Strawberry is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Strawberry. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
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.
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.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 474-7900.
$20 - $170 / 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
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
The peaceful, tranquil setting at Rancho Sedona is unrivaled. Rancho Sedona is fully shaded by grand Sycamore and Cottonwood trees and is in the heart of town, next to beautiful Oak Creek. The park is within walking distance to galleries, shops and restaurants. Enjoy mountain biking, hiking and trout fishing all year long right from the park. In the summer enjoy swimming in the creek. Rancho Sedona is beautifully maintained and includes spacious sites, clean facilities, laundry, volleyball, fielded areas, and Free Wi-Fi and Digital Cable TV. Sedona is a wondrous place and we look forward to hosting you for your stay.
$42 - $84 / 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.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 535-0181.
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.
$34 / night
Scout
This is a wonderful place to relax, T-Moble is not great in some places and O in most, Starlink does not work so well out here and there is very tall trees and lots of shade, would make a great place in the summer months. most of the road is very nice and 2wd car can make it, road is 1 lane. Very trailer friendly road and most of the camp spots are big enough for good size trailers. there is 2 ways in one off of 260 and another off of 87, both are about the same condition.
RangerArrived on a Monday afternoon and found no other campers but several trucks and OHV trailers parking on the road to the camping area. Made it around them to have my pick of camp sites.
The road goes past the camping area. There are presumably more camping areas down the hill.
The main camping area it the top of a hill where someone cleared all vegetation. Nothing to stop the wind.
There were few level areas. Camping here requires some serious leveling skills.
There is lots of room for longer trailers . HOWEVER, I COULD NOT RECOMMEND IT! This would be an excellent place for R/C jeeps and motorcycles.
The OHV jockeys seemed OK. They did seen somewhat surprised that someone was camping.
Overall the campsite was just a very remote,hilly and sterile dirt parking lot. Lots of garbage, mostly drink containers and tissue paper.
The one good thing was after dark, there was nobody for miles.
Traveler
We chose this camp ground due to it having full hooks up's.
Our spot was a bit tight with camper & 2 SUV's but we managed.
Our stay was the end of April 2024, We're volunteer HAM radio operators assisting with the Zane Grey foot race.
We'll be back in April 2025 to support the event again and have already reserved a spot for our stay.
Scout
Easy spot to camp for a night, with pretty good views. Lots and lots of shell casings and related trash, so not great for little kids.
Scout
Rough paved roads, but our Recvan did fine. We saw an Elk, it saw us, we walked back quickly. The surroundings are mainly bushes and rocks. Free camping with total solitude. AT&T and Tmobile both show good service. Verizon is unknown.
ScoutWe were here the weekend after Christmas to do some bike riding. All sites are pull through, really well located in sedona. We rode our bikes everywhere. Site was clean and we'll maintained. We didn't use any facilities provided, since we had full hookups, so can't comment to them.
Scout
LoLoMai is our go-to campground. It has an ideal 2h drive distance, is nestled into the oak creek canyon, and secluded from the road. Kids can roam freely. From sitting in the creek during the summer heat, to exploring the nearby wineries, venturing to the parks, or just sitting by the fire enjoying the cicadas sing, there is something nice for every day. The mix of full hookups, cabins and tent camping allows for every style that you might prefer.
Guide
Do not waste your time visiting this place. Do not get sucked in by the river because the RV park is the worst I have ever seen. Campers burning down because of bad wiring throughout the park. Long term tenants that refuse to clean up their sites, allow their kids to run wild and trash the place further, an owner that cares only about how much he can can you and suck as much money as he can out of you while providing less than adequate and most often less than safe services and an entire staff that is treated like something the owner stepped in and wiped off his shoes. There are way better places in the area!
Scout
Nice location with dispersed camping options. When we were setting up a man came up & warned us that it was a popular spot for Nudists. He was not wrong. Be prepared to run into some interesting people.
Guide
It’s gorgeous. Not very many spots but love being right by the river. With this being said it’s tucked in there by the mountains so it gets colder than desert overnight and has wildlife around plus little to no service for AT&T. However, if I didn’t need service this would’ve been perfect since my dog loves the water.
