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 October 29 at 1:25AM MST until October 30 at 10:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall over saturated soils and waterways that flooded as recently as last week. * WHERE...Yavapai County and northern Gila County. * WHEN...From 10 AM MST Friday morning through 10 PM MST Friday evening. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Another round of tropical moisture arrives in central Arizona Friday morning. Expect generalized accumulations of 0.50" to 1.00" of rainfall within the watch area, locally higher amounts of up to 2.00" possible in thunderstorms. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.
State Route 260 Lion Springs Construction Site Public Health and Safety Closure Order
Closure order due to construction activities associated with the SR260 Lion Springs Project conducted byArizona Department of Transportation on the Tonto National Forest.
Horseshoe Dam Road (NFSR 205) Emergency Closure for Public Safety
Closure Order to implement repairs and improvements to the Horseshoe Dam Road previously damaged by severe flooding.
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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