Camping in Payson, AZ, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2023

United States
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Arizona
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Payson

92% (4850 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Payson

Star Hosts in Payson

Top camping destinations

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

343 campgrounds

Happiness if found while swaying in a hammock, by the warmth of a campfire, the company in the wild and the food in my belly.

Coconino National Forest

406 campgrounds

Setting up our camp fire in the nice, established pit.

Tonalea

292 campgrounds

Grand Canyon National Park

392 campgrounds

Tusayan

363 campgrounds

Tonto National Forest

382 campgrounds

Available this weekend

93%

(66)

Antelope Run Rewilding Camp

27 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Ash Fork, AZ

We just purchased this forty acre parcel of open rangeland in Northern Arizona. The land is beautiful but overgrazed and depleted. We are committed to restoring it for the sake of the antelope and other wildlife in the area. Proceeds from campers will help to pay for wildlife permeable fencing and native grass and wildflower reseeding.

100%

(81)

Grand Canyon Farms

10 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Valle, Coconino

The property is made up of Piñon and Juniper Trees along with sage brush. There is incredible views from camping area . The Natives say this was an ancient hunting grounds and I can see why There is tons of wildlife around. It’s very quiet and peaceful out except when the coyotes are howling at night lol. The forest entrance is just down the rd and on the nw side of me is all public land although the only thing you will see on it is a few cows and wildlife. The sunsets are amazing. Follow us on IG @grandcanyonfarms Learn more about this land: We are approx 22 miles from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.. We have great Views of the San Francisco PeakS and Red Butte. This is located right in the middle of unit 9 if your a hunter. Our closest neighbor is about Mile away. We have a 1 mile hiking trail. There is plenty of wildlife around Deer Elk and many more . You can access the forest just down the rd from us. This is a true off grid experience we have lived out here for 5 years now and just love it. We can provide you with firewood for your camp spots when u arrive you will have enough wood for the night if you stay longer let us know and we can get you some more. There is a lot of Native American History in the area and have found many arrowheads. There is very little traffic once you go past first two miles so it’s nice and quiet out here. We look forward to meeting you and thank you for considering us. One thing is we r 4 miles up the road cross rooads are Woodlands Ranch Rd and Cattle Guard rd were on the Sw corner and there is a few rough spots so just take it slow.

95%

(392)

Desert Skies

9 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Holbrook, Navajo

40 acres of private land amazing sunsets and incredible sunrises the perfect area for star gazing. Only 1 exit from the main entrance to the Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert. There are restrooms available daily just down the road at the Painted Desert Indian Center from 8am to 6pm daily.

Rio Rancho Verde

7 sites · Lodging62 acres · Scottsdale, Maricopa

We're an Equestrian EcoRanch, committed to sustainability - reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose!Learn more about this land:Million Mile Magazine named Rio Rancho Verde as one of the top 10 locations to celebrate the top short term rental platform's 10th Anniversary. We were also selected by the other top short term rental platform (one of 5 out of 3500 vacation rentals in Scottsdale) for a social media presentation and a cooking series was filmed at our outdoor kitchen. This 62 acre exclusive equestrian eco-ranch is located on the border of the Tonto National Forest, and is 3/4 mile from the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve, yet only 20 minutes from North Scottsdale. We offer boarding for your horse and packages include either a hookup for your trailer, a luxury 2 bedroom suite with pool and outdoor kitchen, a brand new 36' travel trailer with 3 slide outs, fireplace, queen size bed, full kitchen and big screen TV, or a Western chic casita/bunkhouse that has been interior decorated with Southwestern and Western accents, complete with a private courtyard. There's plenty of wide open spaces to ride your horse, bike or hike on the many trails right outside our gate. Or, simply stroll down to the barn and enjoy your morning coffee while the horses finish their breakfast. We're big on sustainability, so we reduce, reuse, recycle and repurpose. We have an organic garden on site and you're free to help yourself to seasonal veggies. There's something for everyone at Rio Rancho Verde. SORRY, NO TENT OR RV CAMPING WITHOUT HORSES.

