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 August 30 at 4:23AM MST until September 1 at 12:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
The Flood Watch is cancelled for Yavapai County, northern Gila County, and Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat. Please continue to heed remaining road closures.
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
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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