The best family-friendly glamping near Payson, Arizona

Payson is just 90 miles and a world away from Phoenix. Set in the Tonto National Forest, this tiny town is a hub for Arizona adventures. Hike the Mogollon Rim, canoe on quiet lakes, and camp in the ponderosa pines. As a home base, book a local RV park or campground. Cool off in the swimming holes at Christopher Creek Campground. Steps from your creekside site, ride horses or mountain bikes through the hills. Closer to town, Houston Mesa Campground has tent and horse sites with picnic tables. Choose from tent and RV sites at Sharp Creek Campground, which is ideal for fishing and boating. From April to October, sleep under the pines at Ponderosa Campground. For great fishing in Willow Springs Lake, head to Sinkhole Campground. Bringing a group to Rim Country? The Woods Canyon Lake camping area can host up to 100 people. Near Payson’s downtown, camp in luxury at an RV resort. Clean up at the laundry, and take advantage of the dump stations. Many parks sit in walking distance to local restaurants and pubs.

97% (596)

Top-rated campgrounds

Payson is just 90 miles and a world away from Phoenix. Set in the Tonto National Forest, this tiny town is a hub for Arizona adventures. Hike the Mogollon Rim, canoe on quiet lakes, and camp in the ponderosa pines. As a home base, book a local RV park or campground. Cool off in the swimming holes at Christopher Creek Campground. Steps from your creekside site, ride horses or mountain bikes through the hills. Closer to town, Houston Mesa Campground has tent and horse sites with picnic tables. Choose from tent and RV sites at Sharp Creek Campground, which is ideal for fishing and boating. From April to October, sleep under the pines at Ponderosa Campground. For great fishing in Willow Springs Lake, head to Sinkhole Campground. Bringing a group to Rim Country? The Woods Canyon Lake camping area can host up to 100 people. Near Payson’s downtown, camp in luxury at an RV resort. Clean up at the laundry, and take advantage of the dump stations. Many parks sit in walking distance to local restaurants and pubs.

97% (596)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Beaver Creek Oasis

99%

(471)

39mi from Payson · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Rimrock, AZ

Located on Beaver Creek on 21 acres you may choose your site tucked in the mesquite bosque or among the sycamores. The 1 1/2 mile dirt road is rough but worth the effort. Close to Sedona, Page Springs wineries, hiking and relaxing. See the stars at night and let nature rejuvenate. The alpacas will be pleased to eat some grain from your palm and the rooster will wake you at dawn ready for the start the morning. Arrival before dark required for check-in unless approved by host in advance. Pitch your tent or park your van in a designated site of your choosing on 21 acres either tucked in the mesquite bosque, near the creek (hike-in) or among the sycamores (drive-in). The 1 1/2 mile dirt road is rough but worth the effort. Close to Sedona, Page Springs wineries, hiking and just relaxing. See the stars at night!

2. Sacred Springs-Private creek access

99%

(191)

39mi from Payson · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Rimrock, AZ

For adults 18+ only. Hazardous terrain!! Welcome to Sacred Springs, a tranquil, getaway for adults seeking relaxation. This 8-acre haven is not suitable for children under 18 due to the natural terrain, river access, and steep cliffs. Positioned between Montezuma Castle National Monument and Montezuma Well, Sacred Springs invites you to reconnect with yourself and the ancient beauty surrounding you. A Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary At Sacred Springs, you’re immersed in a thriving ecosystem: River otters, beavers, and endangered fish grace our pristine waters. Deer, raccoons, bobcats, and coyotes roam freely, alongside occasional elk, coatimundi, or mountain lions. Birdwatchers can marvel at Black Hawks, falcons, eagles, ravens, and countless migratory species. This is a sanctuary alive with the rhythms of nature, where life flows seamlessly between the seasons. Witness Echoes of the Past The land at Sacred Springs holds stories of prehistoric cliff-dwelling communities who farmed and thrived here. From our campsites, you’ll see and hear the highway which traces this ancient corridor’s path, a living reminder of those who once traversed this historical route. The Spirit of Sacred Springs Your journey begins as you enter this sacred river valley. A drive through desert vistas leads you along a primitive road to our serene oasis. From panoramic views atop the plateau to the soothing waters below, Sacred Springs offers a retreat like no other. Relax in a hammock by the creek. Wander trails that wind through ancient landscapes. Marvel at sunsets painting the sky with vivid colors. Let the sound of the creek ground you in the timeless rhythms of the earth. A Place of Reverence and Care Sacred Springs is a space for beauty, renewal, and mindfulness. Steep cliffs and rugged terrain remind visitors to tread lightly and stay on marked trails. Each step is an opportunity to honor the land and the life it sustains. A Central Gateway to Adventure Sacred Springs is perfectly located near key attractions: Sedona Wolf Sanctuary (0.2 miles), Montezuma Castle (7 miles), Sedona/Village of Oak Creek (17 miles), and the Grand Canyon (130 miles). Step into the timeless beauty of Sacred Springs—your sanctuary awaits. [Mandatory liability waiver signing upon arrival.]

