Christopher Creek Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Operates April through October. April 1-14 is first-come, first-served; April 15-October 31 reservations available via Recreation.gov.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
Lower Salt River Area Temporary Emergency Equestrian Closure for Public Health & Safety
Click to view closure order for details.
Granite Reef Developed Recreation Site Public Health and Safety Closure Order
See order for details.
TERMINATION ORDER: Stage II Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order
There are no fire restrictions on the Tonto National Forest as of Sept. 5, 2025, 8 a.m.
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.
About
Christopher Creek Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds on the Payson Ranger District, tucked along the banks of spring-fed Christopher Creek at the base of the Mogollon Rim. At an elevation of 5,640 feet, the campground offers crisp mountain air and forested surroundings with ponderosa pines, junipers, oaks, and manzanita shrubs. The facility features 43 individual sites spread across both sides of the creek, plus one group site that accommodates up to 25 people. The creek provides excellent recreational opportunities, with rainbow, brook, and brown trout fishing available. Each spring the creek is stocked with rainbow trout. Swimming holes along the creek offer refreshing relief from summer heat. The campground serves as a convenient base for horseback riding and mountain biking in the surrounding Tonto National Forest. The Mogollon Rim rises above the campground, a 200-mile-long cliff ranging between 5,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation that serves as the geographical dividing line between Arizona's cool high country and the hot desert below. The small town of Christopher Creek is nearby with restaurant options, and the Rim Country Lakes, including popular Woods Canyon Lake, are about 10 minutes east.
Directions
From Payson, take Highway 260 east for 21 miles to the Christopher Creek Campground turnoff. Take Forest Road 284 for 1/4 mile to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | $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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