Christopher Creek

FS USDA Forest Service · PAYSON, AZ · Developed

Conditions

Road Access Paved
Driveway Surface Paved
Season Open Year Round
Campfires Campfires Allowed
Max RV Length 22 ft

Features

Warning Length Restricted
Rig Size Back In Only
Hookup Electric Hookup 30 amp
Access Paved Access
Style Reservable

Campground Stats

Total Sites44
Sites Accepting RVs33
Overnight Sites44
Max RV Length22 ft
Max Amps30
Electric Hookup Sites1
Back-In Sites22
SurfacePaved

Location

34.3080556, -111.0347222 · 1009 East Highway 260 , PAYSON , AZ

Photos

Description

Overview

With an elevation over a mile-high (5640 ft), Christopher Creek Campground's crisp, fresh air and vibrant views are a joy to behold. The facility is tucked along the banks of the spring-fed Christopher Creek, which passes just below the Mogollon Rim. This campground is normally opens April-November. The Mogollon Rim, pronounced by locals as "muggy-own," is a 200-mile long cliff in northern Arizona that ranges between 5,000 and 7,000 ft in elevation. The unique landscape was created by extreme erosion and faulting that has sculpted spectacular canyons and buttes. The rim serves as the geographical dividing line between the cool high country above and the hot, dry desert below. Christopher Creek is located in the desert portion, but is balanced by the cool waters of the creek and forested surroundings.

Recreation

After a day of exploring the natural beauty of Rim Country, sit back and relax in the shaded Ponderosa Pine Forest. Each spring, the creek is stocked with rainbow trout, allowing anglers the opportunity to cast their hearts out for rainbows as well as brook and brown trout.

Facilities

The family-friendly campground has 43 sites on both sides of the creek, plus a group site that accommodates a maximum of 25 people. Most sites in this campground are reservable with only a few First come First serve sites, for first-come-first-served customers with payment completed using the on-site fee machine. No cash is accepted. 

Natural Features

Christopher Creek provides creek side dwelling in Tonto National Forest, at the base of the Mogollon Rim. Sites are surrounded by ponderosa pines, junipers, oaks and manzanita evergreen shrubs.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (928) 474-7900.

Nearby Attractions

The small town of Christopher Creek is just a short drive away and offers a few restaurant options for those who tire of cooking at the campground.. A series of lakes called the Rim Country Lakes are about a 10 minute drive east. Woods Canyon Lake is one of the most popular recreational lakes in the state and offers options for boating as well as a nature trail that loops around the lake's perimeter.

Directions

From Payson, Arizona, take Highway 260 east for 21 miles to the Christopher Creek Campground turnoff. Take Forest Road for 1/4 mile to the campground, Ask host for directions to campsite.

Activities

CAMPING

Details

ADA AccessN
ReservableYes

Nearby Campgrounds

Sharp Creek 2.2 mi · FS · 20 sites
Fr 9350 Campground 3.7 mi · FS
Lower Tonto Creek 4.0 mi · FS · 13 sites
Upper Tonto Creek 4.0 mi · FS · 13 sites
Fr 84 Camping Area 4.4 mi · FS
Mogollon Campground 4.5 mi · FS · 26 sites
Ponderosa (AZ) 4.6 mi · FS · 52 sites
Fr 195 Campground 5.0 mi · FS