3. 30 Min to Sedona, Verde Ranch RV

94%

(35)

40mi from Payson · 260 sites · RVs, Lodging · Camp Verde, AZ

Planned with relaxation in mind and built with impeccable attention to detail, Verde Ranch works hard every day to create memorable vacation experiences that our guests will cherish forever. We believe that whether at home or on vacation, beautiful surroundings contribute to a sense of happiness, well-being, and comfort. With big-rig-friendly RV sites, we are redefining what it means to be a campground. We’re conveniently located right off of the highway and near many great local attractions and businesses. Work from anywhere with our high-speed WiFi. Relax and unwind by our pool, let the kids play in the splash pad, or the dogs run in our spacious dog park! Looking for adventure? Take advantage of our river access, hike the nearby trails, kayak the river or take a day trip to Sedona, Prescott, or Cottonwood from our RV Resort, to experience everything Arizona has to offer.

Stories from the community

K

Kayce

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to 30 Min to Sedona, Verde Ranch RV

Such a cute place, it was perfect very comfortable. A little noisy but that’s what we expected being in a covered wagon. But the bathroom and shower was very nice and clean and very welcoming after all the hiking.

K

Kelli

3 weeks ago

2 nights at 30 Min to Sedona, Verde Ranch RV

I stayed in one of the glamping wagons and loved it. The location near Sedona was great and the wagon itself was so cute and campy. It honestly felt like Oregon Trail in real life. It was perfect for two people and felt private, clean, and comfortable. The locked private bathroom for our wagon was such a nice surprise. The RV resort amenities were great too, especially the hot tub and pool after a long day of hiking. I highly recommend it.

B

Beth

October 2025

3 nights at 30 Min to Sedona, Verde Ranch RV

We stayed in the conestoga wagon and it was so fun! Very comfortable and clean and the private bathhouse was perfect! They had fun Halloween events while we were there and all of the buildings we went in were very clean and very nice! Would definitely recommend staying here!!

B

Brittney

October 2025

2 nights at Sacred Springs-Private creek access

Gary and Daren are living their dream and it shows in every detail. The bathroom and showers were clean and stocked, the coffee selection was outstanding, they have everything you need to good a good meal and we even told him the ladder golf needed fixing and he had it fixed within hours. I literally didn’t want to leave. It’s an absolutely magical here and I feel grateful I was able to experience all this beauty. Also the creek was beautiful and refreshing! We’ll definitely be back!

J

John

September 2025

1 night at Sacred Springs-Private creek access

What an incredible stay at the eagle eye! The whole property is incredible and I’d recommend it for tent camping too. The hosts are awesome, the Eagle eye itself was super unique and comfy, and I definitely recommend using the trails. After a heavy rain there were otters in the creek :) Easily the best hipcamp I’ve stayed at.

D

Dhruv

September 2025

With pets

3 nights at Beaver Creek Oasis

Beautiful property, very peaceful. Lots to see around this area

R

Raziel

September 2025

Weekend Trip to 30 Min to Sedona, Verde Ranch RV

We loved the area! Such a quick ride to Sedona. Tent and bathroom were so clean. Check in and check out instructions were very simple.

G

Gina

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Sacred Springs-Private creek access

We stayed at Sacred Springs – Eagle Eye on our Sedona road trip, and it was such a special experience. Eagle Eye itself is a cozy sauna converted into a bedroom, overlooking the beautiful Montezuma Lake — the view alone is worth it! ✨ The grounds were incredibly well thought out, with unique little campsites spread throughout, each cared for with so much intention. Everything was very clean and well maintained, and the lighting around the property made it feel both safe and magical at night. The shared amenities were excellent — from the community room with a fridge, to the solar shower, regular shower, and clean bathrooms (such a gift after a long day of hiking in Sedona!). The hosts were warm and welcoming, and you could tell how much love has been put into this place. It was about a 45-minute drive for us to get into Sedona, which was perfect since we got both the quiet lakeside retreat and easy access to all the red rock adventures. Highly recommend this spot if you’re looking for something serene, beautiful, and thoughtfully created. 🌿

D

Darla

July 2025

Weekend Trip to 30 Min to Sedona, Verde Ranch RV

Great camping location with great amenities. The host was super responsive, and I would stay here again!

Brice

June 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Sacred Springs-Private creek access

This was a fantastic stay. My family and I camped here during our road trip. Not only is this a unique property with gorgeous views, it is also complimented by two excellent and kind hosts. I would easily recommend staying here to anyone!

