Payson, Arizona Top RV Parks and Campgrounds

If you are looking for a luxury place, then look no further! Verde Ranch RV Resort was voted #6 Best RV Resort by USA TODAY 10Best, as well as received recognition on other travel platforms. Its great location allows day trips to Sedona, Cottonwood, Montezuma's Castle, Flagstaff, and the southern rim of the Grand Canyon.

Many campers bring their ATVs with them on vacation only to find that they have nowhere to ride. At Oxbow Estates RV Park, you’ll have plenty of space for riding ATVs as well as hiking and picnicking. This trailer park in Payson, Arizona is situated right by the Tonto National Forest.

Most Payson campgrounds are not right in the middle of town, but this RV resort is within walking distance of downtown stores and restaurants. The convenience does not mar the park’s tranquility. Payson Campground & RV Resort is filled with ponderosa pine trees that give you privacy and relaxation.

In the northern part of the Tonto tiol Forest, just a mile from Payson is a relatively primitive campground with equestrian sites. You’ll have an awesome experience if you want to see the area from horseback. The campsites with corrals are in a separate area from the tent sites and basic RV pads.

For great trout fishing and swimming, try this Payson, Arizo campground just below the Mogollon Rim. Christopher Creek Campground is run by the U.S. Forest Service and is open each year from April through October. Between late spring and early summer is the best time for successful fishing in the creek.

Travelers who are age 55 and older can find a comfortable place at Lamplighter RV Resort in Star Valley. Although the city is nearby, it doesn’t interfere with this park’s country atmosphere. The location is distant enough from the highway to be peaceful and quiet yet close enough for easy access.

This campground in Payson, Arizona is popular among fisherman, and nearby Willow Springs Lake has bass, brown trout, and sometimes rainbow trout. You can use the ramp to enter the lake with your fishing boat. Among the campgrounds in this area, Sinkhole is perhaps the most rustic in atmosphere.

If you’re a serious nature lover, then you may want to drive a few miles south from Payson to Coon Bluff Campground. Bird watchers often prefer this area as do hikers and horseback riders. Coon Bluff is overseen by the U.S. Forest Service and is open to camping on weekends except during the summer months.

With 320 acres of desert plants and canyon trails, this state RV park near Payson is a hiker’s dream. If you’re experienced in mountain hiking, then you may be able to reach the Flatiron by following the Siphon Draw Trail. Be sure to wear appropriate hiking shoes and take plenty of water.

Patrons of Happy Jack Lodge & RV miss the cool temperatures of the high country when they are away. This campground draws a crowd even during the winter months with its snow play area. Since the park is on 100 acres of wilderness, it has plenty of wide-open space for ATV riding.

Overview Cholla Campground at Roosevelt Lake, is one of several campgrounds on the shores of the largest lake/reservoir located entirely in the State of Arizona. It is situated within a lush sonoran desert landscape at an elevation of 2168'. Cholla Campground is also the largest solar powered campground in the United States. Each of its 206 campsites have shade ramadas, firepits, grills, and picnic tables. Playgrounds, showers and toilet facilites are scattered throughout the campground. The area around Cholla Campground is often alive with abundant wildlife such as mule deer, coyotes, geese, fox, javalina, and the occasional bald eagle. Recreation Recreation opportunities abound at Cholla Campground. Launch your bass boat, ski boat, or pontoon boat from the developed boat ramps within the recreation site and play on the water all day long. If motorsports aren't your thing, there's an abundance of places to explore from your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. While you're visiting, you can also hike a portion of the Arizona Trail, visit the Tonto National Monument cliff dwellings, explore endless miles of jeep trails or drive a portion of the Apache Trail or Spines to Pines Highway. If if you're looking for a day in town, consider the easy 45 minute drive Globe or Payson where you can shop for antiques, buy ice cream and learn about Arizona's rich mining and timber history. Roosevelt Lake is a landscape photograhers dream so don't forget your camera (and sunscreen). Facilities Recreation opportunities abound at Cholla Campground. Launch your bass boat, ski boat, or pontoon boat from the developed boat ramps within the recreation site and play on the water all day long. If motorsports aren't your thing, there's an abundance of places to explore from your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. While you're visiting, you can also hike a portion of the Arizona Trail, visit the Tonto National Monument cliff dwellings, explore endless miles of jeep trails or drive a portion of the Apache Trail or Spines to Pines Highway. If if you're looking for a day in town, consider the easy 45 minute drive Globe or Payson where you can shop for antiques, buy ice cream and learn about Arizona's rich mining and timber history. Roosevelt Lake is a landscape photograhers dream so don't forget your camera (and sunscreen). Natural Features Roosevelt Lake was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1911 and boasts 112 miles of shoreline and peaceful coves. When full, the lake provides 21,500 acres of surface water for your recreating pleasure. Cholla Campground is situated within a Sonoran Desert Landscape along the lakes shorelines. Views of the blue water and sunsets against the Sierra Ancha, Salome, and Superstition Wilderness' are a sight that keep many visitors coming back year after year.   Nearby Attractions Two National Scenic Byways (AZ Hwy 88 Apache Trail and AZ Hwy 288 Spines to Pines Highway). Roosevelt Dam, Tonto National Monument, the Arizona Trail, endless miles of jeep trails, Towns of Payson and Globe, Superstition, Sierra Ancha, and Four Peaks Wilderness'. Don't forget to stop by the Tonto Basin Environmental Center learn about the history of the area. 

