Christopher Creek Campground and Group Site
Christopher Creek Campground is one of the most popular sites on Payson Ranger District. Developed campgrounds with picnic tables, grills and designated fire pits may be reserved for large families to spend quality time together. Campers may pass the time listening to ambient sounds of foliage fluttering in the breeze and the creek flowing in the distance. Review At-A-Glance below for more details about this site.
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.
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 in the desert portion, but is balanced by the cool waters of the creek and forested surroundings.
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.
Recreation: After a day of horseback riding or mountain biking, take a dip to cool off from the summer sun. 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.
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.
At a Glance
Reservations: |
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Fees: |
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Open Season: | April - October |
Restrictions: |
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Closest Towns: | Payson |
Water: | Water Spigot |
Restroom: | Vault Toilets |
Passes: |
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Information Center: | Payson Ranger District (928) 474-7900 |
General Information
Directions:GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
34.30806, -111.03472
34°18'29"N, 111°2'5"W
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.
General Notes:
- No off-road vehicles allowed.
- Bear activity has increased due to drought conditions.
- For more information please visit Be Bear Aware.org.
Parking:
- One vehicle per campsite.
- One additional vehicle may park for a required fee of $8.
- Maximum of 5 vehicles for group site.
Activities
Campground Camping
No. of Sites | 43 |
Reservation Info | Contact 1-877-444-6777 or at Recreation.gov |
Fire Information | Campfire rings available |
RV Camping
Group Camping
No. of Sites | 1 site with a minimum of 2 night stay |
Reservation Info | Contact 1-877-444-6777 or at Recreation.gov. |
Group Cooking Facilities | grills |
Fire Information | fire rings/ grills available |
River and Stream Fishing
Christopher Creek Fish Species: Rainbow Trout; Brown Trout; Brook Trout
Fish Species | Rainbow Trout (periodically stocked by Arizona Game and Fish Department). |
Picnicking
Picnic tables, trash service, cooking grills, campfire rings
No. of Sites | 6 |
Fire Information | Campfire ring available |
Alerts & Warnings
- 03-12-03-25-04 Salt River Hazard Closure
- Pine Canyon Restoration Project Area and Trails Temporary Closure Order
- 03-12-02-24-67 Globe Forest Road 287 Area Closure Order
- 03-12-04-24-61_East Webber Geronimo Trails_Public Safety Closure
- 03-12-03-24-47_Boulder Fishing Pier Temporary Closure
- Equestrian Users Please Be Aware
- 03-12-06-24-27 Tonto Creek Crossing Road Closures
- Federal Holiday: offices closed Monday, February 17
- 03-12-02-25-01 Pinto Valley Mine Blasting Closure
- 03-12-03-24-64 Bald Eagle Closure Box Bar Order
- 12-16-5R Roosevelt Lake Seasonal Wildlife Closure
- 03-12-00-23-36 Target Type Restrictions Order
- Bald Eagle Seasonal Closures
- Occupancy and Use Restrictions
- Update on State Route 88 (Apache Trail) - August 18, 2021
- Redmond Fire Road Closure