Christopher Creek Campground
Open for the 2026 season. Operating season runs April through October. Most sites are reservable via Recreation.gov; a few sites are first-come-first-served with on-site payment. 14-day stay limit.
Flood Watch issued August 29 at 10:19PM MST until September 1 at 12:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Yavapai and northern Gila counties. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, and swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Low-water crossings could also become flooded, which would create deadly travel conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Thunderstorms will continue through this afternoon and into the overnight hours. With deep monsoonal moisture in place, any stronger storm will have the potential to produce heavy rainfall and cause flash flooding. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.
Flood Watch issued August 29 at 10:19PM MST until August 30 at 5:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Yavapai and northern Gila counties. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, and swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Low-water crossings could also become flooded, which would create deadly travel conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Thunderstorms will continue through this afternoon and into the overnight hours. With deep monsoonal moisture in place, any stronger storm will have the potential to produce heavy rainfall and cause flash flooding. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.
Flash Flood Warning issued August 29 at 9:42PM MST until August 29 at 11:45PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
At 942 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.25 to 0.5 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Globe, Miami, Central Heights-Midland City, Claypool and Cutter.
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.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $24 - $80 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 22ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 22ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (928) 474-7900 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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