Payson, Arizona serves as a gateway to diverse camping environments, with options ranging from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites in the surrounding Tonto National Forest. Houston Mesa Campground provides spacious, shaded sites close to town with full amenities, while Little Green Valley offers free primitive camping in more remote settings. The area features a mix of accommodation types, with several campgrounds supporting both tent and RV camping, plus some offering glamping options. Most established sites like Ponderosa Campground and Christopher Creek provide drinking water, toilets, and fire pits, while dispersed areas along forest roads typically offer more solitude with minimal facilities.
Seasonal considerations shape the camping experience around Payson, with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet creating temperature variations throughout the year. Many developed campgrounds operate seasonally, with Ponderosa Campground open from April through October and Houston Mesa available from February through November. Summer brings relief from Phoenix heat but also monsoon storms, particularly in July and August. Winter access can be limited by snow at higher elevations. Cell service varies significantly, with better coverage near Payson and spotty or nonexistent reception in more remote forest areas. A camper noted, "We enjoyed a couple of days car/tent camping at this multiuser campground. We parked on a private shaded pad next to a fire pit and table. Very quiet mid-week."
Several visitors highlight the area's proximity to outdoor recreation as a major advantage. Trails for hiking, mountain biking, and OHV use surround many campgrounds, with popular destinations like Water Wheel Falls accessible from Houston Mesa. Noise levels vary significantly, with sites closer to highways experiencing more traffic sounds, while dispersed locations offer greater quiet. The convenient location allows easy access to supplies in Payson, about 10-20 minutes from most camping areas. As one reviewer mentioned, "Nice campground with lots of space and trees between sites. Hosts are helpful. Less than 10 minutes from Payson." Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, elk, and various bird species, though campers should be aware of proper food storage to avoid attracting bears or other animals common to the region.
$22 - $170 / night
"Recreation.gov app said there were no sites available on a recent Sunday, but a drive through found 3 of every 4 sites open. The web site was more accurate."
"And the closest site to Water Wheel which is about ten miles away and Arizona’s best kept secret."
"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."
$24 - $80 / night
"This a very beautiful spot off the highway, but far enough you can’t see or hear the traffic. Not too far out of Payson, about 15 minutes."
"It's situated right off the highway just below the Mogollon Rim. It's nicely wooded so plenty of shade is available. A lot of the sites, mine included, are situated along the creek. "
"The woods were awesome and very little noise besides cars driving along the road. Thr road was a very easy drive. Only downside is the campsite was very close to the road."
"This is just a dirt road off of the highway."
$22 - $100 / night
"This is one of my personal favorite campsites in Arizona, for many reasons. It's very clean, with drinking water and well maintained toilets/trash facilities."
"The only drawback to this popular weekend campground near the Mogollon rim, is its proximity to the highway."
"At dark, several coyotes howled very close by."
"Close to the main highway, road was easily accessible. saw a few other people camping a couple miles away. tons of spots!!"
"Pulled in after 10:30 pm and could tell right away the area was quiet, likely because there’s no highway signage, making it a not-so-obvious place to camp."
"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."
$8 / night
"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."
"Despite evidence nearby of past burning (plenty of dead trees), Kehl Springs campground is situated in a healthy stand of mature ponderosa next to a small meadow, which is fed by the slightly stagnant"
"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"
$50 / night
"Payson, Arizona. Off the busy roads so very quiet. Nice level spots, good hookups. Nice clean showers and bathrooms. Situated in a rural setting with trees and farm animals nearby."
"Decided to do a fairly short notice shakedown trip to Payson memorial day weekend."
GuideThere are three spots that fill up quick on the Apache Trail. The entrance is on the left (heading in from Apache Junction) just past Canyon Lake Vista Overlook. Two spots overlooking lake, the third is up the access road to top of hill under power lines.
GuideNot to far from Sedona and close to I17. Spots are all very spacious. Sunset and sunrise are beautiful.
2WD is enough for the roads.
TravelerI’ve tried to camp out here 3 times now and it is utterly ridiculous the amount of people in loud trucks, and side by sides blaring loud music. Tons of people drinking and shooting guns all the way in to the 2-3am hours of the night. I do not recommend anything about this spot if you’re looking for a peaceful quiet stay. Nothing like being woke up at midnight because you’re surrounded by people drinking and being loud shooting guns 20 feet from your vehicle.
GuideFirst off the road is challenging. Narrow in parts. Sharp rocks. Sprinter type vans can make it. High clearance is best. The hot springs nearby are great. The views are amazing.
GuideClosed
LegendGorgeous views on top of the hill, about 100 yd from the cattle gate which seems to mark the end of public land. It is worth driving the full 2 to 2 1/2 miles from I-17 to get here and enjoy several large flat areas for camping. You can pull off at several areas along Flower Pot Road, closer to i-17, but none are as desirable as this beautiful site. There is some wood, primarily juniper, but most of the deadfall has already been used up, so you might want to bring your own, or pick it up along the way. Great T-Mobile coverage. The road is good, packed dirt, minimal washboarding but could be a problem in heavy rains due to mud.
ScoutWe came here one night and next morning, realized that this was a common place for the locals to practice their gun shooting so make sure you are comfortable with gunfire.
TravelerForecast only mentioned rain which we were fine with but when we arrived it was snowing for hours on end. The campsite was empty and very peaceful and very clean but due to how hard it was snowing and unable to start a fire we decided to leave early. We were met with icy windy roads and unsafe driving conditions. We’re glad we left when we did because it was still snowing when we were leaving. We’ll be returning soon once the snow clears up.
