Best Campgrounds near Strawberry, AZ

The pine-covered landscapes surrounding Strawberry, Arizona provide a range of camping experiences from developed sites to remote dispersed options. Established campgrounds like Houston Mesa near Payson offer amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and toilet facilities from February through November. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Forest Service roads like FR 609 and Milk Ranch Point Road provide free dispersed camping with fire rings but no facilities. Kehl Springs Campground, open year-round, strikes a middle ground with basic amenities like picnic tables and vault toilets in a forested setting. The area's proximity to the Mogollon Rim creates diverse camping environments within a relatively compact region, with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted, "The road can be hard to find without GPS, no signage. A vehicle with clearance is a MUST for this road, especially if you plan to go farther than the first couple of sites." Summer temperatures typically remain moderate due to the elevation, though afternoon thunderstorms are common during monsoon season (July-September). Fire restrictions are frequently implemented during dry periods, particularly in late spring and early summer. Cell service is surprisingly strong near some sites, with one reviewer reporting "Strong 5G cellular signal on ATT" at a site just 5 miles from Strawberry, though coverage becomes spotty in more remote areas. Most dispersed camping follows the standard 14-day stay limit enforced by Forest Service rangers.

Campers consistently praise the region's pine forests and relative quiet compared to more popular destinations. The proximity to small towns is frequently mentioned as a benefit, with one visitor noting, "Beautiful forest and close to the cute towns of Pine and Strawberry. It's also close to Tonto Natural Bridge." Highway noise affects some sites, particularly those near Highway 87. Wildlife sightings are common, with cattle, elk, and various bird species frequently mentioned in reviews. Insect activity varies by season, with one camper reporting, "The bugs were super intense. We didn't have a screened-in porch and it was brutal. Maybe it was just the time of year, I don't know. But we came from 2 days in Strawberry and didn't have anywhere near the bug problem." Trash management remains an ongoing concern in some dispersed areas, with rangers actively monitoring for compliance with pack-it-in, pack-it-out principles.

Best Camping Sites Near Strawberry, Arizona (315)

    1. Houston Mesa Campground

    37 Reviews
    Payson, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 468-7135

    $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."

    2. FS 609 - Dispersed Camping

    14 Reviews
    Strawberry, AZ
    3 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. Kehl Springs Campground

    9 Reviews
    Pine, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 477-2255

    $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."

    4. Payson Campground & RV Resort

    16 Reviews
    Payson, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 472-2267

    "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."

    5. Molitor Spot Along Rim Road - Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Pine, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "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"

    6. Pivot Rock Canyon

    4 Reviews
    Pine, AZ
    7 miles

    "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."

    7. Milk Ranch Point Road

    4 Reviews
    Pine, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 477-2255

    "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."

    "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."

    8. Zane Grey RV Village

    12 Reviews
    Camp Verde, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 567-4320

    $60 - $75 / night

    "Shady, lots of trees, pristine condition of all facilities including dog park, walking trail next to the creek, and large enough sites for our 42' rig. There was live music on night!"

    "If you want a shady site in a cooler location, this is it. The temperature was consistently 5 degrees below the towns of Camp Verde and Cottonwood."

    9. Pine Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Pine, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 474-7900

    "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."

    10. Verde Ranch RV Resort

    28 Reviews
    Camp Verde, AZ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 567-7126

    $45 - $85 / night

    "Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons: 

    Pros: 

    Resort-Style Amenities: This resort boasts impressive amenities, including a sparkling pool, a well-equipped rec room, close proximity to sightseeing"

    "But what made our stay here awesome was the proximity to everything. Hiking, backpacking, off roading, and of course access to all the cool places in Flagstaff and Sedona."

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Recent Reviews near Strawberry, AZ

1665 Reviews of 315 Strawberry Campgrounds


  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Schnebly Hill Rd, Fox Borough Dam

    Great wild camping

    Plenty of spots to set up, road in isn't very manageable. Cell service was great too. Very pretty site to camp.

  • Jared M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Mayer dispersed camping

    Little to no service but peaceful

    No service for boobdocking but nice veiw and quit

  • M
    Sep. 5, 2025

    larson ridge dispersed camping

    Free Dispersed camping

    Lovely 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.

  • Sonja T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    FS Road 219 Mormon Lake

    Great dispersed campsite right outside of Mormon Lake Village

    This 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.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Molitor Spot Along Rim Road - Dispersed

    Amazing spot!

    What 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.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    North Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413

    Mingus Mt. FR 413

    Pros: Beautiful spot. Easy access. Lots of camps. Rd in not bad( although a lot of spots need to be careful with a car) CONS: a lot of vehicle traffic all day and night. Tons of OHV running all Hrs. Most camp sites set 50-75 yards off of main rd so you will experience rd. Traffic.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Verde Ranch RV Resort

    Huge campground full of beautiful amenities!!!

    WOW!!! This campground has so many amenities and is very very well kept and beautiful. You can walk along the river, enjoy the pool, we had a blast in the arcade and playing shuffleboard. The laundry facilities take credit card, which is amazing and my husband loved that there is a very nice fitness center. Definitely would stay again!❤️❤️❤️

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    DLTs

    Noisy

    To many Motorcycles

  • Alston W. D.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Soda Springs Road

    Beautiful place to camp

    I felt lucky to be mostly alone, one other within sight, but no issues with atvs or bikes. Nice and peaceful. Still warm, I got burnt, of course. No fires allowed at this point. All in all, a good time to reconnect.


