Top Camping & RV Parks Near Payson, AZ: Tent Sites & Scenic Getaways Await!
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Central Arizona highlands, Payson, AZ offers a variety of camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. For those who prefer the conveniences of modern living, several well-equipped RV parks, like the Payson RV Resort, provide full hookups, restrooms, and access to nearby attractions such as the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Tent campers can take advantage of the stunning national forest campgrounds in the area, including the popular Christopher Creek Campground, where visitors can pitch their tents along the serene banks of crystal-clear streams surrounded by towering ponderosa pines. For the more adventurous souls, dispersed camping options abound in the Tonto National Forest, allowing for a true off-the-beaten-path experience amidst dramatic geological formations and pristine wilderness. With its unique geography, where lush forests meet sweeping desert vistas, Payson is not only a gateway to numerous hiking trails, including the famous Mogollon Rim, but also a perfect spot for fishing, wildlife watching, and star-gazing under the clear Arizona night sky. No matter your camping style, Payson's diverse outdoor offerings make it a perfect destination for creating unforgettable memories in nature.

















Houston Mesa Campground is located in the Payson Ranger District, Tonto National Forest (1 hr 46 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 5,069 feet. There are a total of 80 campsites including 17 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 31 sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 99 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 1 site has electric hookups. Fees range from $20.00 to $170.00. Some amenities include flush toilets. Activities include hiking trails.
Ponderosa Campground is located in the Payson Ranger District, Tonto National Forest (1 hr 56 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 5,677 feet. There are a total of 48 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of April to the beginning of November. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $22.00 to $100.00. Activities include fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Christopher Creek Campground is located in the Payson Ranger District, Tonto National Forest (2 hrs 2 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 5,706 feet. There are a total of 41 campsites including 2 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of April to the beginning of November. 39 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 22 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $24.00 to $80.00.
Sharp Creek Campground is located in the Payson Ranger District, Tonto National Forest (2 hrs 6 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 5,946 feet. There are a total of 20 campsites including 3 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of April to the beginning of November. 17 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 120 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $29.00 to $150.00. Activities include fishing, hiking trails.
Mogollon Campground is located in the Black Mesa Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (2 hrs 17 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 7,650 feet. There are a total of 13 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 32 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $18.00 per night.
Crook Campground is located in the Black Mesa Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (2 hrs 16 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 7,621 feet. There are a total of 2 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 30 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $315.00 per night. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Aspen Campground is located in the Black Mesa Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (2 hrs 20 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 7,618 feet. There are a total of 132 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid April to the end of October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 36 and 72 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $34.00 per night. Some amenities include dump station, amphitheater. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Woods Canyon Lake Group Area is located in the Black Mesa Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (2 hrs 18 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 7,592 feet. The site is normally open from the end of April to mid October. Prices start at $250.00 per night. Activities include boating, fishing, floating sports.
Spillway Campground is located in the Black Mesa Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (2 hrs 19 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 7,519 feet. There are a total of 24 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 23 and 99 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $34.00 to $185.00. Some amenities include amphitheater. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Rim Campground is located in the Black Mesa Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (2 hrs 12 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 7,560 feet. There are a total of 13 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 32 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $18.00 per night. Activities include boating, fishing, floating sports.
Sinkhole Campground is located in the Black Mesa Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (2 hrs 12 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 7,556 feet. There are a total of 13 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to the end of October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $24.00 per night.
Canyon Point Campground is located in the Black Mesa Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (2 hrs 18 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 7,687 feet. There are a total of 102 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 45 and 99 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. 32 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $34.00 to $245.00. Some amenities include shower, sewer hookup, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include hiking trails.
Clear Creek Group is located in the Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest (48 min east of Prescott Valley, AZ) with an elevation of 3,241 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $95.00 per night.
Reynolds Creek Group is located in the Pleasant Valley Ranger District, Tonto National Forest (2 hrs 3 min northeast of Apache Junction, AZ) with an elevation of 5,209 feet. The site is normally open from the beginning of April to the end of November. Prices start at $75.00 per night.
