Best Campgrounds near Sun Valley, AZ

Join the fun near Sun Valley. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Sun Valley campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Sun Valley, AZ. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Sun Valley, Arizona (271)

    1. Houston Mesa Campground

    37 Reviews
    Payson, AZ
    3 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. Payson Campground & RV Resort

    17 Reviews
    Payson, AZ
    3 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."

    3. Christopher Creek

    21 Reviews
    Kohls Ranch, AZ
    13 miles
    Website

    $24 - $80 / night

    "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."

    "This is a good campsite just a short drive from Phoenix.  Campsites are on the smaller side and close to each other so would recommend mid-week camping over weekend."

    4. Ponderosa Campground (AZ) Tonto National Forest

    10 Reviews
    Kohls Ranch, AZ
    9 miles
    Website

    $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."

    5. Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Sun Valley, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 474-7900

    "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."

    6. Aspen Campground

    26 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 535-9859

    $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."

    7. Knoll Lake Campground

    16 Reviews
    Kohls Ranch, AZ
    15 miles
    Website

    "Worth the drive! Woods Canyon Lake is closest ‘store’ so come prepared. Lake, trails, views, and off-roading!"

    "This lake was amazing! We camped a short distance (about a mile up the hill) away from the lake where we had a completely secluded campsite and the boys built an incredible rock campfire pit!"

    8. Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area

    20 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 535-7300

    "I’ve camped here twice and not only it’s great spot for the kids to roam around, it’s also nice having the lake close by."

    "Most of the campsites closer to the lake entrance were designed to have multiple tents. There was loud music and gunshots (even though there is no target shooting allowed) well past midnight."

    9. Molitor Spot Along Rim Road - Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Pine, AZ
    13 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"

    10. Upper Tonto Creek — Tonto National Forest

    8 Reviews
    Kohls Ranch, AZ
    11 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "Sometimes you come across a campground that makes you feel like you are 12 again, just hanging out with the family in the beautiful surroundings of the Arizona Rim Country, roasting marshmallows."

    "It was clean, and very well situated near the trail. Though the ground was slightly uneven and parking our truck was a challenge, it was comfortable and well laid out."

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Recent Reviews near Sun Valley, AZ

986 Reviews of 271 Sun Valley Campgrounds


  • CJ V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Payson Campground & RV Resort

    Nightly RV Sites Very Expensive

    We are new to RVing (1st trip) but this place was $129 for a 28' back in 30 amp site. It does have wifi, water, power, and sewer, but that's the same as a hotel.

    It is nice and well maintained, but it seems very expensive.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Soda Springs Road

    Boondocking site east of I-17 & south off of Highway 179 in northern Arizona.

    Quiet, no neighbors, nice breeze, free.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Forest Road 689 - Dispersed Site

    Great and convenient

    It was the sweet easy spot to spend the night after a long day of hiking Sedona, easy access even when raining, we made breakfast chilled for a little while and then vi tibie our journey more hikes, heading to west Sedona and find an other dispersed camping over there. You don’t need a high clearance car here. We did not hear the freeway at all, very dispersed sites

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Mormon Lake Lodge RV Park & Campground

    Great alpine experience!

    Mormon Lake is an astonishing campground: all in alpine forests, at about 6500’. Mild summer, with cool nights, many escape the heat of PHX up here.

    Many 30/50 amp full-hook up sites, with a laundry and shower room( though, this time, the showers were closed for repairs.

    Mormon Lake is a huge natural flat spot in the Coconino National Forest, that even when full, might only be 5’ feet deep.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Ewe Tank

    Schnelby Hill Rd off site camping

    Great spots all along Schnelby Hill rd. Some are 40 ft friendly and area. For group camping.

