95% (79) • 76 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Payson
The Otterlimits
1. The Otterlimits
94%
(79)
33mi from Payson · 1 site · Tent, RV
Notice: Beasley Flat Rec. Area is open again as of 4/20/23
The area is part of the National
Wild and Scenic preserve on the Verde River.
The river is one of the only few free flowing rivers in Arizona. Otters, Beaver, Blue Heron and a vast amount of migratory birds call it home. Once an inland water way to the Sea of Cortez, the river was part of the trade route during ancient times. Many Indian Ruins and archeological sites to visit in the area. Scenic boating, hiking and ATV trails right from your campsite.
Learn more about this land:
Pitch a tent or a small camp trailer in a 1/2 acre Mesquite grove. Five minute stroll to the Verde River. Horse Back Tours and Boat rentals available locally within walking distance. National Forest recreation area (Beasley Flat) close by. Many Indian ruins, entertainment, wineries and mountain trail to explore in the area. Great wildlife viewing in the scenic Verde Valley of Arizona.
Pets
Campfires
from
$40
/ night
Baba Ranch
2. Baba Ranch
94%
(17)
39mi from Payson · 1 site · Tent, RV
3 acres of amazing high desert, low forest land overlooking Sedona Arizona with spectacular views of the red rocks!
One large site for camping either tent or RV , no hookups but outdoor toilet , firepit, wood and trash cans provided!
Property looks down the valley onto Sedona!! Spectacular!
Close enough to everything but feels like miles away!
Please enjoy the space and leave it as you found it.
Take all garbage with you on checkout and replace with clean garbage bag.
This will help for the next campers.
Thank you.😀
Pets
Campfires
from
$47
/ night
Nelles Ranch
3. Nelles Ranch
95%
(11)
48mi from Payson · 1 site · RV
We have a beautiful 2 acre fully gravelled area to easily park your rig, up to 45 ft RV recommended. Access to home in residential property is a dirt road, but easily accessible. Property is quiet, safe and peaceful. It’s like being in the country but you still have fantastic cell service!
We have room to store up to 4 horses with our mare motels as well as an 100x300 arena right on the property. Fully fenced. Outhouse on sight if you are spending the day working with your horses and don’t want to dirty your RV.
Furry friends are welcome as long as you don’t leave them unattended as we have coyotes roaming as well.
Close to all amenities, 15 min to Cave Creek, 30 min to Scottsdale, 40 min to Phoenix.
Come and enjoy a slice of heaven at Nelles Ranch.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$60
/ night
Tonto National Forest
4. Tonto National Forest
89%
(41)
1364 sites · Tonto Basin, Arizona
Hike, bike, and camp in Arizona’s largest and most diverse national forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Coconino National Forest
5. Coconino National Forest
97%
(66)
396 sites · Flagstaff, Arizona
Discover a wide range of landscapes in this national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Prescott National Forest
6. Prescott National Forest
92%
(32)
306 sites · Prescott, Arizona
So much wilderness and so little time in this jewel of Arizona.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
95% (79) • 76 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Payson
The Otterlimits
1. The Otterlimits
94%
(79)
33mi from Payson · 1 site · Tent, RV
Notice: Beasley Flat Rec. Area is open again as of 4/20/23
The area is part of the National
Wild and Scenic preserve on the Verde River.
The river is one of the only few free flowing rivers in Arizona. Otters, Beaver, Blue Heron and a vast amount of migratory birds call it home. Once an inland water way to the Sea of Cortez, the river was part of the trade route during ancient times. Many Indian Ruins and archeological sites to visit in the area. Scenic boating, hiking and ATV trails right from your campsite.
Learn more about this land:
Pitch a tent or a small camp trailer in a 1/2 acre Mesquite grove. Five minute stroll to the Verde River. Horse Back Tours and Boat rentals available locally within walking distance. National Forest recreation area (Beasley Flat) close by. Many Indian ruins, entertainment, wineries and mountain trail to explore in the area. Great wildlife viewing in the scenic Verde Valley of Arizona.
Pets
Campfires
from
$40
/ night
Baba Ranch
2. Baba Ranch
94%
(17)
39mi from Payson · 1 site · Tent, RV
3 acres of amazing high desert, low forest land overlooking Sedona Arizona with spectacular views of the red rocks!
