Nature's Playground: The campground's proximity to swimming holes, hiking trails, and the charming town of Payson provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure."
"Lots of wildlife when we visited, we had a recurring group of curious cattle since we were right next to their water hole."
"If you can, you absolutely should keep going down the main entrance road until you come to the first left turn. Turn left onto a half loop shown on the map."
"Great place, laundry, pool and close to town. Each spot is level and very clean restrooms. We spent two months there while my husband received treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix."
"This is also right near the dog pin area.
You are off a major road so near by shopping is a breeze but you will not be forced to hear the traffic so no worries there."
$8 / night
"Beautiful forest and close to the cute towns of Pine and Strawberry. It's also close to Tonto Natural Bridge. May have to drive some rough roads to get there."
"Easy access to surrounding areas. Only problem is the proximity to the road with a lot of ATV/UTV and general traffic who seldom follow the speed restrictions."
"A ton of pull offs to choose from and far enough away from other campers. I had service there with AT&T. It gets cold- low of 30s and windy"
"The view was absolutely stunning and depending on where you stop you won’t be next to any campers but once you turn onto rim road it gets a little bumpy but doable with any car"
"Tall pines all around, lots of exploring room for kids. The camping areas are all pretty open and there are plenty of spots to park a trailer or RV."
"Thick tree coverage which hid us from the winds that day / night and the rim was a 200 foot walk away. Able to get there in my Chevy Trax which is front wheel drive only, without any problems."
"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."
"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."
"You have access to multiple lakes that you may fish out of and plenty of campsites."
"We arrived at 1 pm on Friday and had many choices of beautiful campsites next to the rim. "
"Worth the drive! Woods Canyon Lake is closest ‘store’ so come prepared. Lake, trails, views, and off-roading!"
"This lake was amazing! We camped a short distance (about a mile up the hill) away from the lake where we had a completely secluded campsite and the boys built an incredible rock campfire pit!"
ScoutTrue dispersed camping- very quiet. Sites are spread out and have fire rings. As others said, road is very rough but I made it with a high clearance 2WD just fine. Worth the effort for one of the cliff side spots on the loop.
ScoutSpots along FR 9350 are free and technically “dispersed” camping but you must still use designated areas. They are spread out and some have nice views over the rim.
LegendBeautiful forest boondocking. Many different types of sites to pick from. Full sun, full shade or partial sun. An occasional 🐄 may stroll by.
Scout1st loop of designated camp sites (24 in total) was easy to get to a site. Clearly marked with fire pits. Highway noise in the distance but not a issue. Peaceful area within the large trees.
GuidePlenty of spots to set up, road in isn't very manageable. Cell service was great too. Very pretty site to camp.
ScoutNo service for boobdocking but nice veiw and quit
ScoutLovely area with multiple large campsites along the road. No amenities. Was able to pull our 27ft trailer in. There’s a little general store just a few minutes up the highway and a town about 20 minutes away if needed.
GuideThis is a hidden gem right as you enter Mormon Lake Village. Even though it is free dispersed with no amenities, The Mormon Lake General store is within a short walk. The store is open Wednesday through Sunday offering essentials, fuel and water. As of 9/1/25 price is 20 cents a gallon. Cash is NOT accepted so have debit or credit ready. There are about 4 large sites right at the entrance and several more smaller ones further in. Once pass the cattle guard on FS219 the road gets rough. Passable if you take it easy with most sturdy vehicles. Our Hyundai Santa Cruz made it in and out about a mile in.
The site is quiet on most days, but holidays can be pretty full and noisy.
Our site was full of trash, wweended up collecting a full contractors bag in addition to our own garage.
The town and the locals are friendly and helpful.
Keep in mind Mormon Lake Lodge closes November 1st, not sure if FS219 closes as well. There is a large barrier gate at the entrance so it is possible that the site closes as well.
TravelerWhat 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.
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
Where are the best campgrounds in Pine, Arizona?
Pine, Arizona offers excellent camping options surrounded by beautiful Ponderosa pines. Pinegrove Campground is highly rated with spacious sites featuring level paved parking pads and tent pads. Located among the pines bordering a meadow, each site includes a fire pit and picnic table. For those seeking a more nostalgic camping experience, Upper Tonto Creek — Tonto National Forest captures the essence of Arizona's Rim Country with monolithic stone picnic tables and solid campfire rings. Both campgrounds offer clean facilities and are well-maintained, providing the perfect base for exploring the beautiful surroundings of Pine.
Are there any free or dispersed camping options near Pine, AZ?
Several free dispersed camping options exist near Pine, Arizona. Fr 171 Campground offers dispersed sites that are easy to access with plenty of space between each site, making it perfect for last-minute trips without reservations. For those willing to drive a bit further, Schnebly Hill Dispersed Camping provides beautiful dispersed camping at around 6,500 feet elevation among pine trees with cool nights. Access to Schnebly Hill from I-17 is easier than the extremely bumpy Sedona route. Additional dispersed camping can be found along FS 609 - Dispersed Camping, which offers free sites suitable for those seeking a more secluded experience.
What amenities are available at Pine, AZ campgrounds?
Campgrounds around Pine offer varying levels of amenities. Sitgreaves National Forest Canyon Point Campground provides large, well-spaced sites with tall pines offering shade during Arizona summers. The campground is beautifully maintained though it has limited organized activities. For those seeking more facilities, Houston Mesa Campground offers reservable sites with water, flush toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Many campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, while some offer additional comforts such as pay showers, weekend ranger talks, drinking water, and flush toilets. Amenities typically vary based on whether you're at a developed campground or a dispersed site.
What lakes or water features are available for camping near Pine, Arizona?
The Pine area offers several camping options near water features. Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort has Oak Creek running through it, providing a perfect spot to cool off during hot Arizona summers. The mature trees offer welcome shade at most sites, though mosquitoes can be an issue near the water. Pine Flat Campground West is situated in a heavily wooded forest next to Oak Creek, offering accessible drinking water and spacious camping areas. For lake options, Knoll Lake Campground provides boat-in access along with drive-in options, featuring water and toilet facilities. These water-adjacent campgrounds are particularly popular during Arizona's warmer months.
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