LegendRvs crammed together on tiny lots on dusty gravel. We stayed at one of the four tent spots. The camper next to us was using our power and water leaving us with no hookup. The site was tiny, taken up by a 12x12 raised sand and gravel tent pad, picnic table and tiny fire ring. There was very little room to park or turn your car around. Lots of road noise from the interstate. On the positive side, good T-Mobile coverage, good Wi-Fi, and the newly remodeled clean bathroom. For $40 a night, I expect something better.
Dispersed camping options near Payson provide alternatives to established campgrounds, with sites along Forest Service roads in Tonto National Forest typically accessible within 15-45 minutes from town. These free camping areas range from 5,000 to 7,500 feet in elevation, creating significant temperature differences from Phoenix. Many dispersed sites offer primitive experiences with no facilities while still providing adequate clearance for larger vehicles on maintained dirt roads.
Crawdad catching in Christopher Creek: The creek provides a natural playground for families with simple equipment. A reviewer at Christopher Creek noted, "The best part is catching crawdads with our home made fishing poles (which is a step up from when i was a kid and would catch them with cups)."
Hiking to Hells Gate: From Little Green Valley dispersed camping, trek to this rewarding destination. "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 at Little Green Valley.
Off-road exploring: Forest roads near Payson offer extensive trail networks for OHVs. A visitor at FR414 Dispersed Camp Site mentioned, "Many small trails along large FSR, good spots for larger vehicles and trails. No accommodations. Views of the four peaks are amazing."
Wildlife watching: Early mornings offer opportunities to see elk, deer, and birds. A camper at FS 609 noted, "We pulled into our stop as the sun was setting. Drove back about a quarter mile on a 4wd road. Had a few gun shots and elks during the night."
Canyon views: Some dispersed camping areas provide dramatic vistas. A camper at FS 609 - Dispersed Camping reported, "I took the advice of a previous reviewer and took the first left and followed to road down a little ways. There was the most amazing canyon view perfect for watching sunset."
Clean facilities: Established campgrounds maintain high standards for comfort. A visitor at Ponderosa Campground shared, "Campground is very clean, seriously I've never seen cleaner restrooms at a campground! I was camped at the back of the campground and it was really quiet, I couldn't hear the highway at all."
Good cell service: Many sites offer connectivity despite remote settings. At Houston Mesa Campground, a reviewer praised, "Well maintained with good privacy between sites. Enjoyed the close proximity to Payson with all the amenities. Also, close to the Mongollon Rim. Reasonable cell coverage with Verizon."
Hot weather escape: Elevation provides cooler temperatures during summer months. A Knoll Lake Campground visitor noted, "Takes some time on a rigged dirt road but any car can make it if you go slow. A favorite of ours. At night you can hear the coyotes and sometimes elk bugleing."
Road conditions: Access to remote spots requires appropriate vehicles. At Knoll Lake Campground, a camper advised, "This campsite is a bit far away and a good 1/3 of the drive is on switch back fire roads but this campground is worth it. Large campsites and walking distance to Knoll Lake."
Frequently Asked Questions
Do campgrounds in Payson, Arizona have showers and other amenities?
Payson campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities. Oxbow Estates RV Park provides clean showers, bathrooms, level spots with hookups, and is known for its quiet rural setting. Houston Mesa Campground features spacious sites with fire pits and tables, plus spotless bathrooms, though shower availability may vary seasonally. For those seeking more basic facilities, Ponderosa Campground offers drinking water and well-maintained toilets/trash facilities. Dispersed camping areas around Payson typically lack amenities, so come prepared with your own water and sanitation solutions. Many developed campgrounds in the area provide at least vault toilets and trash collection, while private RV parks tend to offer the most comprehensive amenities including full hookups and shower facilities.
How do I make reservations for campgrounds in Payson, AZ?
Reservation methods vary by campground type in the Payson area. For Ponderosa Campground and other developed sites in Tonto National Forest, reservations can be made through Recreation.gov. When using online reservation systems, it's worth double-checking availability by calling or driving through, as one camper found numerous open sites despite the app showing full occupancy. Payson Campground & RV Resort accepts direct reservations through their website or by phone. For dispersed camping areas like FR 171 or NF-414, no reservations are needed as these operate on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak seasons (spring and fall), booking developed campgrounds 3-6 months in advance is recommended, while summer often allows for more last-minute planning.
What are the best areas for camping around Payson for different seasons?
Payson's elevation (5,000 feet) creates distinct camping seasons. During summer (June-August), the Fr 171 Campground area offers cooler temperatures than lower elevations, with dispersed sites providing plenty of space and privacy. For fall camping (September-October), Schnebly Hill Rd, Fox Borough Dam showcases breathtaking autumn scenery. Spring (April-May) is ideal for camping at Mogollon Campground near the Mogollon Rim, offering wildflowers and moderate temperatures. Winter camping (November-March) is limited, but some lower-elevation sites remain accessible during mild periods. Year-round options include Kehl Springs Campground, which provides toilets and scenic views regardless of season. Always check for seasonal closures and fire restrictions before planning your trip, as many higher elevation campgrounds close during winter months.
Where are the best camping spots in Payson, Arizona near water?
Tonto National Forest Riverside Campground offers beautiful riverside camping with sites featuring large fire rings close to the water. The river provides a lush contrast to the typical Arizona desert landscape. Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort is another excellent option with Oak Creek running through the property, offering a perfect spot to cool off during hot Arizona summers. The creek is easily accessible and the campground features mature shade trees. Water Wheel, about ten miles from Houston Mesa Campground, is considered "Arizona's best kept secret" with extraordinary waterfalls and swimming opportunities. For those willing to venture slightly farther, Upper Tonto Creek in Tonto National Forest provides additional water-adjacent camping options.
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