96%

(114)

Mountain View Retreat

7 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · New River, Maricopa

Experience the ambiance of a boutique resort as you escape to our beautifully landscaped and immaculately maintained private 5 acre property in the North Valley. You will be welcomed into a peaceful, desert oasis with luxurious amenities and find yourself immersed in a tranquil, serene setting surrounded by breathtaking views. Not only will you experience warm hospitality from your hosts, but our friendly farm animals will give you a warm welcome too! Guests are welcome to interact with all of our animals during our "evening chores" 30 minutes before dusk every afternoon. In addition to your personal, spacious full-hook up RV site you are sure to enjoy all the amenities we offer, including shared access to our entire property with many seating areas, covered patios, water fountains, outdoor kitchen, horseshoe pit and hot tub. NON-SMOKING adult guests ONLY! Please review entire listing and house rules prior to booking.

12 top campgrounds near Payson

97%

(512)

Hawks Hideaway Camping, LLC

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Cottonwood, Yavapai

We offer various camping accommodations, as well as a teepee. See our different listings for info on each. A few choice examples of local activities to do on or very near to our campsite include: Bird watching, hiking, river rafting or tubing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, stargazing, and even rockhounding. This area conforms to the Arizona Dark Sky initiative, and while we are not dark-sky certified, we've had several guests compliment us on our location. When it comes to rockhounding, or amateur geology, this is a fantastic area for exploration and study. The cliff walls of the Verde River offer clear and distinct sedimentary layers, and the frequent flooding of the massive sandy riverbed reveals countless undiscovered treasures.We gladly welcome pets, including horses, as long as the guests inform us of their presence, and takes care of all their needs, including cleaning up any mess. There is a professional horse-boarding field and stables adjacent to our property, and a long pleasant trail allows horseback riders to follow the Verde Greenway into Old Town Cottonwood if they so desire. Please remember that this is a natural and secluded spot located directly adjacent to the state-maintained Verde Ripparian Greenway and the Verde River. This means you may encounter wildlife and pests associated with being in such close connection to nature. Be prepared to tuck your food away and bring ample protection from the insects.

Rio Rancho Verde

7 sites · Lodging62 acres · Scottsdale, Maricopa

We're an Equestrian EcoRanch, committed to sustainability - reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose!Learn more about this land:Million Mile Magazine named Rio Rancho Verde as one of the top 10 locations to celebrate the top short term rental platform's 10th Anniversary. We were also selected by the other top short term rental platform (one of 5 out of 3500 vacation rentals in Scottsdale) for a social media presentation and a cooking series was filmed at our outdoor kitchen. This 62 acre exclusive equestrian eco-ranch is located on the border of the Tonto National Forest, and is 3/4 mile from the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve, yet only 20 minutes from North Scottsdale. We offer boarding for your horse and packages include either a hookup for your trailer, a luxury 2 bedroom suite with pool and outdoor kitchen, a brand new 36' travel trailer with 3 slide outs, fireplace, queen size bed, full kitchen and big screen TV, or a Western chic casita/bunkhouse that has been interior decorated with Southwestern and Western accents, complete with a private courtyard. There's plenty of wide open spaces to ride your horse, bike or hike on the many trails right outside our gate. Or, simply stroll down to the barn and enjoy your morning coffee while the horses finish their breakfast. We're big on sustainability, so we reduce, reuse, recycle and repurpose. We have an organic garden on site and you're free to help yourself to seasonal veggies. There's something for everyone at Rio Rancho Verde. SORRY, NO TENT OR RV CAMPING WITHOUT HORSES.

Black Canyon Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Black Canyon City, AZ

We have been providing great camping experiences for over 45 years in the heart of Arizona. One of the only RV Parks in Central Arizona that has seasonal tent camping.

Antelope Run Rewilding Camp

27 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Ash Fork, AZ

We just purchased this forty acre parcel of open rangeland in Northern Arizona. The land is beautiful but overgrazed and depleted. We are committed to restoring it for the sake of the antelope and other wildlife in the area. Proceeds from campers will help to pay for wildlife permeable fencing and native grass and wildflower reseeding.