This RV park is operated by the USFS. It’s one of the smallest RV parks in the area. A creek runs through the grounds

Zane Grey RV Park is a small RV park to the south of Camp Verde. This property is lined with shade trees. There are also a few covered meeting areas.

Overview Civilian Conservation Corps Campground offers spread out camp sites with large sycamore trees providing shade. Picnic tables and firepits with cooking grates are available for families to enjoy while passing the time away together. Cave Creek Trailhead is nearby where you can follow along the Cave Creek Riparian Ecosystem. This spot is popular for bird watching!  This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. Camping passes can also be purchased at a Tonto Fee Machine Pass. $16 per site, per night. Nearest fee machine location is at the Cave Creek Ranger Station. Recreation Camping Hiking Creek Access OHV Routes Bird Watching Facilities Camping Hiking Creek Access OHV Routes Bird Watching Natural Features Large sycamore trees provide plenty of shade and the Cave Creek Riparian Ecosystem is just steps away from your campsite. Nearby Attractions Towns of Carefree and Cave Creek contact_info For facility specific information, please call (480) 595-3300.

Overview Located on central Arizona's largest lake, Windy Hill offers great water recreation opportunities to the public. Because of its close proximity to the Lake, Windy Hill allows fishing, non-motorized and motorized boating, along with hiking trails. There are plenty of developed campsites available at Windy Hill, which allows for an easy, quick escape during any time of the year for families and individuals.  Recreation Fishing is popular activity where anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish species, such as Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass; Crappie; Sunfish; Channel and Flathead Catfish. This campground is also situated right on the shore of Roosevelt Lake which is open to boating, kayaking, and other water-related activites. A fully accessible boat ramp and fishing dock are available for easy lake access, and maps and other important site details can be found at the kiosks at the entrance to the campground.  Facilities Fishing is popular activity where anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish species, such as Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass; Crappie; Sunfish; Channel and Flathead Catfish. This campground is also situated right on the shore of Roosevelt Lake which is open to boating, kayaking, and other water-related activites. A fully accessible boat ramp and fishing dock are available for easy lake access, and maps and other important site details can be found at the kiosks at the entrance to the campground.  Nearby Attractions Two National Scenic Byways (AZ Hwy 88 Apache Trail and AZ Hwy 288 Spines to Pines Highway). Roosevelt Dam, Tonto National Monument, the Arizona Trail, endless miles of jeep trails, Towns of Payson and Globe, Superstition, Sierra Ancha, and Four Peaks Wilderness'. Don't forget to stop by the Tonto Basin Environmental Center learn about the history of the area. 

This RV park is surrounded by mature shade trees. It’s located near downtown Camp Verde and is somewhat smaller than other parks in the area.

Distant Drums RV Resort is a medium-sized RV park located just outside of town. It’s close to Sedo and Montezuma tiol Monument. This RV park consists of an open space with many RV pads.