Nestled in Gila County, Payson is a captivating little town that is known for its beautiful parks, gorgeous bodies of water, numerous attractions, and charming rodeo culture. Because of its diverse landscapes, tourists who want to reconnect with nature and do outdoor activities come to this side of the country. Prepare yourself to be enchanted by the beauty of nature and have a relaxing holiday in Payson. For tourists who want to learn more about this city and its culture, Rim Country Museum and Zane Grey Cabin is the place to go. If you wish to bond with your loved ones under the starry Arizonan skies, plan an exciting camping escapade that you all will never forget. To guide you, here is a list of the 10 best campsites in Payson, Arizona.
1. Ponderosa Campground
Thinking of a fun activity to do with your family or friends? Why not go on a camping adventure in Payson? To seal the deal, rent a clean and cozy campsite in Ponderosa Campground. Surrounded by mature pine trees in northern Arizona, this campground connects its guests to nature. Enjoy the scent of vanilla in the air and experience stargazing on a silent night as you listen to the sound of earth and the distant noise of wildlife. As for amenities, Ponderosa Campground has a total of 48 campsites, with two sites perfect for large groups. The best part? this location is close to scenic trails and lakes.
Ponderosa Campground
Address: AZ-260, Payson, AZ 85541, United States
Website: Ponderosa Campground
Price: From 19 USD
2. Christopher Creek Campground
Christopher Creek Campground is located in a picturesque area at the foot of Mogollon Rim, just 20 minutes away from Payson. It is set in the heart of a forested and desert area with lush pines and a creek. It has a mountainous backdrop that is just pleasant to see and admire. In total, Christopher Creek Campground features campsites. It has one huge group site that is perfect for family reunions and team-building events as 25 people can fit in it. Other than those, this fantastic campground has a picnic area, a fire ring, and a water spigot.
Christopher Creek Campground
Address: AZ-260, Payson, AZ 85541, United States
Website: Christopher Creek Campground
Price: From 22 USD
3. Sinkhole Campground
A 35-minute drive from downtown Payson will take you to Sinkhole Campground. It is situated in a 7500 ft (22 m) elevated area in Ponderosa Pine Forest. Willow Springs Lake is within close proximity to the campground, providing guests with quick access to a superb swimming and watersport site. Sinkhole Campground is equipped with 26 campsites. Note that some of these sites must be booked ahead of time, while the rest have a first-come-first-serve basis. There is a campfire ring for each site where guests can have a little bonfire or enjoy a barbecue. Additionally, toilets and water are accessible in Sinkhole Campground.
Sinkhole Campground
Address: AZ-260, Payson, AZ 85541, United States
Website: Sinkhole Campground
Price: From 20 USD
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4. Oxbow RV Park
Oxbow RV Park is located south of Payson along Highway 87. It is a breathtaking campground that is bordered by the enchanting Tonto National Forest. Oxbow RV Park is a favorite hideaway destination among tourists and locals alike who wish to escape to nature. Majestic sceneries will wake you up every morning as well as the melody of the birds singing. Guests can rent a space for a night, a week, and even a month. Some of the amenities available here are restrooms, a shower house, and a cable. Each site has full hook-ups, and all of them have a picnic table and barbecue facilities. Water and propane are both available on site.
Oxbow RV Park
Address: 962 West Oxbow Trail, Payson, AZ 85541, United States
Website: Oxbow RV Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat: 11am - 3pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 45 USD
5. Payson Campground & RV Resort
A total of 95 campsites can be found in Payson Campground & RV Resort. This fantastic campground bills itself as Arizona’s Best Campground. It guarantees its guests an unforgettable camping experience by providing them with a beautiful setting, picturesque views, friendly and knowledgeable staff to accommodate their needs, and a multitude of amenities. Plus, pets are welcome at Payson Campground & RV Resort. Hiking, wildlife watching, and fishing are a few of the many activities that you can do on the campground. It is equipped with clean restrooms, hot showers, laundry facilities, a playground, a swimming pool, and more.
