Valentine Ridge Campground

Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No fees or reservations. Winter temperatures drop into the teens, and 4WD or chains may be needed after heavy snow. Limited to 14 consecutive days.

About

Valentine Ridge Dispersed Camping Area is located in Tonto National Forest's Pleasant Valley Ranger District near Canyon Creek, which is known for its rainbow trout fishing. The area sits at 6,700 feet elevation and offers a primitive camping experience with a 14-day stay limit. A 9-mile all-terrain bicycle loop trail starts from the camping area, and the nearby Arizona Game & Fish Department Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery is worth a visit. The area is home to diverse wildlife including Abert squirrel, black bear, mountain lion, elk, turkey, and deer. Campers should bear-proof their camps, especially food storage. Canyon Creek has specific fishing regulations: upstream of OW Bridge, the limit is 4 trout, while downstream to the Fort Apache Reservation boundary is catch and release only with artificial fly and lure, single barbless hooks. Access is via unpaved Forest Roads 512 and 188, which are suitable for passenger vehicles under normal conditions. The campground only accommodates trailers under 16 feet. Winter temperatures can drop into the teens, and 4WD or chains may be advisable after heavy snow. No potable water or trash services are available, so campers must be self-sufficient and pack out all trash.

Directions

From Payson, travel 33 miles east on State Highway 260. Turn right on unpaved Forest Road 512 and continue approximately 5 miles to FR 188. Turn left on FR 188 and travel 2 miles to the site. From Young, take State Highway 288 north for 20 miles to FR 188, turn right and follow for 2 miles.

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