RV enthusiasts love the Arizona Rim Country where the mountainous countryside is peppered with fishing lakes and rustic campgrounds to park an RV. The sights around Payson make this area the travel destination for many part-time and full-time travelers. As you’re exploring the great state of Arizona on a road trip, stop by “The Rim” for some adventure. Several primitive campgrounds have been set up deep in the forest for RVers who don’t need hookups. Trailer parks with electricity and other amenities can be found close to town. The following campgrounds near Payson, Arizona, are a few of your best options.
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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.
The silence inside the Payson Campground & RV Resort is occasiolly interrupted by local bands and karaoke singers because the weekends bring forth some fantastic entertainment. During the week, you can swim in the heated pool or push your kids on the swings. If you’d rather stay in your RV and watch TV, then ask for a satellite-friendly site.
“Great place to stay. Close to everything you need including amazing trails to hike. It’s right off the highway but no noise at all. Feels like you are camped in the woods. Everyone who works here is as nice and helpful as it gets. The spots have plenty of room, all of them have big trees.” – Don, Yelp Review
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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.
With hiking and horseback riding trails surrounding your RV, you won’t be able to resist the temptation to explore the terrain. You’ll pass by all sorts of trees and shrubs and perhaps spot a skunk along the way. When you get back to camp, you can buy some firewood and make s’mores.
“The campground is in a fantastic location with Shoofly ruins and the crossing parks just down the road. The sites were good sized and very wooded, so we had a lot of shade. Each site has a nice picnic table and fire ring.” – Connie, Trip Advisor Review
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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.
With three separate swimming holes, spring-fed Christopher Creek can keep you cool even on the hottest summer days. You can also ride a horse or a mountain bike on the terrain. The small town for which the park is med is very close by so you can drive to a store for supplies if needed.
“The creek is shallow and there is a swimming hole within a close distance from the campground. The sites are kid-friendly and there were plenty of families camping this past weekend. At night, it became quiet after 9 and there were no disruptive neighbors.” – Beebee, Trip Advisor Review
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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.
If you have multiple vehicles or large ATVs, you can pay a little extra to keep them in one of this park’s storage yards. Your pets will have a good time in the fenced, double-gated dog area. For your own entertainment, Lamplighter RV Resort has a game room, a clubhouse and a separate space for billiards.
“A mixed blend of permanent and temporary people but all 55+ age. For Senior shuttle call senior center for free rides on Wednesday. Free shuttle to Mazatzal casino located on south side of Payson.” – Renee, Campendium Review
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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.
You don’t have to stay in this RV park when you get restless because you can easily go shopping in town and stop by your favorite restaurant on your way back. If you want to organize a reunion or event, you can reserve the on-site Ramada. You can also just spend a relaxing evening at your campsite and cook out on the grill.
“We picked this place because of the ATV trails nearby. The trails were great; we had several kids with us and they had a blast.” – Mike, Passport America Review
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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.
The roads and RV campsites at this park are paved for easy maneuverability, but the setting is still very primitive. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is packed with ponderosa pines and features a wildlife area for non-motorized tranquility. You’ll see elk and other creatures living in their natural habitat.
“Great thing about Sinkhole is that it is pretty quiet. This is the spot where retirees and folks who enjoy fishing come to take a break from the insanity of city life. And even the kids were so chill.” – Monica, Yelp Review
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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.
This park offers some of the best RV camping near Payson, Arizona for travelers who like a primitive setting. The number of campsites is limited, so you’ll have plenty of space for your self-contained vehicle. Since Coon Bluff Campground sits right by the Salt River, it’s a good place for tubers to enter the water.
“This is an amazing spot for any outdoor activities. I’ve been birding out here and we always see tons of species including many migratory birds. The water is beautiful and the campground, despite having many tent sites, seems spread out and looks like there is plenty of room for everyone.” – Sabeve, Yelp Review
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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.
You don’t have to be a professional mountaineer to enjoy the hiking trails at Lost Dutchman State Park. You can even take your children on Jacob’s Crosscut Trail and marvel at the scenery along the base of the Superstition Mountains. RV campgrounds near Payson, Arizona are known for their hiking and horseback riding trails.
“Our rig is over 60’ making it hard to stay anywhere on downtime outside of truck stops and rest areas. We were excited to find out the rig would fit at Lost Dutchman. They did tell us we had the biggest vehicle to stay here. Which leads me to the staff, very professional and courteous. Sites are clean with plenty of room. The scenery and wildlife was the icing on the cake.” – Wes, Facebook Review
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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.
Named for the town in which it is located, Happy Jack is about 50 miles north of Payson. In this rural area, a full-service RV park is a necessity. Happy Jack Lodge & RV has a camping supplies store and Jack’s Place Steakhouse & Bar, which serves delicious entrees.
“It’s so quiet and peaceful out here. The kids loved the area, exploring the very clean grounds! They loved the inside of the historic building! The staff were very nice and accommodating. We had NO problems whatsoever! If you are looking for a great spot to camp this is it.” – Charlie, Trip Advisor Review
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The year 2016 saw the opening of an RV resort along Interstate 10 at the Wild Horse Pass exit in Chandler. The MotorCoach Resort serves travelers with Class A, B and C motorhomes. Although this campground continues to be a work in progress, it’s a nice facility with concrete pads and a place for social gatherings.
The MotorCoach Resort sits on 8 acres of soft desert land and has half of the property available for walking your dog. Since the RV park is consistently patrolled, it will make you feel safe at all times. The facility is conveniently located near golf courses and the Motorsport Park, and right next door is RV SuperStorage where you can wash your RV or have it serviced.
“We stayed here for 3 nights and loved it. The concrete pads are level with full hookups. The bathrooms were private air-conditioned rooms with a toilet, sink, and shower and all had security code entrances as well as the laundry. The grounds were well kept.” – Rocko, Yelp Review
Whether you visit the Arizona Rim Country for the temperatures or the serenity, you can find an RV park that meets your needs. Some have full hook-ups while others feature only semi-developed sites. Look for one that fits your budget and offers important amenities.
Some folks do not yet have a recreational vehicle to drive along the scenic routes of Central Arizona. You can rent an RV for your trek, or you may prefer to take ownership of a top-quality motorhome. The Grand Canyon State has plenty of professional RV dealers that can help you find the right model.
The top 10 campgrounds we selected all show daily, weekly and monthly rates for you. Pricing will vary.
Pricing will vary. The top 10 RV Parks we selected all display daily, weekly and monthly rates for you.
Staying at an RV Park for a long period of time will vary on the campground & RV Park you choose. View our post for more information.
Yes. The majority of campgrounds we selected in this blog allow pets.