Best Campgrounds near Young, AZ

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Young, Arizona (218)

    1. Aspen Campground

    26 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    15 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."

    2. Christopher Creek

    21 Reviews
    Kohls Ranch, AZ
    15 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."

    3. Fr 171 Campground

    15 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    14 miles
    Website

    "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."

    4. Sitgreaves National Forest Canyon Point Campground

    16 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 535-9859

    $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."

    5. Houston Mesa Campground

    37 Reviews
    Payson, AZ
    23 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."

    6. Mogollon Campground

    11 Reviews
    Kohls Ranch, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 535-9859

    $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."

    7. Sinkhole Campground

    9 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 535-9859

    $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."

    8. Sharp Creek

    7 Reviews
    Kohls Ranch, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 468-7135

    $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."

    9. Ponderosa Campground (AZ) Tonto National Forest

    10 Reviews
    Kohls Ranch, AZ
    16 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."

    10. Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area

    20 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    21 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."

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Recent Reviews near Young, AZ

724 Reviews of 218 Young Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • M
    Sep. 5, 2025

    larson ridge dispersed camping

    Free Dispersed camping

    Lovely 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.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Molitor Spot Along Rim Road - Dispersed

    Amazing spot!

    What 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.

  • Sonja T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Forest Road 195 Campground

    Nice site but fills VERY quickly.

    We 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!

  • Mustanger 6.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Blue Ridge Resevoir, Arizona

    Really Good Kayak/Canoe Launch Point

    Just 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


Guide to Young

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around Lost Dutchman State Park Campground. 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."
  • Off-Roading: If you love off-roading, Usery Mountain Regional Park is a great spot. A visitor shared, "There are mountain bike trails connected to this campground that were very fun!"
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. One happy camper said, "Clean site overlooking body of water. Gentle breeze. No bugs."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Houston Mesa Campground. One review noted, "The abundance of trees creates a peaceful and shady environment, perfect for escaping the Arizona sun."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained facilities at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground. A visitor mentioned, "Show and bathroom facilities are clean and nearby."
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy the spacious sites at McDowell Mountain Regional Park. One reviewer said, "Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites, and access to great mountain biking and hiking trails."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Carr Lake Campground on Forest Road 9350, have no amenities. A camper noted, "Pack in, pack out," emphasizing the need to bring your own supplies.
  • Road Conditions: If you're heading to Bulldog Canyon Dispersed Camping, be prepared for rough roads. One review stated, "The road is in the worst condition; we had to turn back and get out of there."
  • Cell Service: Cell service can be spotty in some areas. A camper at Houston Mesa Campground mentioned, "While Verizon service isn't optimal, it's manageable."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby hiking and swimming options, like Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground. One parent said, "We had the most beautiful view of the lake and plenty of wide open space for my kids to explore!"
  • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with ample space, such as Lost Dutchman State Park Campground. A camper noted, "Spots are close but not too close to each other."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A visitor at Christopher Creek mentioned, "Beautiful and cold. We love it and will be back!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to verify the availability of electric and water hookups at campgrounds like Houston Mesa Campground. One RVer shared, "We dry camped with no hookups but were able to use our generator at certain hours of the day."
  • Road Access: Some campgrounds may have rough access roads. A camper at Carr Lake Campground on Forest Road 9350 noted, "The main road is a good well-maintained dirt/gravel road."
  • Plan for Trash: Many dispersed sites, like Forest Road 689 - Dispersed Site, require you to pack out your trash. A camper reminded, "Remember to pack out."

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.