Haigler Canyon Campground
Open year-round, first-come-first-served with no reservations. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect as of May 15, 2026, meaning fires are only permitted in Forest Service-provided fire structures. No potable water available; campers must bring their own. Pack-it-in, pack-it-out for all trash. 14-day stay limit.
Flood Watch issued August 28 at 11:48PM MST until August 30 at 5:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Northern Gila County, Yavapai County, and Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons. * WHEN...From Saturday afternoon through late Saturday night. * 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 are expected to develop this afternoon and continue through much of the weekend. 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.
Canyon Lake Drawdown Public Safety Closure
Due to the Canyon Lake drawdown all recreational sites around Canyon Lake including the marina and the lakebed will be closed. Apache Trail (SR 88) will remain open.
Houston Mesa Area Clean-Up & Restoration Project Temporary Closure Order
Temporary Closure Order For Public Health and Safety of the Houston Mesa area.
About
Haigler Canyon Campground sits deep in Tonto National Forest, accessible via unpaved forest roads that wind through diverse tree cover and scenic canyon terrain. Built in 2007, the campground features 14 overnight sites spread across two independent camping areas, each with designated picnic tables and grills. Two additional day-use sites accommodate visitors looking for a shorter stay. The remote setting and challenging access roads make this a favorite destination for OHV enthusiasts seeking quieter forest exploration. Haigler Creek runs through the area, offering trout fishing opportunities from April through late August when the stream is periodically stocked with rainbow trout. Swimming is also available in the creek. The campground operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out basis with no trash services, and campers must bring their own water as none is available on site. Vault toilets are provided. Winter temperatures can drop into the teens, and four-wheel drive or chains are recommended after heavy rain or snow. Quiet hours are observed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and bear-proof food storage is required. Only street-legal OHVs are permitted on the forest roads.
Directions
Access #1 (34 miles east of Payson): From Payson, travel east 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 and travel 6 miles through Haigler Canyon Recreation Site to FR 202A. Turn right and follow for half a 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 9 miles to the site. Four-wheel drive or chains recommended after heavy rain or snow.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| 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 |
Photos
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