We stayed here about 4 years ago and the park has changed dramatically in that time. It is essentially all park models now, with very few vacant sites for transients, all of which appear to be back-in sites. The roads are paved; it is very neat, clean, and quiet with a large number of mature trees. It was a lovely park in which to ride our bicycles. It was very close to our relatives in Payson, so we will probably return. The park was not willing to reserve a site for our 4-day stay, but our Payson relatives were able to arrange for our site in advance. We camped here in a Motorhome.
There are not a lot of options in Payson for large rigs to overnight. When we made the call to this park to overnight we were told we don't really do that. They did find a spot for us and we stayed 3 days. The previous poster is right this is a park designed for park models. The residence are very friendly and the park is clean. There is a nice dog walking area. The park is really located in Starr Valley but still close enough to Payson. Payson is a beautiful mountain town with wonderful views and a great climate. We highly recommend breakfast at the Payson airport. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
This is really a park homes site with RVs on vacant lots. Entrance wide but limited area to park and register. Office staff friendly but not that efficient. Access roads to sites paved, well maintained, but tight particularly on corners. Sites are flat and very wide with full-hookups. Quiet. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Large level and wide sites. The streets were a little tight for a 40' motor home - especially with a "decorative" tree circle in the middle of the road and the other route narrowed by orange cones. Great people though and management. The park consists mostly of park models and fifth wheels/trailers that appear to be here most of the year. I do not think that many spaces are available for overnighters. We would stay again. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Large 50'x75'sites on paved streets, trees, and club house. 4 miles East of Payson. Long
term rates, $135 weekly, $290 monthly, $275 4-6 months, $260 7-12 months. Annual, $235 monthly. We camped here in a Motorhome.
This is a Sitgreaves National Forest campground without any hookups or shower facilities. It’s about a half mile west of the popular Woods Canyon Lake camping area. This campground doesn’t have quite the forest feel that some of the other national forest campgrounds in the area have. I believe this is due to a couple of things. The ponderosa pines in this area are small to medium size. The cul-de-sac design, where you park parallel to your site, gives this campground an “in-town” feeling. Each site has a fire ring / grill combo, a picnic table, and an area for tent campers to set up. The layout of the campground felt a little crowded. Adjacent sites had distance but not much in the way of thick vegetation between them. Some sites were right across the loop road from each other. The hosts were very friendly. The vault toilet (only one for the campground) was busy during the weekend we stayed. The real plus was access to the Rim Lakes Vista Trail from within the campground. After 10 minutes of walking, you’ll be at your first outlook from the Mogollon Rim. The views were spectacular from this trail. We would consider staying here again, but would try to avoid summer weekends. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Nice forest service campground in the Ponderosa pines. Has a nice trail leading to the scenic Rim Vista trail or you can bushwhack a fairly short distance to the undeveloped area of the Mogollon Rim. For camping right on the edge of the Rim continue on FR 300 about another mile to FR 9350 on the left. (see the map here http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/maps/images/rim_lakes_map.pdf) We walked there and there were some spectacular RV and tent sites right on the edge of the Rim. We camped here in a Motorhome.
The previous reviews are correct about barking dogs. They are outside the park and bark a lot. When checking in you are given a 3 page list of rules that include things like the type of laundry detergent you can use in the park, not allowed to use your own washer in your RV, nor are you allowed to rinse holding tanks after dumping. They even threaten legal action. Sites are small but shaded and manager is available all the time. We know because we complained at 9:30 at night about dogs barking. We camped here in a Motorhome.
The park is clean and the park manager is a friendly guy who really does a great job of running the place. The problem with this park is the barking dogs. Not the dogs of the park residents, but the 20 dogs in a 360 degree radius surrounding the park that bark constantly. Its almost always constant and it is all night long coming from all directions. I've been told that the authorities are aware of the problem but aren't willing to anything about it. It's bad. We camped here in a Motorhome.