  • Stacy R.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Tonto Creek Trail RV Park

    Quiet Desert Gem with Beautiful Mountain Views

    We loved our stay at Tonto Creek Trail RV& MHC! From the start, the staff was warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home. The park is peaceful, clean, and well-maintained—exactly what we were looking for in a relaxing getaway. The location couldn’t be better. Nestled in Tonto Basin, the park is just minutes from Roosevelt Lake, which was perfect for fishing, boating, and soaking in the views. We also enjoyed exploring the nearby Tonto National Forest trails—ideal for hiking and ATV adventures. As pet owners, we were thrilled that pets stay free! The community is very pet-friendly, which made traveling with our furry family stress-free. The grounds are safe and quiet, with beautiful mountain views all around, giving us plenty of space to relax after a day of exploring. Between the friendly community vibe, the great amenities, and the unbeatable location, this is a hidden gem in Arizona. We’re already planning our next trip back to Tonto Creek Trail RV—highly recommend it!

  • Jacob P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Molitor Spot Along Rim Road - Dispersed

    Beautiful

    Tons of spots all along rim road doable in most any cars. If you continue along you can find some really cool spots that overlook the rim. One of my favorite spots!

  • T
    Sep. 18, 2025

    FS 609 - Dispersed Camping

    Remote and beautiful

    True dispersed camping- very quiet. Sites are spread out and have fire rings. As others said, road is very rough but I made it with a high clearance 2WD just fine. Worth the effort for one of the cliff side spots on the loop.

  • T
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Mogollon Rimn Dispersed, AZ FR 9350

    Cross between campground /dispersed

    Spots along FR 9350 are free and technically “dispersed” camping but you must still use designated areas. They are spread out and some have nice views over the rim.


Guide to Sun Valley

Camping near Sun Valley, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "Lace up your boots and conquer one of the park's diverse hiking trails. From challenging climbs to scenic strolls, there's a path for every level and every desire."
  • Off-Roading: If you enjoy off-roading, you’re in luck! A visitor raved about the "washboard washes (river beds) offer thrilling rides for off-road enthusiasts, with stunning desert landscapes as your backdrop."
  • Exploring History: Check out the nearby Gold Mine. A reviewer noted, "There's an old Gold Mine nearby to visit," making it a great spot for those interested in local lore.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One review stated, "Bathrooms are extremely clean with nice showers," highlighting the attention to cleanliness at the campgrounds.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers enjoy the space between sites. A visitor shared, "Spots are close but not too close to each other," which adds to the overall comfort of the camping experience.
  • Beautiful Views: The scenery is a big draw. A camper mentioned, "Beautiful view of mountain and amazing sunsets," showcasing the stunning landscapes that surround the campgrounds.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping, lack basic amenities. A reviewer pointed out, "This is literally just a parking lot for huge RVs," indicating that it may not be ideal for everyone.
  • Crowded Conditions: Popular spots can get packed. One camper noted, "Packed in like sardines. Spaces are pretty small," which might not suit those looking for solitude.
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Cave Springs is open from March 15 to November 2, so plan your trip accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby hiking trails and swimming holes. A family camper shared, "The campground's proximity to swimming holes, hiking trails, and the charming town of Payson provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure."
  • Space for Play: Choose sites that offer ample space for kids to play. One reviewer mentioned, "We love the ample space at each campsite, allowing us to park comfortably and spread out for a relaxing stay."
  • Safety First: Be prepared for temperature drops at night. A camper advised, "Temperature drops at night are huge so definitely prepare for that," ensuring your family stays comfortable.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to confirm the availability of electric and water hookups. A visitor noted, "The park offers spacious campsites with convenient power and water hookups," which can make your stay more comfortable.
  • Plan for Limited Cell Service: Some areas have spotty cell coverage. A camper mentioned, "While you're busy conquering the trails and soaking up the scenery, keep in mind that cell service can be limited," so be ready to disconnect.
  • Respect the Environment: Many RVers emphasize the importance of leaving no trace. One camper stated, "Public land will continue to be taken away if we cannot take care of it," reminding everyone to clean up after themselves.

Camping around Sun Valley, AZ, offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next outdoor getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Sun Valley, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Sun Valley, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 271 campgrounds and RV parks near Sun Valley, AZ and 124 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Sun Valley, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sun Valley, AZ is Houston Mesa Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 37 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sun Valley, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 124 free dispersed camping spots near Sun Valley, AZ.

What parks are near Sun Valley, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Sun Valley, AZ that allow camping, notably Tonto National Forest and Coconino National Forest.