Az Broken Arrow Ranch Camping

8 sites · RVs76 acres · Heber, AZ

Learn more about this land:Atv and bike riding on property or around the area some site seeing of the Zeniif old town , abobe buildingd and dry farming from the late 1800 hundreds. Great weather with sun most of the time. Peacful nature, juniper trees. Millions of stars at night and milky way its so close you think you can touch ;) We have goats on our ranch, chickens, and turkeys.

84%

(89)

Grand Canyon Wander Camp

16 sites · Lodging50 acres · Williams, AZ

After traveling the world extensively for over 5 years we discovered that there are few places as beautiful as the great outdoors. We live for untouched wilderness, gorgeous landscapes, and stunning sunrises. Thus Wander Camp was born, a Glamping Property with no boundaries. Finally an accommodation that enjoys traveling the world as much as you do.

100%

(1)

Tiny Town Arizona

12 sites · Lodging40 acres · Show Low, AZ

In November 2015 I visited my good friends Brad and Joya who had recently purchased 40 acres outside of Show Low, Arizona and moved to the property. I instantly fell in love with the land. The quiet open spaces, the abundant junipers and the vistas looking up to the White Mountains of Arizona. Fortunately there was forty acres for sale that I bought in the winter of 2016. Since then my partners and I expanded by buying an adjacent 60 acres for a total of 100 acres. I have always been interested in sustainable off-the-grid living. Fortunately for that dream there were no services to the property so we started planning what we needed to live comfortably on the Land. The moto Food, Water, Shelter came to me. With that in mind our first purchase was a 28' by 40' green house, and then came our well. Next we purchased a 600 sq. foot one bedroom manufactured home which we now use as our office and check in point. For power we have a 8.5 kw solar system that gives power to the house. With the wide open spaces it is tranquil not having power lines on the property.We wanted to grow a cash crop that was consistent with our theme. We found that one of the largest Lavender Farms in the country, Red Rock Lavender is 30 miles from us. We arranged to buy Lavender from them, and in the Summer of 2017 planted over 4000 plants in the shape of two mandalas. Once the plants are mature we plan to produce our own line of Lavender products. Our goal of having guests camp on our Land is to share our ideas of sustainable living and the abundant natural resources on and around our property. We hope you visit and share our vision.Learn more about this land:Tiny Town Arizona is a 100-acre sustainable glamping resort overlooking the White Mountains located 20 miles outside of Show Low, AZ. Campsites are nestled among abundant Junipers and rolling grassy hills. Tiny Town Arizona is a fully functioning ranch facility and off-grid retreat center.Located on revered Apache Land and offers space to explore, relax , unwind and tune into nature’s rhythms. Throw out your cell phone, grab your hiking boots, mountain bike and bouldering equipment and also explore the bordering Sitgreaves National Forest region.Beautiful Pinon and Junipers stud the land, offering ample shaded and sunny areas, The land is gridded with over 270 crystals placed around the property to create a positive energy vortex. This sacred land was also doused and cleansed by a Hopi trained healer to improve the flow of positive energy. Enjoying a leisurely walk around the property you will find a 7 chakra Lavender mandala. The mandala is planted with 6 rings of Grosso lavender around a center point to invoke balancing of the body’s chakras. Spend time exploring our permaculture farm and discover hidden treasures like an outdoor clawfoot tub, a community fire-pit and family oriented games. Take it easy at Tiny Town Arizona , enjoying the wild wonder of the White Mountains, nestled in the safety of your luxurious glamping sanctuary. Host your next corporate retreat, company party, banquet, fundraising event or meeting at Tiny Town. You can rent the space and build your own retreat. We offer 10 furnished bell tents, a craftsman bathhouse with showers and flushing toilets and additional composting toilets, an outdoor kitchen and bar, dining area, group meeting space and fire pit. We can arrange activities and programs for you including meditation classes, yoga, healing and massages, guided team building exercises, outdoor adventures, hikes and local activities and can also supply extra tents, sound system, tables, chairs, party tents, music and projector screens.We cater for Groups, Corporate Events, Festivals, Weddings and Retreats.The whole site and facility can be booked for the standard fee of $1000 which includes the full 10 Luxury Bell tents, the individual tent sites, use of bathhouse and outdoor kitchen, stage area and more. Please contact us with your group requirements.