We came here because it was a Recreation USA park. When we arrived we were told it wasn't. We were invited to look elsewhere, but after a long journey, we wanted to settle in. The manager will tell you she doesn't care if you stay or not, and we saw a lot of people turn around and drive away. The price reflects a month long stay, although we are leaving after 20 days. The restrooms gets lots of visitors, people just pulling off the road and using them. However, when we used the shower we were told there would be a $15 charge. The wi-fi is off more than on. Electric is metered. Sewer and water are acceptable, sewer being right under the water faucet. The lot is fine gravel, and the dust flies when the wind blows. Being a good distance from the highway, we expected peace and quiet, but, everyone in the neighborhood, has a least two outdoor dogs, and they bark constantly all night. As is the norm, there are lots of permanent residents, some friendly, some not so much. I only stayed this long since I had business in the area. I would look elsewhere if in the area again. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Nice park located off the main highway, but secluded enough for privacy. Of all the Payson RV parks this is by far the best. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
This is a pleasant campground that is back from the highway, located in a residential area. We stayed one night this Spring while on a short trip around SE Arizona. There was no set pet walk, but a short walk up the hill leads to an undeveloped area in the juniper trees that has some trails. Manager was very nice and available for any questions. A little pricey but not that many established parks in this area. We camped here in a Motorhome.
This RV park is inhabited mostly by permanent residents occupying older RVs, trailers and motorhomes. It appears they keep a few sites for overnight and short term guests. The daily rate is $24, but they accept Passport America members for a nightly rate of $12. $2 extra for electric heat or a/c, $2 for cable TV, $2 for WiFi, etc. $24 is a bit high for this place in my opinion. Sites are all back in, which may be difficult for some rigs. The bathrooms weren't maintained very well and out of TP. The managers were very friendly and courteous. We stayed 4 nights which paid for our PA membership. We have a 34 foot 5th wheel so they put us into their largest spot, which was next to the sewer pump. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
Narrow sites leave no room for awnings, picnic table or fire ring unless you have a small rig under 32'. Water pressure very low. 50amp sites for long term stays, most sites 30amp only. Park seems friendly until they have your money, then they think they can say whatever they like to you and if you don't like it you can leave, and no refunds. WiFi ok for web surfing and email, but will not support streaming movies or Skype. We will not stay here again. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Office staff were extremely friendly and accommodating. We arrived on a Sat. to stay a week, and they only had one site left. They allowed us to stay one night there and move to a better site the next day. This is a great park for kids. The park is dog friendly, but they also do not tolerate barking. A rig parked beside us with small barking dogs that barked for hours, and they were given a warning when we complained. The noisy dogs left the next day. Sites are close but separated by bushes to give some privacy. Most sites are not level, and the park is hilly. We camped here in a Motorhome.
We stay here on a monthly basis, hence our rate is lower than the normal daily. We have stayed here for the past three years during the winter season and are very satisfied with the park, the management and the owners. We like this park because it is not an asphalt parking lot but is truly a campground in the trees but very close to town. I agree it is not for those who demand fancy amenities but it is for those who love the outdoors and a sense of adventure. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
Having looked at some of the previous remarks, I'll add that; yes, the lady at the check in was nice, but looks aren't everything. She was efficient, but didn't even ask the length of my rig before assigning a site. Maybe she saw it as I drove past. (?) I'm not certain I'd want to drive a fifth wheel into this place as there were many hills to negotiate with relatively sharp corners. The site we had was very unlevel. It took 3 inches of leveling and exact placement to get where we could connect to utilities and be level at the same time. The wind was not blowing, but I could see where if it were, sand in the air would be an issue. I did not see roaming pit bulls (or other dogs roaming about unleashed for that matter.) All RVs that were about seemed to be relatively clear of junk or other refuse, (in reply to other posting individuals). There did seem to be a severe problem with erosion, as the park is on a hill and the chief leveling material is sand rather than gravel. A concern I had was that the waste water dumping tube for my site was a good three feet below my site. As a result, I did not use it. The parks has many trees of good size and some of the sites are are placed with several trees between neighbors. I'm not sure I would go back to this park, as the overnight price seemed a bit steep for the winter amenities (pool was covered). Frankly, Payson RV parks could use some competition. We camped here in a Motorhome.
