Upper Canyon Creek Campground
Open April 1 through November 1. Currently open and operating under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions as of May 15, 2026. First-come, first-served only; no reservations.
Flood Watch issued October 29 at 11:16AM MST until November 2 at 5:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Yavapai County and northern Gila County. This includes Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons. * WHEN...From Saturday evening through late Sunday night. * 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... - A second round of rain and thunderstorms is expected Saturday night through the early morning hours of Monday. An additional 1 to 3 inches of rain will be possible, on top of already saturated ground, increasing the threat of flooding. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.
Flood Watch issued October 29 at 11:16AM MST until October 30 at 10:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Yavapai County and northern Gila County. This includes Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons. * WHEN...From Saturday evening through late Sunday night. * 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... - A second round of rain and thunderstorms is expected Saturday night through the early morning hours of Monday. An additional 1 to 3 inches of rain will be possible, on top of already saturated ground, increasing the threat of flooding. - 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.
About
Upper Canyon Creek Campground provides a rustic, dispersed camping experience in the Tonto National Forest's high country. The 10 designated sites are scattered through a mature Ponderosa pine forest interspersed with white and Douglas fir, offering shade and a mountain atmosphere at elevation. Canyon Creek runs nearby, drawing anglers for rainbow trout fishing under special regulations: artificial flies and lures only with a four-trout limit. This is a true pack-it-in, pack-it-out campground with no water, no trash services, and no hookups. Vault toilets are available and serviced weekly. Picnic tables are provided at sites. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 6 p.m., and generators are prohibited during these times. Wildlife is abundant, including Abert squirrels and black bears. Bear-proof your camp and store food properly. Access roads FR 512 and FR 33 are unpaved; four-wheel-drive or chains are advised after heavy rain or snow. The nearby Arizona Game and Fish Department Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery is worth a visit.
Directions
From Payson: Travel 33 miles east on State Highway 260. Turn right on Young Road/Forest Road 512 and continue 3 miles to FR 33 (unpaved). Turn left on FR 33 and travel 1.5 miles to the campground. From Young: Take State Highway 288/FR 512 north for 23 miles to FR 33. Turn right onto FR 33 and continue about 5 miles to the site. Four-wheel-drive or chains advised after heavy rain or snow.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| 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 | 16ft |
| 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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