Dispersed camping surrounds the Young, Arizona area within Tonto National Forest, offering alternatives to established campgrounds like Sharp Creek and Ponderosa. The region includes both primitive sites along forest roads and developed campgrounds with amenities. Campgrounds in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, such as Aspen Campground and FR 171, provide tent and RV camping options with varying levels of facilities. Multiple sites sit near the Mogollon Rim, providing access to hiking trails, fishing lakes, and scenic overlooks.
Seasonal availability varies significantly throughout the area, with many campgrounds operating from May through October due to winter weather conditions at higher elevations. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, particularly in dispersed camping areas. Most established campgrounds provide vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, while dispersed sites along Forest Road 171 and the rim require campers to pack out all waste. Cell service becomes limited on forest roads, especially when traveling deeper into the wilderness areas. A camper noted, "It is about 8 miles down a fairly well kept dirt road but with the switchbacks and hills it takes about 30 mins from highway 260. About halfway in there is no cell service."
Campers consistently praise the seclusion and natural beauty available near Young. Sites along the Mogollon Rim offer expansive views that draw positive reviews for their scenery and accessibility. The Colcord Ridge area receives particular attention for its combination of privacy and vehicle access. According to one review, "Big open spots with lots to do nearby. There are multiple places to pull off of this road and camp. This is a pack in/pack out site with trees and fresh air." Wildlife sightings, including deer and wild horses, enhance the camping experience in less developed areas. When searching for camping near Young, Arizona, visitors can find diverse options from rustic forest campsites to more developed campgrounds with basic amenities. Campgrounds with water access such as those near Bear Canyon Lake provide additional recreational opportunities but may experience higher visitation during summer months.
$35 / night
"The lake is in walking distance with rentable boats and swimming. The site was a drive up, with a table and pit."
"We found a spot close to the bathroom the toilets didn't smell. The lake was beautiful however wheelchair access isn't the greatest. I lucky had my off road tires on."
$24 - $80 / night
"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. "
"I have been coming here since i was a kid, my parents made sure we come here every year in the summer to enjoy cooler Arizona weather."
"The second time we came up we managed to grab a spot on the rim side of the road, spot #30, around noon."
"Trailer was about 40 feet from the edge with unparalleled views. I'd stay away from the rim edge on windy days. No worries during our stay."
"We are fairly new to camping in Arizona. We decided to go camping last minute this past weekend, so we had no reservations. We found this area randomly, and we were very pleased."
"Proximity to the Rim Visitor's Center for some ranger advice and a toliet! Also just right across the street from the Rim Lakes."
$38 - $260 / night
"Located in the scenic Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in north central Arizona near the town of Heber. Beautiful campground. Very well taken care of. Sites are large and spread out. Very quiet."
"Campground Review Canyon Point is located in a beautiful Pine and Aspen wooded area just above the Mogollon Rim. The area has plenty of hiking trails, streams, and lakes."
$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."
$18 / night
"For the distance it is away from Phoenix you can beat it ! 2hrs drive time!"
"Woods Canyon Lake is just a short drive away to enjoy hiking and you are within walking distance to the Rim."
$25 / night
"My dog and I love it up here during an Arizona summer. Nice and cool with the Willow Springs lake nearby. Clean good camping."
"We visited here for a night get away from Scottsdale. It's amazing! We sadly only camped one night."
$29 - $150 / night
"The woods surrounding were beautiful and peaceful. Our two young children loved running around and exploring. It was a dry summer and fire restrictions were in place."
"There are vault toilets available close to all sites, and clean running water available as well."
$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."
ScoutThe official campgrounds weren’t open for the season yet and the first three camping areas we checked were all full but we got a nice spot at this one. No amenities or anything but we drove over to 9350’s pit toilets in the morning.
TravelerBeautiful sites directly on the rim with fire rings with grills. Amazing views. All for free. Thank you forest service!
TravelerThis spot is beautiful. Only 15 min from Strawberry and right off the highway. I really wish the road was not so rough because there are some really great spots further in but I was not willing to drive my RV down further so we made the loop our adventure hike.
If you do go down further there is a horse coral. Even beyond that if you stay to the left at the first fork there are some amazing, much flatter spots closer to the canyon look outs.
