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 (305)

    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

    7 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. 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."

    8. 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."

    9. Milk Ranch Point Road

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

    "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."

    "Not a steep drop off so safe for having dogs around very windy im assuming bc of the location. Dirt road coming in but not bad at all. Easy to get our travel trailer in and out."

    10. Clear Creek Campground

    9 Reviews
    Camp Verde, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 567-4121

    "During the day we wore shorts, and the kids walked in the creek. Over night, it dipped just below freezing, so everything was frosted over in the morning."

    "(We’re from Phoenix) It was a short hour and a half drive up the 17. Clear Creek Campground is about a 10 min drive passed Camp Verde, so if you forget any supplies it’s a quick trip into town."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 305 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Strawberry, AZ

1642 Reviews of 305 Strawberry Campgrounds



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

What camping is available near Strawberry, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Strawberry, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 305 campgrounds and RV parks near Strawberry, AZ and 144 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 144 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 Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.