Christopher Creek
Tonto National Forest
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-Novemeber.
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.
The family-friendly campground has 43 sites on both sides of the creek, plus a group site that accommodates a maximum of 25 people. 37 campsites are reservable, 3 campsites are available for first-come-first-served customers with payment completed using the on-site fee machine or with the mobile app using scan & pay. No cash is accepted.
Need to Know
The maximum number of vehicles allowed per campsite is two and for group sites, five.
Second vehicle charge of $8 per night is required. Fee can be bundled with online reservation or purchased on-site at fee machine.
Quiet Hours are from 10:00pm to 6:00am.
No firewood sales available at campground. Plan to purchase ahead of time.
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Please be advised bear activity can be an issue. All campers need to practice the following measures to prevent problems in bear country: 1) Always store your food securely. Use an airtight bear-proof container. Backpacks and coolers are not adequate; 2)Put all food away whenever you leave your campsite and at night. If bear-proof food storage boxes are not available, lock it out of sight in your trunk. 3) Store anything that has an 'attractive' odor good or bad - in the same way. Lotions, soap, toothpaste, bug spray, etc., may attract a curious bear. 4) Be extremely aware of your garbage. Deposit it in bear-proof refuse containers. Always respect wild animals, especially bears. Never attempt to feed or pet a bear. Avoid surprising, aggravating or harassing bears. Avoid what might be misconstrued as aggressive behavior. For more information please visit: BeBearAware.org
Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest Land.
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.
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.
Recreation
After a day of horseback riding or mountain biking, take a dip in one of the facility's three swimming holes 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.
Contact Information
Mailing
1009 East Highway 260 PAYSON AZ
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
Available Campsites
- Site 0039, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0023, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0013, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0040, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0034, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0033, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0018, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0015, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site G001, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0022, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0014, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0010, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0038, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0021, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0026, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0025, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0030, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0027, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0032, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0024, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0035, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0012, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0019, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0043, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0011, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0042, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0037, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004Host, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0020Host, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0041, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003Host, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0031, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0017, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0028, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0016, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0029, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 0036, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
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