Searching for the best camping near Young, AZ? Young is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
FR738 Dispersed Camping
30 min away
Old Rim Road/ Forest Road 171 Dispersed
42 min away
$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."
$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."
"We are fairly new to camping in Arizona. We decided to go camping last minute this past weekend, so we had no reservations. We found this area randomly, and we were very pleased."
"Proximity to the Rim Visitor's Center for some ranger advice and a toliet! Also just right across the street from the Rim Lakes."
$38 - $260 / night
"Located in the scenic Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in north central Arizona near the town of Heber.
Beautiful campground. Very well taken care of. Sites are large and spread out. Very quiet."
"Campground Review
Canyon Point is located in a beautiful Pine and Aspen wooded area just above the Mogollon Rim. The area has plenty of hiking trails, streams, and lakes."
$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."
$18 / night
"For the distance it is away from Phoenix you can beat it ! 2hrs drive time!"
"Just a 1/2 mile on dirt road so that’s nice but the walk in spots for this campsite are SMALL and VERY tight/close together. Not only that but all spots are parallel."
$25 / night
"My dog and I love it up here during an Arizona summer. Nice and cool with the Willow Springs lake nearby. Clean good camping."
"We visited here for a night get away from Scottsdale. It's amazing! We sadly only camped one night."
$29 - $150 / night
"The woods surrounding were beautiful and peaceful. Our two young children loved running around and exploring.
It was a dry summer and fire restrictions were in place."
"There are vault toilets available close to all sites, and clean running water available as well."
$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."
"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."
ScoutLovely area with multiple large campsites along the road. No amenities. Was able to pull our 27ft trailer in. There’s a little general store just a few minutes up the highway and a town about 20 minutes away if needed.
TravelerWhat a great dispersed camp site! Do not pull of at the first site. Keep driving along the rim and you’ll find the perfect spot for you with an amazing view.
GuideWe tried this site but it was full in both dides of 195. Not a site to be found. The roads off the main are VERY rough. In our Santa Cruz we had ti go very slow and careful. Better suited fir larger trucks with ample clearance. Cell services leaving Payson for ATT/Cricket was NONEXISTENT for most of the way, especially up in the dispersed areas. Use offline maps, don't rely on internet access if you have Cricket!
ScoutNice place a lot of trees not much sunshine if you're on solar, host was nice, T-Mobile 5G non-existent
TravelerJust about a mile off of Rte 87 along FR 751 are multiple and spacious dispersed camping areas. You can find spaces for groups or individuals and not be cramped at all. some off-road recreation is also available, but the highlight is about 2 miles further where there is a launch ramp for canoes and kayaks in to the Blue Ridge Reservoir. A beautiful, winding, and calm waterway that you will certainly enjoy. There are hours of lazy boating and fishing waiting for you there. There is a campground in between those 2 points, but go find yourself a real private space like this one to enjoy the true outdoors. This area fits 5th wheels, RTTs, tents, and motor homes. Easy to get to
ScoutPlenty of pine trees gives some privacy while being open. We rode in on motorcycles and threw up our tents tonight. Designated camping areas.
GuideAmazing spot for views overlooking the rim. Fire ring available, space to park or tent.
GuideA rather long, tough 4x4 route leads to this stunning overlook. Amazing views for sunrise, sunset, and night sky. Fire ring and room to park or tent.
GuideA short 4x4 track is well worth the stunning overlook for sunrise, sunset, and night sky viewing. 2 sites with fire rings
Camping near Young, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Young, Arizona, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the unique challenges and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best camping spots in Young, AZ?
Young, AZ offers excellent camping options with Colcord Ridge Campground standing out as a top choice. This campground features spacious sites spread along Young Road, providing privacy and beautiful natural surroundings with opportunities to spot local wildlife including deer, coyotes, and wild horses. For those seeking dispersed camping, Fr 171 Campground is another great option with easy access and plenty of space between sites, making it perfect for last-minute trips when developed campgrounds are full. The Tonto National Forest area around Young also offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities with varying levels of accessibility for different vehicle types.
What outdoor activities can you do when camping in Young, Arizona?
Young, Arizona offers diverse outdoor activities for campers. Water recreation is popular at nearby lakes and creeks, with opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. At Christopher Creek, a favorite family tradition is catching crawdads with homemade fishing gear in the cool waters. Hiking is excellent throughout the region, with trails like those near Tonto National Forest Riverside Campground offering lush riverside vegetation contrasting with the desert landscape. The area also features caves to explore, wildlife viewing opportunities, and stargazing thanks to minimal light pollution. For those seeking adventure, off-road vehicle trails can be found in various locations around Young.
When is the best time of year to camp in Young, AZ?
Summer is the prime camping season in Young, AZ, when the area provides welcome relief from the intense heat of southern Arizona. Sharp Creek offers a peaceful summer retreat with comfortable temperatures that allow for sleeping outdoors under the stars. Similarly, Sinkhole Campground provides cool summer conditions with nearby lake access. Spring and early fall also offer pleasant camping weather, though nights can be cooler. Winter camping is possible but prepare for cold temperatures and potential snow at higher elevations. The area's elevation creates a significantly cooler microclimate compared to Phoenix and southern Arizona, making it an ideal summer destination.
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