Haigler Canyon Campground
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations. Access roads (FR 200 and Colcord Road 291) are unpaved and can be challenging; four-wheel-drive or chains advised after heavy rains or snow. Winter temperatures can drop into the teens. Limited to 14 consecutive days.
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
Haigler Canyon Campground sits deep within the Tonto National Forest, offering a remote camping experience in a forested canyon setting. Constructed in 2007, the campground features 14 overnight campsites distributed across two independent camping areas, plus 2 additional sites designated for day-use only. The diversity of trees provides ample shade and a beautiful natural setting. The campground's location along Haigler Creek makes it a popular destination for anglers. The stream is periodically stocked with rainbow trout from April through late August, and fishing is a primary activity here. Beyond fishing, the canyon offers swimming holes carved by the water and serves as a trailhead for exploring the surrounding area. Access to Haigler Canyon requires navigating narrow, winding, and steep unpaved roads (FR 200 and Colcord Road 291), making it a favorite for OHV enthusiasts. Only street-legal OHVs are permitted. The challenging road conditions add to the site's remote character and keep visitor numbers moderate. Four-wheel-drive or chains are advised after heavy rains or snow, and winter temperatures can dip into the teens. Campers must be self-sufficient as there is no potable water or trash service.
Directions
Access #1 (34 miles east of Payson): From Payson, travel east for 24 miles on State Hwy 260. Turn right on Colcord Road 291 and travel 3 miles to FR 200. Turn right on unpaved FR 200. Travel on FR 200 for 6 miles, through Haigler Canyon Recreation Site to FR 202A. Turn right and follow this unpaved road for ½ mile to the site. Access #2 (12 miles north of Young): From Young, travel 3 miles north on State Hwy 288/FR 512 to FR 200. Turn left on FR 200 and travel for 9 miles to the site.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| 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 | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 20ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 20ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (928) 474-7900 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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