Guide to Strawberry

Camping near Strawberry, Arizona, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet place to unwind, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers have enjoyed the hiking trails, noting, "There are lots of great trails for hiking in the park. Love the saguaros and teddy bear chollas."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Lake Pleasant is a great spot. One reviewer mentioned, "Beautiful site facing west, beautiful sunsets! Water and electric."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper shared, "There are wild burros in the park," making it a fun experience for families.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One review stated, "Bathrooms are extremely clean with nice showers," highlighting the well-maintained facilities at Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Flagstaff KOA said, "Nice pleasant staff. Bathrooms were clean."
  • Scenic Views: The stunning views are a big draw. A camper noted, "The views over Sedona are always amazing here!" at Edge of the World (East Pocket).

What you should know:

  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. One camper remarked, "Busy on weekends and empty during the week," at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A reviewer mentioned, "No hot water in bathrooms. No showers," at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground.
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially near highways. A camper at White Spar Campground noted, "Quite a bit of highway noise."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with activities for kids. One reviewer said, "Great place for kids and family," about Flagstaff KOA.
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Keep the kids entertained with outdoor games. A camper at Houston Mesa Campground mentioned, "Our kids adore playing in the dirt and exploring the trees."
  • Plan for Meals: Make sure to plan meals ahead of time. A visitor noted, "We made a small network of roads with their little construction trucks," showing how kids can enjoy cooking and eating outdoors.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Cave Springs mentioned, "The pads are very narrow and short."
  • Be Ready for Dust: Dust can be an issue, especially in dry conditions. One camper noted, "The road is like a freeway with rigs, cars etc all day long," at Forest Road 525.
  • Use Your Own Facilities: Many RVers prefer using their own showers. A camper at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground said, "Most people with RV's use their own showers."

Camping near Strawberry, Arizona, has something for everyone. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Strawberry, AZ?

Strawberry, AZ offers excellent camping options with Kehl Springs Campground being a standout choice. Located in a beautiful forest setting, it's conveniently close to the towns of Pine and Strawberry as well as Tonto Natural Bridge. Another excellent option is Pinegrove Campground, which features spacious sites with level paved parking pads and tent pads among the pines. Each site includes a fire pit and picnic table, with clean bathrooms and pay showers available. The campground offers a perfect balance of amenities and natural beauty, with sites arranged around a picturesque meadow. Both campgrounds provide an authentic outdoor experience while remaining accessible to Strawberry's local attractions.

Are there RV parks or RV-friendly campgrounds in Strawberry, Arizona?

Strawberry, Arizona and its surrounding area offer several RV-friendly options. Verde Ranch RV Resort in nearby Camp Verde provides a resort-style experience with impressive amenities including a pool and well-equipped recreation facilities. For those seeking a more rustic experience with their RV, Forest Road 9365 offers dispersed camping opportunities with numerous parking spots for RVs, though some sites can be challenging to access. The area around Strawberry also has Oxbow Estates RV Park as another option. When planning an RV trip to Strawberry, be sure to check road conditions in advance, as some forest roads may have seasonal restrictions or require high-clearance vehicles.

What lakes and water activities are available near Strawberry camping areas?

While Strawberry itself doesn't have major lakes, several water recreation options exist nearby. Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort features Oak Creek running through the property, offering a refreshing place to cool off during hot months. The creek provides opportunities for wading, swimming, and casual fishing. For more substantial water activities, Mormon Lake is accessible from Lakeview Campground, though water levels can vary seasonally. The East Verde River also flows near Strawberry, with several access points for fishing and water play. Blue Ridge Reservoir (C.C. Cragin) is within driving distance, offering boating and fishing opportunities. For the most reliable water recreation, Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona provides swimming holes, fishing spots, and scenic water features throughout most of the year.

What are the weather conditions and best seasons for camping in Strawberry, AZ?

Strawberry, AZ enjoys a mild mountain climate with four distinct seasons, making late spring through early fall the prime camping period. At an elevation around 6,000 feet, Strawberry offers relief from summer desert heat, with daytime temperatures typically in the 70s-80s°F and cooler nights in the 50s-60s°F. Summer brings occasional afternoon thunderstorms, especially during monsoon season (July-August). Fall offers spectacular foliage with comfortable temperatures, while winter brings snow and freezing temperatures (typically December-February). Bugs can be intense during certain periods, as noted by campers at Pinegrove Campground. For the most pleasant camping experience, May-June and September-October typically offer ideal conditions with moderate temperatures and fewer insects than peak summer months.

Is free dispersed camping available in Strawberry, Arizona?

Yes, free dispersed camping is available in the national forest areas surrounding Strawberry. Fr 171 Campground offers dispersed camping with sites lining the road, providing ample space between neighbors. Campers report it's easily accessible and has room for multiple camping setups. The Tonto and Coconino National Forests surrounding Strawberry have numerous dispersed camping options following the standard 14-day stay limit. Schnebly Hill Dispersed Camping is another option in the broader area. When dispersed camping near Strawberry, remember to practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and be aware that fire restrictions are common during dry seasons. Most dispersed sites lack facilities, so come prepared with water and sanitation solutions.