TravelerRoad was slightly rough, but still manageable without a 4WD. Just make sure to drive slowly. Very spacious camp spots & decent phone reception. Only downside was that it was extremely windy at night to the point that it broke one of my poles so my tent collapsed on me, lol. That’s ok because I was looking to buy another tent. Despite that, I look forward to re-visit this area during the summer since the weather should still be pleasant in the daytime. ❤️
RangerIt isn't anything special, but it is relati ely quiet and east to get to. Perfect for a quick overnight.
ScoutGreat dispersed camping sites. I saw 4 or 5 spots but I didn’t explore the whole area. I snagged a spot with a view of the rim and a fire ring. Most are right off the road so there’s some traffic but I only had a few cars go by. The downside of the view of the rim is the wind. I had gusts of up to 30mph overnight so I was very glad I brought my noise canceling headphones. The wind chill was rough, next time I’d pack warmer clothes. Half of the road (gravel) was excellent because of logging work going on and the other half (dirt) was fine but you have to dodge some pot holes. I had no issues with my low clearance sedan. Very peaceful!
GuideThis is a decent wooded dispersed camping area. No beautiful views like some close by options have, but definitely good for getting outdoors.
The road in is rough and has some flooded areas so drive slow.
TravelerI actually found this spot from this app. It’s just as wonderful as it sounded. Only 2 drawbacks I’d say are; spots are kinda close but luckily far away enough that you can’t really hear anyone. However, with that being said, the ability to use the restroom without being seen has proven to be very challenging. I’d say that’s the biggest drawback, so next time, I’m definitely bringing my pop up potty tent. But otherwise, no complaints. Weather is perfect, scenery is beautiful, and it’s exactly what I was looking for. Highly recommend.
GuideThe access to the forest road is easy off main roads. It is an unpaved road which is fairly rutted out in parts. Probably best to avoid when raining.
The site is remote with beautiful views. Stayed two nights and had no neighbors.
Dispersed camping options near Young, Arizona provide respite from summer heat with elevations ranging from 6,000 to 7,000 feet across the Mogollon Rim region. The area sits at the intersection of Tonto and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, creating diverse terrain with pine forests in higher elevations transitioning to juniper and scrub oak at lower elevations. Road conditions to dispersed sites vary significantly during monsoon season from July through September, with many forest roads becoming difficult to navigate after rainfall.
Hike to geological features: At Sinkhole Campground, campers can access the namesake trail directly from camp. "This is a very nice forest camp. Sites are great, semi private. Lake is beautiful, store available," mentions one camper. The sinkhole trail is approximately 2 miles round trip, offering moderate hiking suitable for most skill levels.
Fish stocked lakes: Aspen Campground provides access to prime fishing opportunities. "The trout fishing here is top notch. The lake is stocked during the summer almost everyweek but the hold overs in the spring can get pretty huge!" A good strategy is to arrive mid-week when waters are less crowded with fellow anglers.
Watch wildlife: Morning and evening wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the area. "Elk wander through the campgrounds in early mornings and evenings. Beautiful place," notes a visitor to the region. Bring binoculars and maintain quiet during dawn and dusk hours for best viewing opportunities.
Temperature relief: Canyon Point Campground offers significantly cooler temperatures compared to lower elevations. "Always a great place to stay in the summer. Usually about 25 degrees cooler in then Phoenix. Close to lakes and creeks along with hiking trails," shares one camper. This temperature difference makes it particularly popular during hot summer months.
Stargazing opportunities: The dark skies in this region create exceptional stargazing conditions. "The stars at night were unbelievable. The sites are large with grill, fire pit, and barbecue," reports a visitor to Ponderosa Campground. Light pollution is minimal throughout the area, particularly during weeknights when fewer campers occupy the forests.
Uncrowded campsites: During weekdays, many campgrounds remain sparsely populated. "We were there during the week so there were very few others there. Camp hosts were amazing, very helpful. It rained and stormed each day. There were running streams all around, but no mud. Beautiful forest, lots of hiking or strolling paths." Arriving Sunday through Wednesday typically provides the best opportunity for quiet camping experiences.
