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What's the most underrated Arizona camping? Walking in! These remote campgrounds can be reached by walking in and offer the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a way you've never experienced before. Find the best walk-in campgrounds in Arizona.

Arizona

The Best Walk-In Camping in Arizona

What's the most underrated Sun Valley camping? Walking in! Camping can be the most magical time of your life. Walk-in campsites make it even more extraordinary, without committing to a backpacking trip. Find the best walk-in campgrounds in Arizona.

Sun Valley

The Best Walk-In Camping Near Sun Valley, Arizona

## Overview

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.

## Recreation

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. 

## Facilities

Houston Mesa has 74 campsites, including 29 equestrian sites for campers with horses or mules, and 17 tent-only sites for those who want a quieter experience. There are several amenities to make campers feel at home, including showers (coin-operated) and flush toilets. All of the sites are accessible.  
  
  
  
The horse camping section (Mule Deer Loop) is across the street from the main campground and features 29 individual sites with tables and grills. Corrals are also available. Campers who reserve these sites must have horses or mules. 

## Natural Features

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. 

## Nearby Attractions

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.

Houston Mesa Campground

Payson Campground & RV Resort

FR414 Dispersed Camp Site

Upper Tonto Creek Campground The union of Tonto and Horton Creeks is at the north end of the campground. Fishing in both creeks is a popular sport. The trailheads for Horton Creek Trail 285 and Derrick Trail 33 are located in the campground. Both of these trails access the Highline National Recreation Trail (#31). Tonto Fish Hatchery is four miles north of Highway 260 on Forest Road 289. The Arizona Game & Fish Department welcomes visitors and has a self-guided tour of the hatchery.

Upper Tonto Creek Campground

## Overview

With an elevation over a mile-high(5640 ft), Christopher Creek Campground's crisp, fresh air and vibrant views are a joy to behold. The facility is tucked along the banks of the spring-fed Christopher Creek, which passes just below the Mogollon Rim. 

The Mogollon Rim, pronounced by locals as "muggy-own," is a 200-mile long cliff in northern Arizona that ranges between 5,000 and 7,000 ft in elevation. The unique landscape was created by extreme erosion and faulting that has sculpted spectacular canyons and buttes. The rim serves as the geographical dividing line between the cool high country above and the hot, dry desert below. Christopher Creek is located in the desert portion, but is balanced by the cool waters of the creek and forested surroundings.

## Recreation

After a day of horseback riding or mountain biking, take a dip in one of the facility's three swimming holes to cool off from the summer sun. Or if winter is more your thing, visit during the snowy months to take advantage of the miles of cross-country skiing available. Each spring, the creek is stocked with rainbow trout, allowing anglers the opportunity to cast their hearts out for rainbows as well as brook and brown trout. 

## Facilities

The family-friendly campground has 43 sites on both sides of the creek, plus a group site that accommodates a maximum of 25 people. 37 campsites are reservable, 3 campsites are available for first-come-first-served customers and 3 sites are occupied by the camp hosts.

## Natural Features

Christopher Creek provides creek side dwelling in Tonto National Forest, at the base of the Mogollon Rim. Sites are surrounded by ponderosa pines, junipers, oaks and manzanita evergreen shrubs. 

## Nearby Attractions

The small town of Christopher Creek is just a short drive away and offers a few restaurant options for those who tire of cooking at the campground.. A series of lakes called the Rim Country Lakes are about a 10 minute drive east. Woods Canyon Lake is one of the most popular recreational lakes in the state and offers options for boating as well as a nature trail that loops around the lake's perimeter. 

## contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (928) 474-7900.

Christopher Creek

Bear Flat Campground

Bearhide Group Site

## Overview

Sharp Creek is a small campground located in an area of central Arizona known for its pleasant temperatures, spectacular scenery and outdoor recreation. There are tent-only, family and group sites to accommodate a wide range of visitors.

## Recreation

The campground is in a central location for hiking, fishing, boating and picnicking.   
  
Anglers can try for trout in nearby Christopher Creek. Hikers can access the historic Highline National Recreational Trail, which runs for 51 miles along the base of the Mogollon Rim, from the 260 Trail three miles east of the campground. Two lakes nearby offer additional fishing and boating options.

## Facilities

Sharp Creek is a small campground with 20 campsites conveniently spread out into four loops. Campsites are spacious, comfortable and well-maintained, with some shade. Each has a picnic table, grill, campfire ring and lantern holder. One loop contains three group campsites that can each accommodate 50 people. A group picnic shelter is available as well. A dump station is located at nearby Ponderosa Campground.

## Natural Features

Sharp Creek sits at a cool 6,000 feet elevation, perfect for escaping the desert heat of southern Arizona and getting away to shaded forests and refreshing creeks and lakes. It is surrounded by a thick ponderosa pine forest below the Mogollon Rim. The clear waters of Christopher Creek are less than a mile away.   
  
The Mogollon Rim, pronounced by locals as "muggy-own," is a 200-mile long cliff in northern Arizona that ranges between 5,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation. The unique landscape was created by extreme erosion and faulting that has sculpted spectacular canyons and buttes. The rim serves as the geographical dividing line between the cool high country above and the hot, dry desert below. 

## Nearby Attractions

The small town of Christopher Creek is less than a mile away and has a few restaurant and shopping options for basic conveniences.   
  
Woods Canyon and Willow Springs Lakes sit above the Mogollon Rim, only a 10-minute drive away, and offer boating and fishing.

Sharp Creek

Flowing Spring Campground

PJ's Hangout

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Phoenix, AZ has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Phoenix. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Phoenix camping trip.

Phoenix

The Best Camping Near Phoenix, Arizona

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Tucson

The Best Tucson Camping | Arizona Campgrounds

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Mesa

The Best Camping Near Mesa, Arizona

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Chandler

The Best Camping Near Chandler, Arizona

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Glendale

The Best Camping Near Glendale, Arizona

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Scottsdale

The Best Camping Near Scottsdale, Arizona

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Gilbert

The Best Camping Near Gilbert, Arizona

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Tempe

The Best Camping Near Tempe, Arizona

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Peoria

The Best Camping Near Peoria, Arizona

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Surprise

The Best Camping Near Surprise, Arizona

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Prescott National Forest

The Best Camping Near Prescott National Forest, Arizona

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Kaibab National Forest

The Best Camping Near Kaibab National Forest, Arizona

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Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

The Best Camping Near Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona

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Coconino National Forest Recreation

The Best Camping Near Coconino National Forest Recreation, Arizona

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Coronado National Forest

The Best Camping Near Coronado National Forest, Arizona

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Tonto National Forest

The Best Camping Near Tonto National Forest, Arizona

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Saguaro National Park

The Best Camping Near Saguaro National Park, Arizona

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Grand Canyon National Park

The Best Camping Near Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

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Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

The Best Camping Near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona

Looking for the best campgrounds near Degray Lake, AZ? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Degray Lake is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Degray Lake camping trip.

THE BEST Walk-In CAMPING NEARSun Valley, Arizona

Top Sun Valley Walk-In Campgrounds

Houston Mesa Campground

Payson Campground & RV Resort

FR414 Dispersed Camp Site

Upper Tonto Creek Campground

Christopher Creek

Bear Flat Campground

Bearhide Group Site

Sharp Creek

Flowing Spring Campground

PJ's Hangout

About Sun Valley Walk-In Camping

Walk-In Campgrounds in Sun Valley, Arizona

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