Camping near Sun Valley, Arizona offers access to pine-covered terrain along the Mogollon Rim at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,500 feet. The area experiences temperature differences of up to 25 degrees cooler than Phoenix during summer months, with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly even in July and August. Forest Service Road 300 (Rim Road) provides access to several dispersed camping areas with views overlooking the 1,000-foot drop of the rim.
What to do
Fishing at nearby lakes: Knoll Lake Campground provides access to fishing opportunities in a secluded setting. "The lake is stocked with trout for fly fishing enthusiasts," notes a camper, who adds that "the fresh water is palatable and the pit-toilets are efficiently kept clean by the annual resident camp host."
Hiking to Horton Creek: The trailhead for this popular hike is located near Upper Tonto Creek Campground. "Great campsites walking distance to Horton Creek trail, has fire ring, table, and level tent area for easy set up," according to one visitor. Another adds, "The Horton Springs Trail starts right across from campsite #1, and it can lead you up and onto the rim for adventures lasting an afternoon or a week."
Crawdad hunting: Christopher Creek offers opportunities for catching crawdads, a popular activity for families. "The creek is filled with crawdads; if you wish to fish them out, a simple slice of protein (bacon, jerky, etc.) tied to a string does the trick," explains one camper.
What campers like
Solitude with rim views: Molitor Spot Along Rim Road offers dispersed camping with panoramic vistas. "Perfect spot with a commanding view of the valley. Good breeze so not many flying bugs," shares one camper. Another notes: "Easy 20 min drive on FR 300 off of route 87. SUV or above can handle it. Enough room for two cars. Fantastic views of the rim, and the sunrise was absolutely incredible."
Shade coverage: Ponderosa Campground provides generous tree cover that creates natural shade during hot summer days. A camper reports: "This campground is a lovely example of Arizona mountain country, with tall Ponderosa Pines and hearty shrubs covering the forested landscape. This campground provides a shaded refuge from the sun with opportunities to hike, bike, or drive, to some inspiring viewsheds."
Wildlife encounters: Aspen Campground offers opportunities to see elk and other wildlife. "Elk wander through the campgrounds in early mornings and evenings," shares one visitor. Another mentions: "Clean, well maintained. Helpful camphosts. Very large sites and lots of first come first served as well as reservable spaces."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to Little Green Valley requires navigating unpaved forest roads. "Roads are a bit bumpy, and they have some shallow water crossings. RVs and campers can make it in with relative ease," notes a camper. Another warns: "Beware monsoons if you have 2wd."
Campsite spacing: Campgrounds vary widely in site privacy and spacing. At Houston Mesa Campground, "Spots are close together but a decent amount of nature separates you and gives you some privacy," according to one visitor. Contrast this with Bear Canyon Lake where "there is a lot of room up there for dispersed camping."
Seasonal variations: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Ponderosa Campground is open "Apr 1 to Oct 31" while Christopher Creek stays open year-round. Some areas have restricted access after snowfall, particularly at higher elevations like Aspen Campground which operates "mid apr-mid nov."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with creek access: Christopher Creek provides family-friendly camping near water. "Love this spot. Normally don't need a reservation. Nice little hike by the creek that the dogs love," shares a camper. Another notes that "half of the campground is right next to the creek... only a hundred feet away!"
Look for flat tent spaces: Upper Tonto Creek Campground offers well-designed sites. "Yeah yeah, you might be too young for that movie about a robot that gains consciousness and saves the weirdo girl from The Breakfast Club... No. 5 is alive. Alive because this is a great little spot in the woods with easy access to Horton Creek," explains one camper, who recommends "If you can choose, pick 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. Those are the good ones."
Bring activities for kids: Bear Canyon Lake provides opportunities for exploration. "Big campground, with hidden trails. The lake itself is beautiful and less crowded than Woods Canyon Lake," notes one visitor.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Houston Mesa Campground offers some RV amenities but with limitations. "These spots are fairly large and allow for some large rigs and is located right on the edge of town. No hook ups though but you can fill your tanks on site," notes one RVer. Another adds: "Close drive to home and nice setup that makes you feel like you are in the woods. No hookups here at all but nice clean bathrooms to use."
Consider site location: Payson Campground & RV Resort offers full hookups but has tradeoffs. "It is a nice little campground with a pool and small laundry mat room. Bathrooms are always clean. The spaces are close together so if you are spot picky (want more of a personal space feel) you will need to get recommendations or visit it to mark your spots."
Dump station availability: Some campgrounds offer dump stations while others don't. An RVer at Houston Mesa notes: "Dump station was closed while we were here and it looks like they charge to use is when open." At Ponderosa Campground, "This is a large campground and A loop is right by the road so will be very loud with trucks. D loop has the largest campsites and the most privacy between your neighbors."