Water availability fluctuates: Water systems occasionally experience issues at established campgrounds. "Normally they have water but when I was there the water pump was broken so I had to drive to another campground to get water," reports a camper at Christopher Creek Campground. Always bring extra water containers and fill them when possible.
Road conditions vary drastically: Forest roads leading to dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. "It is about 8 miles down a fairly well kept dirt road but with the switchbacks and hills it takes about 30 mins from highway 260. About halfway in there is no cell service." Four-wheel drive vehicles provide the safest access during wet conditions.
Bear safety required: Food storage protocols must be followed in all camping areas. "They have bear safes for your food if you are rent camping, and plenty of back roads to bike ride or hike," notes one visitor. Bear-proof containers or proper vehicle storage is essential throughout the region, with penalties possible for improper food storage.
Accessible creek exploration: Kids enjoy wading and exploring creek areas throughout the region. At Houston Mesa Campground, families find gentle water features nearby. "We've camped at Houston Mesa Campground several times and consistently have a fantastic experience. We love the ample space at each campsite, allowing us to park comfortably and spread out for a relaxing stay. Our kids adore playing in the dirt and exploring the trees."
Wildlife spotting games: Create wildlife observation activities for children during mornings and evenings. "I've been to this area a lot of times as a kid and decided to take my kid up here. It still a great area. Its quiet and very clean." Wildlife sightings commonly include deer, elk, squirrels, and various bird species throughout the region.
Campfire alternatives: During fire restrictions (common from May through September), bring alternative evening entertainment. "Love Christopher Creek as always... no fires allowed so it was pretty quiet which was nice." Card games, stargazing guides, or battery-powered lanterns provide nighttime activities when campfires are prohibited.
Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds in the area provide minimal RV amenities. "Clean, very widely dispersed camp sites (lots of social distancing trees) especially in loop B (no electricity hookup); loop A sites a little closer but still great and most sites have electricity. Double lane dump station but no full hookups." Plan to dry camp at most sites.
Site selection for solar needs: Tree cover creates challenges for solar power users. "We run on solar, so found one of the only spots with enough sun to keep us charged up." When making reservations, request sites with southern exposure if relying on solar power, or bring alternative power sources.
Size limitations: Several campgrounds restrict larger RVs. "Sites well spaced out, friendly hosts, close enough to the lake and the dump out ($7), quiet. The big plus for us was the spacing between the sites and the quiet nature of the camp." Most established campgrounds accommodate RVs up to 32 feet, with some sites limited to 22 feet or smaller.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best camping spots in Young, AZ?
Young, AZ offers excellent camping options with Colcord Ridge Campground standing out as a top choice. This campground features spacious sites spread along Young Road, providing privacy and beautiful natural surroundings with opportunities to spot local wildlife including deer, coyotes, and wild horses. For those seeking dispersed camping, Fr 171 Campground is another great option with easy access and plenty of space between sites, making it perfect for last-minute trips when developed campgrounds are full. The Tonto National Forest area around Young also offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities with varying levels of accessibility for different vehicle types.
What outdoor activities can you do when camping in Young, Arizona?
Young, Arizona offers diverse outdoor activities for campers. Water recreation is popular at nearby lakes and creeks, with opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. At Christopher Creek, a favorite family tradition is catching crawdads with homemade fishing gear in the cool waters. Hiking is excellent throughout the region, with trails like those near Tonto National Forest Riverside Campground offering lush riverside vegetation contrasting with the desert landscape. The area also features caves to explore, wildlife viewing opportunities, and stargazing thanks to minimal light pollution. For those seeking adventure, off-road vehicle trails can be found in various locations around Young.
When is the best time of year to camp in Young, AZ?
Summer is the prime camping season in Young, AZ, when the area provides welcome relief from the intense heat of southern Arizona. Sharp Creek offers a peaceful summer retreat with comfortable temperatures that allow for sleeping outdoors under the stars. Similarly, Sinkhole Campground provides cool summer conditions with nearby lake access. Spring and early fall also offer pleasant camping weather, though nights can be cooler. Winter camping is possible but prepare for cold temperatures and potential snow at higher elevations. The area's elevation creates a significantly cooler microclimate compared to Phoenix and southern Arizona, making it an ideal summer destination.
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