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.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
Mesquite Campground Post Fire Recovery Closure for Public Health & Safety
Mesquite Campground closed due to post fire recovery.
Roosevelt Lake, Cottonwood Cove Area Closure for Public Health and Safety
Cottonwood Cove in Roosevelt Lake closed. Picnic site still open.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order
Stage 1 Fires Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order effective May 15, 2026 at 8 a.m.
Vehicle Restrictions in Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River Permit Area
Motor vehicles are prohibited in the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River area.
Upper & Lower Tonto Creek Campgrounds and Horton Creek Trailhead Parking Area Temp. Closure Order
Due to the construction of a new Tonto Creek bridge Upper and Lower Creek Campgrounds are closed until construction is completed. Additionally, Horton Creek Trailhead parking area is closed until construction is completed. An alternate route to Horton Creek Trail will be available from Derrick…
Pinto Valley Mine Blasting Area Closure - Extension for Public Health & Safety
Due to blasting in the Pinto Valley Mine area on the Globe Ranger District areas near the mine are closed for public safety.
Box Bar Seasonal Eagle Closure
December 1, 2024, at 12 p.m. and will remain in effect seasonally each year from December 1 through June 30, until June 30, 2026, at 12 p.m.
Fossil Creek Non-Permit Seasonal Camping, Fire and Glass Prohibition (October 2- March 31)
Details below.
Fossil Creek Prohibitions and FR 708 Closure During Permit Season (April 1–October 1)
Please refer to the Coconino National Forest website for information regarding the closure of Forest Road (FR) 708, parking restrictions, and prohibitions on glass containers, camping, and campfires at the Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River during permit season from April 1-October 1. The four-mile…
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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