The Ranchlands ~ Hialeah

20 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Ash Fork, AZ

This Campground is temporarily closed for renovations. This is acreage that used to be part of a huge working ranch. Now it is used for some cattle, but mostly raw land that is privately held. Hiking, nature watching, The Grand Canyon is within 100 miles away, Kayaking at lakes about 20 miles away, starry nights. You will get exact directions to this location upon booking it...It is less than 100 miles to the Grand Canyon, less than 30 miles to the William's Train attraction.

96%

(109)

Wits End Ranch

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Yucca, AZ

"Thar's gold in them thar hills" could've been coined right here. There are gold mines and evidence of miners picking quartz etc. all around us. Cairns marked off areas that are still here over a hundred years later. We are the center of the oldest examples of Arizona cattlemen starting herds right here. Round-ups and branding still go on every year. One of the prettiest areas in the state for all kinds of unique boulder and rock formations, flora and fauna. Wonderful hiking and scenic drives.

Booked 1 time

GleedStationGreen

11 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Ash Fork, AZ

We have several spaces for you to pitch your tent. We can even accommodate six man plus tents. Prior 14 days notice required . Marked for identification with easy access . A naturally delightful camping experience from 2 day’s up to 14 days.Learn more about this land:We have several spaces for you to pitch your tent. We can even accommodate six people plus size tents. Our property is in the heart of Arizona and very remote. You will truly be able to escape and get back to basics. We are nearby and will be ready if you need anything. We are really excited to be hosting campers who are looking to enjoy our desert escape. Prior 14 days notice required ahead of coming out to camp with us. Each site is marked for identification with easy access . A naturally delightful camping experience from 2 day’s up to 14 days!

Booked 3 times

Grandma Beth Mini Ranch

8 sites · RVs4 acres · Tonopah, AZ

Sorry, we are temporarily closed until further notice due to high winds, dust storms and high temperatures.Learn more about this land:Sorry, we are temporarily closed until further notice due to high winds, dust storms, and high temperatures 3 acres of open land. Great for all sizes of RV Tents is not recommended Near truck stops, restaurants, Dollar store, gas and more. Off roading near. Quiet, peaceful area At exit 98, Truck stop at exit 94 & 103, Buckeye at exit 114

Saved 26 times

Chung R.’s Land

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents720 acres · Quemado, NM

I moved to the wilderness of New Mexico in 2017 with my wife to live Off Grid. We own 720 acres of amazing land with so much beauty and history. We are currently building tiny homes and retreats. This is vast wilderness and it can be harsh at first but the beauty of sunrises and sunsets here will bring you to tears. The serenity is amazing. The view of the stars at night is unbelievable. The land is home of the ancient Anasazi civilization. Old ruins are everywhere. We have established a bird sanctuary and hope to expand to animal sanctuary in coming years. Come and enjoy the wilderness!

Dog-friendly getaways

Az Broken Arrow Ranch Camping

8 sites · RVs76 acres · Heber, AZ

Learn more about this land:Atv and bike riding on property or around the area some site seeing of the Zeniif old town , abobe buildingd and dry farming from the late 1800 hundreds. Great weather with sun most of the time. Peacful nature, juniper trees. Millions of stars at night and milky way its so close you think you can touch ;) We have goats on our ranch, chickens, and turkeys.

