Valentine Ridge Campground
Open year-round as a dispersed camping area. No fees required. 14-day stay limit. Four-wheel drive or chains may be advisable after heavy snows. Winter temperatures drop into the teens.
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.
SR260 Lion Springs Construction Site Public Health and Safety Closure Order
SR260 Lion Springs Construction Site closed.
About
Valentine Ridge Dispersed Camping Area sits in the high country of Tonto National Forest near Canyon Creek, a stream known for its rainbow trout fishing. This is primitive dispersed camping with no developed amenities. Campers must bring their own water and pack out all trash. A 9-mile all-terrain bicycle loop trail begins at the camping area. The area is home to diverse wildlife including Abert squirrel, black bear, mountain lion, elk, turkey, and deer. Winter temperatures can drop into the teens, and four-wheel drive or chains may be needed after heavy snowfall. Bear-proofing of camps is mandatory. Trailers are limited to under 16 feet due to road conditions. Canyon Creek offers regulated fishing opportunities. Upstream of OW Bridge, a 4-trout limit applies with artificial fly or lure only using single barbless hooks. From OW Bridge to the Fort Apache Reservation boundary, catch-and-release only regulations are in effect.
Directions
From Payson, travel 33 miles east on State Hwy. 260. Turn right on unpaved Young Road/FR 512 and continue for approximately 5 miles to FR 188. Turn left on FR 188 and travel 2 miles to the site. Alternatively, from Young, take State Hwy. 288/FR 512 north for 20 miles to FR 188, turn right and follow for 2 miles.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| 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 |
Useful Links
| USFS Valentine Ridge Dispersed Camping Area |
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