Sharp Creek
Open for the season through October. Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently in effect with very high fire danger. Nineteen sites are reservable via Recreation.gov; nine sites are first-come, first-served. No firewood sales on site. Payment at the digital fee machine accepts card only.
Pinal City Riparian Area Off Road Prohibition
Temporary Pinal City riparian area closured on the Globe Ranger District.
Mesquite Campground Post Fire Recovery Closure for Public Health & Safety
Mesquite Campground closed due to post fire recovery.
Roosevelt Lake, Cottonwood Cove Area Closure for Public Health and Safety
Cottonwood Cove in Roosevelt Lake closed. Picnic site still open.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order
Stage 1 Fires Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order effective May 15, 2026 at 8 a.m.
Vehicle Restrictions in Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River Permit Area
Motor vehicles are prohibited in the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River area.
Upper & Lower Tonto Creek Campgrounds and Horton Creek Trailhead Parking Area Temp. Closure Order
Due to the construction of a new Tonto Creek bridge Upper and Lower Creek Campgrounds are closed until construction is completed. Additionally, Horton Creek Trailhead parking area is closed until construction is completed. An alternate route to Horton Creek Trail will be available from Derrick…
Pinto Valley Mine Blasting Area Closure - Extension for Public Health & Safety
Due to blasting in the Pinto Valley Mine area on the Globe Ranger District areas near the mine are closed for public safety.
Box Bar Seasonal Eagle Closure
December 1, 2024, at 12 p.m. and will remain in effect seasonally each year from December 1 through June 30, until June 30, 2026, at 12 p.m.
Target Type Restrictions Order
Recreational target shooting targets specifically manufactured for the purpose of target shooting are the only approved target types. (i.e. paper / cardboard silhouette, clay pigeons, steel targets, self-healing targets, etc.)All other materials not manufactured for the purpose to recreational…
Fossil Creek Non-Permit Seasonal Camping, Fire and Glass Prohibition (October 2- March 31)
Details below.
Fossil Creek Prohibitions and FR 708 Closure During Permit Season (April 1–October 1)
Please refer to the Coconino National Forest website for information regarding the closure of Forest Road (FR) 708, parking restrictions, and prohibitions on glass containers, camping, and campfires at the Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River during permit season from April 1-October 1. The four-mile…
About
Sharp Creek Campground offers a forested retreat at 6,000 feet elevation in the Tonto National Forest, nestled beneath the dramatic Mogollon Rim. The campground is surrounded by ponderosa pines and provides welcome relief from southern Arizona's desert heat. Located 23 miles northeast of Payson and 1.5 miles east of Christopher Creek, the area serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the high country. The campground has 28 family campsites spread across three loops, with a mix of back-in and pull-through sites suitable for tents and RVs. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, grill, and lantern holder. Three group sites can each accommodate up to 75 people and feature dedicated vault restrooms and paved parking. Potable water is available from hand pumps in each loop. ADA-accessible sites with hardened surfaces are available. Recreation options abound. Christopher Creek offers trout fishing less than a mile away. The historic Highline National Recreation Trail runs 51 miles along the base of the Mogollon Rim, accessible from the 260 Trailhead about 3 miles east. Woods Canyon and Willow Springs Lakes are a 10-minute drive above the rim for additional fishing and boating.
Directions
From Payson, take Highway 260 east for 23 miles. The campground is on the south side of Highway 260, approximately 1.5 miles east of Christopher Creek.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $29 - $150 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (928) 474-7900 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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