Rio Rancho Verde

7 sites · Lodging62 acres · Scottsdale, Maricopa

We're an Equestrian EcoRanch, committed to sustainability - reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose!Learn more about this land:Million Mile Magazine named Rio Rancho Verde as one of the top 10 locations to celebrate the top short term rental platform's 10th Anniversary. We were also selected by the other top short term rental platform (one of 5 out of 3500 vacation rentals in Scottsdale) for a social media presentation and a cooking series was filmed at our outdoor kitchen. This 62 acre exclusive equestrian eco-ranch is located on the border of the Tonto National Forest, and is 3/4 mile from the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve, yet only 20 minutes from North Scottsdale. We offer boarding for your horse and packages include either a hookup for your trailer, a luxury 2 bedroom suite with pool and outdoor kitchen, a brand new 36' travel trailer with 3 slide outs, fireplace, queen size bed, full kitchen and big screen TV, or a Western chic casita/bunkhouse that has been interior decorated with Southwestern and Western accents, complete with a private courtyard. There's plenty of wide open spaces to ride your horse, bike or hike on the many trails right outside our gate. Or, simply stroll down to the barn and enjoy your morning coffee while the horses finish their breakfast. We're big on sustainability, so we reduce, reuse, recycle and repurpose. We have an organic garden on site and you're free to help yourself to seasonal veggies. There's something for everyone at Rio Rancho Verde. SORRY, NO TENT OR RV CAMPING WITHOUT HORSES.

Black Canyon Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Black Canyon City, AZ

We have been providing great camping experiences for over 45 years in the heart of Arizona. One of the only RV Parks in Central Arizona that has seasonal tent camping.

Hawks Hideaway Camping, LLC

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Cottonwood, Yavapai

We offer various camping accommodations, as well as a teepee. See our different listings for info on each. A few choice examples of local activities to do on or very near to our campsite include: Bird watching, hiking, river rafting or tubing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, stargazing, and even rockhounding. This area conforms to the Arizona Dark Sky initiative, and while we are not dark-sky certified, we've had several guests compliment us on our location. When it comes to rockhounding, or amateur geology, this is a fantastic area for exploration and study. The cliff walls of the Verde River offer clear and distinct sedimentary layers, and the frequent flooding of the massive sandy riverbed reveals countless undiscovered treasures.We gladly welcome pets, including horses, as long as the guests inform us of their presence, and takes care of all their needs, including cleaning up any mess. There is a professional horse-boarding field and stables adjacent to our property, and a long pleasant trail allows horseback riders to follow the Verde Greenway into Old Town Cottonwood if they so desire. Please remember that this is a natural and secluded spot located directly adjacent to the state-maintained Verde Ripparian Greenway and the Verde River. This means you may encounter wildlife and pests associated with being in such close connection to nature. Be prepared to tuck your food away and bring ample protection from the insects.

Desert Skies

9 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Holbrook, Navajo

40 acres of private land amazing sunsets and incredible sunrises the perfect area for star gazing. Only 1 exit from the main entrance to the Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert. There are restrooms available daily just down the road at the Painted Desert Indian Center from 8am to 6pm daily.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

97%

(56)

Coconino National Forest

Flagstaff, Arizona

90%

(39)

Tonto National Forest

Tonto Basin, Arizona

86%

(42)

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Heber Overgaard, Arizona

92%

(30)

Prescott National Forest

Prescott, Arizona

100%

(5)

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area

Show Low, Arizona

97%

(29)

Kaibab National Forest

Williams, Arizona

92%

(14)

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Clarkdale, Arizona

78%

(40)

Coronado National Forest

Alamo Lake State Park

Alamo Lake, Arizona

Camping near Payson guide

Payson is a bastion for mountain-side greenery, just an hour’s drive for nearby Phoenix. Camping near Payson gives you access to the hiking and biking trails that snake through the Apache-Sigears National Forest and Tonto National Forest. Wildlife watching, which includes regular sightings of migratory bald eagles and resident ring-tail cats, is plentiful throughout the region. Red Rock canyons carve through much a Payson, with hikes along Mogollon Rim, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ Mogollon Rim trail being particularly beautiful. When fresh powder falls during the winter and fall months, skiing and snowboarding slopes open north toward Flagstaff. Enjoy rustic camping, lakeside camping, mountainous camping and camping among the soaring viewsheds on both private and public land near Payson.