K

Kristin

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Beaver Creek Oasis

Laura was amazing! She was such a kind host, made sure we had everything we needed and even introduced us to her lovely animal family. The trailer was so comfortable and the grounds were clean. The creek is gorgeous, we spent the day there and had it all to our selves swimming, sun bathing and taking in nature. We will definitely be back!

C

Candace

May 2025

With pets

2 nights at 30 Min to Sedona, Verde Ranch RV

This place is so nice. Cabin is such a refreshing substitute for a hotel especially with a big family. The grounds are beautiful and clean, pool, nature trail creek access. Just all around a great stay.

J

Jennifer

May 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to 30 Min to Sedona, Verde Ranch RV

The Wagons are a fun and cool experience! We ended up lengthening our stay an extra night because we enjoyed the ambiance, amenities, and accessibility to other areas so much. The only downside: There was one night that several long term guests got very drunk in the clubhouse while we were trying to eat dinner. They blasted music and started being vulgar quite loudly considering how many kids were around (it was maybe 6 or 7 so not bedtime by any means). Not Verde's fault since people do it everywhere but it's such a nice place you forget those people exist until you encounter them. The staff was great and so helpful. The hipcamp app kept failing so the front desk took care of our reservation extension. Pool is heated, hot tubs are perfect, the arcade was a nice touch, the clubhouse is comfortable, the gym was surprisingly serviceable. I don't have any big complaints and we absolutely will stay here again!

K

Kennedy

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Sacred Springs-Private creek access

This was my second time staying at Sacred Springs and it did not disappoint! We stayed in the Eagle Eye this time and it came with great views and a very comfortable bed. Gary And Daren have everything you could need and more in their community room and make sure you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive! Would recommend to everyone!

J

Jennifer

April 2025

With pets

2 nights at Beaver Creek Oasis

Post as accommodating give you your privacy background is beautiful quiet dogs are friendly. Alpacas and goats r cute

C

Chris

April 2025

1 night at Sacred Springs-Private creek access

Beautiful property and the Eagle Eye was awesome. Loved our stay and would highly recommend Sacred Springs. Gary and Darryl were super friendly and helpful. Cheers!

P

Paul

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Beaver Creek Oasis

As we've come to expect (we've been back multiple times now), Laura delivered the kindness, warmth, hospitality, and hominess we've come to expect. We stayed in the RV trailer on her property, and, as always, we were comfortable and had everything we needed. The property is easy to access, even in a sedan or small SUV, and its location is central to lots of area attractions: Montezuma Well, Montezuma Castle, downtown Cottonwood, and much more. We especially enjoyed an afternoon with our camp chairs (and feet!) in the middle of the creek, enjoying the sun, the water, the birds, and a good book. We'll definitely be back!

C

Christina

April 2025

2 nights at Sacred Springs-Private creek access

A Soulful Retreat We’ll Never Forget Our stay at Eagle Eye in Sacred Springs was more than a getaway—it was a homecoming for the soul. The land radiates peace, purpose, and an ancient kind of beauty you can feel the moment you arrive. We’ve spent years in the hospitality industry, and rarely have we experienced this level of thoughtfulness and care. Gary and Darren have created something sacred here—something that lives and breathes with love. Every detail, from the cozy warmth of the converted sauna cabin to the reverent way the trails weave through the cliffs, speaks of devotion. At night, we saw stars like we’ve never seen before—like the sky was telling stories just for us. The energy here anchors you to the present and lifts your spirit. We didn’t just visit—we felt truly at home. This land is a living archive—overflowing with sacred history, natural wonder, and timeless presence. A short walk leads to the Sedona Wolf Sanctuary, an experience that touched our hearts. We came to rest, but left awakened—more connected, more grateful. We’ll carry this experience in our hearts always and plan to return every year. Sacred Springs is a gift to all who visit. Thank you, Gary and Darren, for sharing this treasure with the world. We love your dogs! Until next time… Christina & Kevin

E

Ethan

March 2025

1 night at Sacred Springs-Private creek access

Absolutely gorgeous property. I was only there for one night but it was peaceful and beautiful that i could absolutely see staying there for a few days. Everything showed Gary & Daren’s care and love for their property. Definitely recommend!!

M

Max

March 2025

2 nights at Sacred Springs-Private creek access

Quite literally everything about Sacred Springs was perfect. Gary and Daren put so many little touches of love into the space, the paths, and the community areas/amenities. Cleanliness and thoughtfulness all around, from the initial tour, to a heater in the bathroom, to notes of love and solace along the paths. Not only was the Eagle Eye bed cozy, but it had a gorgeous view of the river below and sunrise over the mountains. We immediately felt at home and cared for. 10/10 (Heads up, the last couple miles of road to get there was a tad rough and washed out, but our little 2wd rental Kia made it, so you can too haha)