One large site for camping either tent or RV , no hookups but outdoor toilet , firepit, wood and trash cans provided!
Property looks down the valley onto Sedona!! Spectacular!
Close enough to everything but feels like miles away!
Please enjoy the space and leave it as you found it.
Take all garbage with you on checkout and replace with clean garbage bag.
This will help for the next campers.
Thank you.😀
Pets
Campfires
from
$47
/ night
Nelles Ranch
3. Nelles Ranch
95%
(11)
48mi from Payson · 1 site · RV
We have a beautiful 2 acre fully gravelled area to easily park your rig, up to 45 ft RV recommended. Access to home in residential property is a dirt road, but easily accessible. Property is quiet, safe and peaceful. It’s like being in the country but you still have fantastic cell service!
We have room to store up to 4 horses with our mare motels as well as an 100x300 arena right on the property. Fully fenced. Outhouse on sight if you are spending the day working with your horses and don’t want to dirty your RV.
Furry friends are welcome as long as you don’t leave them unattended as we have coyotes roaming as well.
Close to all amenities, 15 min to Cave Creek, 30 min to Scottsdale, 40 min to Phoenix.
Come and enjoy a slice of heaven at Nelles Ranch.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$60
/ night
Tonto National Forest
4. Tonto National Forest
89%
(41)
1364 sites · Tonto Basin, Arizona
Hike, bike, and camp in Arizona’s largest and most diverse national forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Coconino National Forest
5. Coconino National Forest
97%
(66)
396 sites · Flagstaff, Arizona
Discover a wide range of landscapes in this national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Prescott National Forest
6. Prescott National Forest
92%
(32)
306 sites · Prescott, Arizona
So much wilderness and so little time in this jewel of Arizona.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Janet
November 2025
15 ft travel trailer
With pets
The Otterlimits was the perfect spot for us to regroup on our road trip. The mesquite grove lends to the peaceful atmosphere. The property itself, butts up to the National Forest, and is a short walk to the Verde River, and a floaters take out. On down the road is an amazing view of the river and rock formations, with a view of cliff dwellings and picnic tables. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here!
See moreJ
Janet
November 2025
15 ft travel trailer
With pets
This is a special site nestled in a mesquite grove, and within walking distance of the Verde River. It butts up to National Forest lands, and has a scenic view down the road of cliff dwellings.
It is truly a space to relax and unwind with a sense of timelessness.
See moreM
M.
October 2025
Tent
Very close to Verde Adventures Kayaker Pick-Up spot for Kayakers (walking distance), and not too far from Beasley Flats, (a few of minutes by car.)
Love the private property access to the river for OTTERLIMITS users only. (walking distance). Would recommend a 4WD if not walking to this part, it was rutty and muddy. You don't want to get stuck!
OTTERLIMITS had a big fire pit, big opening in the trees for Astronomy viewing, took my spotting scope, it was nice. Also used for birding, saw many gaggles of geese in formation flying south for the winter. There was plenty of kindling around to start a fire. Gene was a gracious host, offered some fire wood if we needed it. Loved the distant sounds of cows and coyotes in the background, and fall leaves in some areas. I highly recommend this spot. But don't go so late in the season like we did (Late October), unless properly prepared.
We did okay, but kept an eye on the forecast the entire month before leaving. We prepared for 47 degree weather as the low, but it got down to 34 degrees. Much lower than predicted. Think it had to do with being so close to the water, as opposed to the town of CAMP VERDE, and the fact that the recent monsoons still left many areas (especially by the river) extremely wet and muddy. We couldn't even get close to the river without walking thru about 30 feet of mud. Almost slipped about a dozen times. Would highly recommend going before the monsoons or weeks after to let it dry out.
Thanks Again GENE!
See moreB
Barb
October 2025
19 ft pop-up camper
Quite a ways off the beaten path, but road was good & the spot private & quiet.