Guide
We stopped overnight traveling from the Phoenix area to Canyon DeChelly. Great spot. Quiet. Clean. A few other campers but we didn’t notice them.
Guide
Great dispersed camping spot close to Sedona!
Heads up we camped a little further down on Beaverhead Rd where there were more open spots and an easier dirt road to drive onto. Plenty of spots to choose from which was surprising on a holiday week (Christmas to New Years). The camping was a lot quieter than I expected even though there were a bunch of other campers. Everyone seemed to be able to find a spot far enough from another to have a secluded space.
The location is super convenient from Oak Village and downtown Sedona. There is even a back way on highway 89 if you find yourself in West Sedona and don't want to drive through traffic to get to highway 179.
TravelerNot a fan. Won’t be back with my trailer.
Traveler
We came up from Phoenix to get away from city life for 48 hours and this place is beautiful. We just got here and I have at least some reception because I’m doing the review from the site. Was it easy to get to, right off the highway, we drove back about a mile into the woods and there was tons of places to camp. Granted it’s early January so that could have something to do with all the open spots. There’s no facilities of any kind. We’re totally Boondocking it with our RV no hook ups just the water we brought and a generator, but I couldn’t be happier so quiet.
Oh yeah. If you are checking the weather, it’s closer to Heber than Payson. Payson low tonight expected to be 37, but Heber is expected to get to 24. Brrrrr
Scout
Walking distance to trails (Hangover trail was our favorite) and restaurants. Can’t beat the location. City of Sedona shuttle connect can pick you up directly from campground. Clean bathroom and hot showers. Laundry. Quiet. Overall very happy with our 7 night stay.
Traveler
Spent a few days here last Spring and loved it. The sites were decent. I was lucky to have one with a view but overall the site was decent. There are quite a few campgrounds and a couple were up the mountain slightly. Def suggest checking those campgrounds out - not much shade in those areas. The Quail campground had ample shade. Nearby towns - Cottonwood, Jerome - have lots of shopping, dining options. Sedona is also not a far drive and beautiful. Definitely recommend staying in this area if not at Dead Horse.
Scout
The road is totally doable in a minivan or the likes if you have some experience driving on rougher terrain, but only if you are coming in off of hwy 17. If you are in Sedona and decide to take 89A because you don’t want to drive out to hwy 17 like we did you will be met with a side by side trail. It is not a road. We barely made it in a 2025 Subaru Outback wilderness. If you have 4x4 and a solid 12 inches of ground clearance then go for it cause it is fun but damn. We took hwy 17 the rest of the days we camped here and it was a breeze. Beautiful views!
Traveler
We love this campground! We have camped here around 5 times and always had a great stay. They have a pool and hot tub, mini golf, playground, pickle ball court, clubhouse, and lots of crafts and activities for the kids! The bathrooms and showers are very nice and clean too!
Scout
Beautiful camping surrounded by ponderosa pines and boulders. Rich in wildlife.
We were pushing the envelope with a 30 ft camper. Would strongly suggest motorhomes and longer RV's not consider this location. Our family were the only campers during our stay. Lots of activity in and around Crown King. Gas and water available in town. Due to roads, add an hour to any estimated drive time if pulling a trailer.
TravelerOutstanding one night stay at the DHR Cabins. The family had an awesome stay. Cabins right on the river, quiet and spread out enough. Walked and fished the river, so peaceful. Cleanest bathrooms I have ever been to at a campsite. Would suggest this to anyone, had a blast!
GuideDecent 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.
ScoutThe 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.
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.
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
What camping is available near Strawberry, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Strawberry, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 302 campgrounds and RV parks near Strawberry, AZ and 142 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Strawberry, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Strawberry, AZ is Houston Mesa Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 37 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Strawberry, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 142 free dispersed camping spots near Strawberry, AZ.
What parks are near Strawberry, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Strawberry, AZ that allow camping, notably Coconino National Forest Recreation and Coconino National Forest.
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