Christopher Creek Campground

About

Christopher Creek Campground is one of the most popular developed campgrounds on the Payson Ranger District, nestled along both sides of a spring-fed creek that flows below the Mogollon Rim. At 5,640 feet elevation, the campground provides relief from Arizona's desert heat while remaining accessible from the Phoenix metro area. The 43 individual sites and one group site are surrounded by ponderosa pines, junipers, oaks, and manzanita shrubs. The creek is stocked with rainbow trout each spring, and anglers can also find brook and brown trout. Three swimming holes provide refreshing spots after hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding in the area. Woods Canyon Lake and other Rim Country Lakes are about a 10-minute drive east, offering additional boating and fishing opportunities. The campground operates April through October. Most sites are reservable through Recreation.gov with reservations required at least 3 days in advance. A few first-come-first-served sites are available with payment at the on-site digital fee machine. The small town of Christopher Creek is a short drive away with restaurant options.

Directions

From Payson, Arizona, take Highway 260 east for 21 miles to the Christopher Creek Campground turnoff. Take Forest Road for 1/4 mile to the campground.