See more
r
rkymtn
September 2025
20 ft Class B
Your camping in the backyard of a house on a 2 acre plot. Although it appears to be suburban and the lot is walled/fenced on three sides there is an astonishing amount of wildlife here. Flocks of doves, coveys of quail, tons of rabbits, other birds and we could hear coyotes every morning. The Suarouro (sp?) Cactus are really impressive if you've never been right up close to one. Our stay was quiet and peaceful, and Louise let me park the sprinter under the shade next to the corral... That was huge for keeping the van cool in 105 Phoenix weather. Thank you for that. The place is 20min from Mayo Clinc so we will definitely be back. And yes... we got a fantastic loaf of homemade bread.
See more
C
Courtney
June 2025
Tent
With pets
We had an amazing time! Great spot if you are paddling the river.
See moreV
Vicente
June 2025
Tent
I enjoyed this trip. It was great for the family. I'd return to enjoy more.
See moreJ
Jose
June 2025
Tent
Group trip
The campsite was very spacious. Our group loved how close it was to the river. We will definitely be staying here again!
See more
A
Abbey
May 2025
Tent
With kids
Cute and cozy place. Perfect for the night. Kind of hard to find, but I was given very clear instructions. Owner’s camper is on the other end of the site
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E
Eric
May 2025
25 ft Class C
This spot offers great views and very quiet. If it is a clear night great for star gazing. Howard is super responsive and even provides some firewood. Although it is a bit to dry now and there is a fire ban.
See moreJ
John
May 2025
Tent
This campsite was everything we hoped for and more! Tucked behind a secure gate and surrounded by trees, it offered plenty of shade, tons of privacy, and a peaceful vibe that made it easy to unwind from the start.
The location across from the river is stunning—you can hear the gentle flow of water from camp, and it’s just a short walk to dip your toes in or launch a kayak. Whether you’re into exploring or just relaxing, there’s no shortage of adventure here.
The hosts were incredible—so thoughtful and genuinely welcoming. You can tell they’ve put care into every aspect of the site. It felt like we had our own private retreat, yet with the added comfort of knowing someone kind and helpful was nearby if needed.
This spot is a total gem for anyone looking to disconnect, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the best parts of camping—without the crowds. Highly recommend and definitely planning to return!
See more
W
Whitney
May 2025
20 ft travel trailer
We nestled our 20-foot camper here for the night and it was perfect! The site was adjacent to a National Forest and day use area (Beasley Flat) which made for a quiet and private night in the desert! It was also just a very short walk to the river where the dogs enjoyed a refreshing dip! We saw jackrabbit and my first quail siting - pretty sure it was a quail! The birds were lively during the day and the coyote at night - would definitely visit this site again! Thank you!
See more
C
Claudia
April 2025
Tent
Group trip
We loved the place, lots of space and privacy. Although it is a primitive place, a few steps further on there is a bathroom that you can use or bring your own like we did. They have a small grill that worked 100% for us, you just need charcoal and that's it.
See moreC
Craig
April 2025
22 ft travel trailer
Nice secluded space great place to just stop and relax by the fire and get away from people but still close to a lot of activities.
See more
E
E.
April 2025
25 ft Class C
Very welcoming reception. Louise has got a big terrain. It is quiet and fully hook up is available. Louise is a very good host, respects your privacy. As a welcome gift she brought us home made cheese cake, so nice. Would definitely stay again.
See moreK
Kimberly
March 2025
Tent
Gene's piece of land was great, was super close to the river, short drive to montezumas castle and the cows in the morning were the perfect touch
See moreD
Daniel
March 2025
Tent
Perfect place for a camping getaway! Howard communicated so well throughout, and even had firewood ready for my after dark arrival. Close to Sedona and Montezuma Castle (and Well), but still felt away from the busy area. Loved it, will definitely stay again if I’m in the area!
See moreJ
Joan
March 2025
Tent
This was a really good site for tent camping. There was a lot of flat area to put your tent. It was quiet at night and felt like a private space. It was a bit hard to find because we drove there at night but we got help to find it!
See moreM
Marissa
March 2025
Tent
We loved camping on Gene’s land! It was so peaceful with beautiful views down the road. A great area with lots of space. Not a far drive from Sedona either. We would definitely recommend this location!
See moreH
Heather
March 2025
24 ft Class C
Wonderful view. Private. Howard gave excellent directions.
See more