Black Canyon Rim Campground is located in the Black Mesa Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (2 hrs 26 min northeast of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 7,625 feet. There are a total of 20 campsites including 1 boat site. The campground is normally open from the end of April to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 21 and 45 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $20.00 per night.
Apache Maid Cabin is located in the Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest (56 min south of Flagstaff, AZ) with an elevation of 6,400 feet. The site is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of November. Prices start at $75.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Cave Creek Group Site is located in the Cave Creek Ranger District, Tonto National Forest (1 hr 4 min north of Scottsdale, AZ) with an elevation of 3,432 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $75.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Sycamore Cabin is located in the Verde Ranger District, Prescott National Forest (58 min southeast of Prescott Valley, AZ) with an elevation of 4,000 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $125.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Frazier Group is located in the Tonto Basin Ranger District, Tonto National Forest (1 hr 31 min northeast of Apache Junction, AZ) with an elevation of 2,185 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $75.00 per night. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails, floating sports.
Frazier Horse Campground is located in the Tonto Basin Ranger District, Tonto National Forest (1 hr 30 min northeast of Apache Junction, AZ) with an elevation of 2,192 feet. There are a total of 8 campsites. The campground is open all year. Max equipment length is 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $16.00 per night. Activities include horseback riding.
Ironwood Campground at McDowell Mtn. Regional Park in Maricopa County is located 47 min east of Scottsdale, AZ with an elevation of 1,778 feet. There are a total of 16 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 16 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Prices start at $22.00 per night. Some amenities include drinking water, restroom, trash dumpster. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
Grapevine Group Campground is located in the Tonto Basin Ranger District, Tonto National Forest (1 hr 27 min northeast of Apache Junction, AZ) with an elevation of 2,299 feet. There are a total of 9 campsites. The campground is open all year. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $75.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, playground, boat ramp, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Rowland Campground at McDowell Mountain Regional Park in Maricopa County is located 41 min east of Scottsdale, AZ with an elevation of 1,640 feet. There are a total of 74 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 46 and 116 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. All sites have electric and water hookups. Prices start at $32.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, sewer hookup, playground, restroom, trash dumpster, flush toilets. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
Crescent Moon Ranch House is located in the Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest (1 hr 6 min southwest of Flagstaff, AZ) with an elevation of 4,002 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $200.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Chavez Crossing Campground is located in the Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest (52 min southwest of Flagstaff, AZ) with an elevation of 4,126 feet. There are a total of 3 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 35 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $95.00 to $120.00.
Dairy Springs Campground is located in the Flagstaff Ranger District, Coconino National Forest (36 min southeast of Flagstaff, AZ) with an elevation of 7,113 feet. There are a total of 17 campsites including 3 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to mid October. 14 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $26.00 to $135.00. Some amenities include amphitheater. Activities include biking, fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Verde Valley Fairground in Yavapai County is located 58 min northeast of Prescott Valley, AZ with an elevation of 3,232 feet. The site is open all year on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees range from $20.00 to $30.00. Some amenities include drinking water, dump station, 50 amp hookup.
Dead Horse Ranch Campground is part of Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Arizona (1 hr 1 min northeast of Prescott Valley, AZ) with an elevation of 3,300 feet. There are a total of 129 campsites including 8 cabins. The campground is open all year. 104 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 150 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 12 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. 102 sites have electric and water hookups. 9 sites have electric hookups. 1 site has water hookups. Fees range from $20.00 to $60.00. Some amenities include restroom. Activities include hiking trails.
Manzanita Campground is located in the Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest (34 min southwest of Flagstaff, AZ) with an elevation of 6,065 feet. There are a total of 14 campsites which are all tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. Max equipment length is 18 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $26.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming, restroom. Activities include fishing, hiking trails.
Pinegrove Campground is located in the Flagstaff Ranger District, Coconino National Forest (32 min southeast of Flagstaff, AZ) with an elevation of 6,944 feet. There are a total of 24 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 42 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.