Camping In The Rim Country

With the most amazing starry nights and quiet forests, Payson is the perfect place to choose for your camping adventure! Pack up the family or bring your friends along- we know one thing: it will be the trip to remember. Before you pack up, be sure to check fire restrictions on your destination.

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Before you plan your trip,

be sure to check for forest closures and restrictions from the Tonto National Forest Service.

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Mogollon Rim Campgrounds

Aspen Campground

This campground is one of seven in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area. It is composed of four loops in alternating meadow and wooded areas. It is large and rambling and offers several camping experiences and environments from grassy meadows to a rocky forest.

Crook Campground

This group campground is situated in a tall ponderosa pine forest, approximately 3/4 of a mile from Woods Canyon Lake, which offers boating (electric motors only) and fishing opportunities.

Mogollon Campground

Mogollon Campground, although not directly in the Woods Canyon Recreation area, sits just outside and is only 2 miles from the lake. For those who like spectacular views, this campground is one of the closest to the Mogollon Rim.

Rim Campground

Rim is situated close to the edge of the Mogollon Rim. Spectacular 100 mile views are seen from many vantage points along the rim.

Sinkhole Campground

Located in the ponderosa pine forest, this campground is within walking distance of Willow Springs Lake which provides boating and fishing opportunities. Hiking and mountain biking opportunities are nearby in the non-motorized Wildlife Area.

Spillway Campground

Spillway Campground is set among the ponderosa pine, oak and Douglas fir.

Woods Canyon Group Campground

Woods Canyon Group Campground is located a short walking distance from Woods Canyon Lake. Woods Canyon Lake is a scenic 52 acre lake surrounded by Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and oak.

Rim Lakes – Area Campgrounds

Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area

As of Labor Day, 2015 Forest Road 89 and access to the west side of Bear Canyon Lake via Forest Road 89A are closed due to an active forest health project. Visitors are urged to call ahead for current conditions.

Black Canyon Rim Campground

This campground is a favorite stopping place for those traveling on the General Crook National Recreation Trail. Fishing and boating (electric motors only) opportunities are popular at Black Canyon Lake which is located 3 miles northeast along Forest Road 86.

Canyon Point Campground

Canyon Point has 106 camping units with 32 units having electricity. Tents, trailers and motor homes up to 75 foot are all allowed at the campground. For those who need it, three family units are universally accessible. Larger families can be accommodated at the five double sites which can accommodate upto 16 people each.

Colcord Ridge

Situated within a mixed forest of Ponderosa pine, white and Douglas fir. Trout fishing — 5 miles to the east of Canyon Creek Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery — 5 miles east on FR 33. Wildlife includes: Black bear, elk, mountain lion, javelina and deer. No drinking water available.

Kehl Springs Campground

Kehl Springs Camp is located in a stand of ponderosa pines right at the brink of one of Arizona’s most awesome geologic features, the Mogollon Rim.

Knoll Lake Campground

This secluded forest camp offers easy access to two features of high visitor interest. The first is Knoll Lake, a medium-sized body of water tucked away in a picturesque setting. People come here to fish for trout and tour the lake in small boats.

Rim Creek – Area Campgrounds

Airplane Flat

his campground of dispersed units is set in an open stand of mature Ponderosa pine. Canyon Creek is known for its trout fishing.

Christopher Creek Campground

Christopher Creek runs through the site. Trout fishing is a popular pastime along the spring-fed creek. Canyon Trailhead is approximately 3 miles east of the campground and provides access to the Highline National Recreation Trail.

Christopher Creek Group

Christopher Creek runs through the site. Trout fishing is a popular pastime along the spring-fed creek. Canyon Trailhead is approximately 3 miles east of the campground and provides access to the Highline National Recreation Trail.

Horton Creek

Horton Day Use Site & Upper Tonto Creek Campgrounds; 6 picnic units and 9 camp units with picnic tables, grills and vault toilets. Drinking water available at Upper Tonto Creek Campground.

Ponderosa Campground

The Ponderosa pine make this a memorable campground. Abert Nature Trail is a self-guided trail using an interpretive brochure. It loops the perimeter of the campground. 61 camp units w/ picnic tables & grills, fire rings. 10 campsites are available for first come-first serve.

Sharp Creek Campground

The 260 Trailhead (providing access to the Highline National Recreational Trail) is approximately 3 miles east of the campground, located on the north side of Highway 260.

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.

Upper Canyon Creek

The campground of dispersed units is set in a mature stand of Ponderosa pine with a mix of white and Douglas fir. The Arizona Game & Fish Department Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery is nearby.

Other Campgrounds

Alderwood

Alderwood Campground is on Haigler Creek. The water-chiseled canyon is popular for trout fishing and its swimming holes. This moderately-used campground is appreciated for its solitude.

Blue Ridge Campground

Blue Ridge Campground is located about 5 miles north of Blue Ridge Reservoir, as the crow flies. It is about 10 miles by road.

Chevelon Crossing Campground

Chevelon Crossing is a scenic and historic canyon area. Built originally by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s, the campground is situated along Chevelon Creek.

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground

The campground is a fishing area with a picnic ground situated in a mixture of ponderosa pine, juniper and pinyon pine . Chevelon Canyon offers spectacular views and opportunities for hiking and fishing.

Clints Well Campground

Clints Well Campground is located near a junction of two major roads which provide access to northern Arizona’s National Forest lands. As such it is close to several features of recreational interest. A short drive from the campground is the scenic Mogollon Rim, the two thousand foot drop-off that marks the southern limit of the Colorado Plateau.

Haigler Canyon

This campground was constructed in 2007 and offers 2 day-use sites and 2 campground areas with 14 overnight sites. This campground boasts a diversity of trees. Fishing for rainbow trout is a popular pastime here. The stream is periodically stocked with trout April through late August. The chiseled canyons offer swimming holes. No drinking water available.

Houston Mesa Campground

Woods Canyon Group Campground is located a short walking distance from Woods Canyon Lake. Woods Canyon Lake is a scenic 52 acre lake surrounded by Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and oak.

Rock Crossing Campground

Rock Crossing Campground is located 2 miles from Blue Ridge Reservoir (also known as C.C. Cragin Reservoir). This narrow, winding body of water looks more like a canyon-bound river than a lake.

Verde Glen

Travel on the Houston Mesa Road for 10 miles to the end of the pavement to the junction of FR 64. Turn right (east) and travel 1/2 mile to the site located on the north side of the road.

Workman Creek

Below the waterfall, Workman Creek is stocked twice a year during the early part of summer. Above the falls, the creek supports a small naturally-reproducing population of rainbow trout. There are no native fish found in Workman Creek at this time. Most fishing activity takes place between State Hwy. 288 and Workman Creek Falls.

Information on this page is referenced from the Tonto National Forest Service and the Apache-Sitegraves National Forest Service. To view additional information from the Forest Service, click here.