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 July 20 at 10:33PM MST until July 21 at 10:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of east central, north central, northeast, and west central Arizona, including the following areas, in east central Arizona, Northern Gila County. In north central Arizona, Black Mesa Area, Coconino Plateau, Eastern Mogollon Rim, Grand Canyon Country, Kaibab Plateau, Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County, Marble and Glen Canyons, Northeast Plateaus and Mesas Hwy 264 Northward, Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264 and Western Mogollon Rim. In northeast Arizona, Little Colorado River Valley in Apache County, Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County and White Mountains. In west central Arizona, Yavapai County Mountains. * WHEN...From Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Raging killer currents will be possible in side canyons and narrow slot canyons. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Deep monsoon moisture in place across northern Arizona will lead to storms capable of producing rainfall in excess of 2 inches per hour, resulting in an enhanced risk of flash flooding. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.
No Fire Restrictions
There are currently no fire restrictions 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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