Payson Campground & RV Resort
Address: 808 AZ-260, Payson, AZ 85541, United States
Website: Payson Campground & RV Resort
Opening hours: 9am- 6pm (daily)
6. Lamplighter RV Resort
Payson has many superb campgrounds and one of the best is Lamplighter RV Resort. This campground is perfect for tourists who are taking their RVs on an Arizonan adventure. Whether you are planning a one-night camp or a month-long escapade, you are welcome to Lamplighter RV Resort. The campground aims to provide their guests with a home away from home haven that they will love and come back to. The best part? This location is close to town yet far away from the noise and pollution of it. It is also pet-friendly. Expect wonderful amenities such as a spacious clubhouse, a game room with pool tables, a laundry area, and a lot more.
Lamplighter RV Resort
Address: 3933 E, AZ-260, Payson, AZ 85541, United States
Website: Lamplighter RV Resort
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed from Sat - Sun)
7. Sharp Creek Campgrounds
Located near Christopher Creek Campground, Sharp Creek Campgrounds is a majestic campground that offers spectacular views of nature, pleasant temperature, and an abundance of outdoor opportunities to do. The area is filled with safe and picture-perfect hiking routes that you will surely love to explore. Plus, it has nearby lakes where you can swim and fish merrily. If you wish to spend a holiday at Sharp Creek Campgrounds, be sure to book ahead of time as it only has 20 campsites. All campsites are well-managed, clean, organized, and each of them features a campfire ring, barbecue equipment, and a picnic table.
Sharp Creek Campgrounds
Address: Payson, AZ 85541, United States
Website: Sharp Creek Campgrounds
8. Houston Mesa Campground
Fall in love with Mother Earth’s creation at Houston Mesa Campground. Tucked in Tonto National Forest, this place is a dreamy holiday destination. It offers tent-only campsites that will make you experience the joy of old-school camping. Tourists who are into equestrian will be thrilled as this area is known for its excellent horseback riding trails. Other than that, it also has scenic and safe hiking routes. 74 campsites are at Houston Mesa Campground. Their long list of amenities include showers, toilets, campfire rings, picnic tables, and a day-use area.
Houston Mesa Campground
Address: 2100 Houston Mesa Rd, Payson, AZ 85541, United States
Website: Houston Mesa Campground
Price: From 18 USD
9. Flowing Springs Campground
Make the most of your Payson holiday by spending a day or two at Flowing Springs Campground. Just like most campgrounds in Payson, Flowing Springs Campground is tucked in Tonto National Forest, and its breathtaking views can be witnessed from this site. RVs and trailers are allowed on the campground, and pets are welcome as well. It is ADA accessible. Note that this campground does not have picnic shelters, drinking water, and restrooms. Be sure to bring the necessary essentials with you.
Flowing Springs Campground
Address: Payson, AZ 85541, United States
10. Spillway Campground
For tourists who wish to go to a paradise that has a lake in it, Spillway Campground is the destination for you. This enchanting campground nests on the shores of Woods Canyon Lake. It is a top destination for tourists and locals alike year-round, especially during the summer season. If you are into fishing, you will be thrilled to know that the lake has an abundance of trout. Mogollon Rim Interpretive Trail is also located near the campground, which is an excellent route with majestic nature views and wildlife. 25 campsites are bordered by Spillway Campground and they are under the comfort of shady pine trees.
Spillway Campground
Address: Forest Service Rd 105, Payson, AZ 85541, United States
Website: Spillway Campground
Price: From 28 USD
Have a blissful camping experience in Payson
Payson is a beautiful town in Arizona that has many natural parks and stunning bodies of water. It is an ideal hideaway destination where one can reconnect with nature and enjoy lots of outdoor activities. Surprise your loved ones with a spontaneous vacation on this side of the country and experience a blissful camping adventure with them. Choose the best holiday destination from this list of campsites in Payson, Arizona.
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