The lady in the office was one of the nicest people I have ever met in a campground. Park has nice shade and sites are nice. Seems as there are a lot of people who live here. It turned nasty on the weekend. Loud party nearby from 6:30 AM until after 10 PM. I have no problem with people being loud and having fun, but at least give the rest of us a break during quiet time. My biggest problem with this park though is the dogs that they let in. The weekend brought 2 huge pit bulls next to us. I went out in the morning and a dog that looked like a hyena-pit bull mix was running loose. We have a 13 pound older poodle that we had to worry about getting attacked. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Charged high season less Good Sam. Pool is not open yet. NARROW pull through sites. Had to trim the shrubs on both sides to put out my slides. Can't get to the basement doors with the slides out. This site was level enough to keep the rear tires on the ground. BUT Sewer connection is above our outlet. Only 30 amp connections at our pull through site. No Cable. One station available on antenna. WI-FI is very slow. Tried myspeedonline.com and would not even complete test. Verizon 3g and phone OK. Pass up this town and go on. We were forced here as there was an accident on 260 to Holbrook for 6+ hours which closed the road. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Stayed one night: they were full we could not get another day. Nice CG, close to attractions, shopping and dining. Dog friendly, but no where to let him off leash. Would stay again. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Well lets start off by telling you there ia a "NO REFUND" policy here. That should be the first clue that this is truly in all the years we have traveled the WORST DUMP I HAVE EVER STAYED AT. OK, its' privately owned, what that translates to is no money or effort in up keep. Most places are for "long termers" this translates to people who store their junky old RVs there. Worse yet the electricity is so bad that you can only run the AC (barely too) or the refridgerator or the microwave, forget using more that one at a time the power is intermittent and poor. No tables or fire pits or BBQ,s because the spaces are so small that you have to park there. This place is a joke, I recommend Walmart parking lot first. The dust bowl is a joke too, don't try to eat ouside unless you like dirt on your food! AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
Although roads were narrow, we had no trouble with a 30' motor home and a tow car. Office was closed on Sunday afternoon, but could do everything at the self-check-in station which had a list of available sites. Had a pull-through that was long enough to stay hitched. These sites are terraced so even though they are narrow, you don't feel like you are right on top of the next rig. Enjoyed walking the dog through the wooded campground. Pool area looked very nice. Very convenient to downtown Payson and whatever you would need. Walking distance to restaurants, grocery, etc. Would stay here again. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Payson Campground and RV Park is aptly named. It has the flavor of a campground with most sites tucked into the trees and some a bit more open for bigger rigs. The sites range from small tent sites to large RV sites and the current staff make a good effort at keeping them reasonably level. As previous reviewers have noted, the roads are dirt and wind through the trees but are certainly navigable by big rigs with drivers who possess an adventurous spirit. If you are looking for a RV parking lot, this is not for you. However, if you like the feel of camping in the forest, with full hookups, but are still in town, it's great! The laundry is fine (although a bit pricey), Wi-Fi is adequate at or near the clubhouse and the restrooms are very clean. Depending on your site choice you may need to drag out the portable TV dish for satellite TV. The only negative I noted is the water system. Water quality is great, water delivery pressure suffers frequently. We plan to camp here again in the future. It is VERY convenient to everything in town. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
This campground was really difficult to navigate in and out of. It was very primitive, and little had been to to make the park setting comfortable, especially for the price. Too bad it's the only RV Park in the area. The people operating the park seemed clueless, and a bit disorganized. I was really unimpressed, and will not return here. The Forest Service campgrounds nearby are a much better option if you are in the Payson area. We camped here in a Motorhome.
This campground was very hilly. A larger motorhome might be nervous. People were quiet and friendly. It is among trees, pleasant. We stayed one night on our maiden voyage and would go back. We camped here in a Motorhome.
If you are in a big rig stay away from this campground. It is dusty, the interior roads are very narrow, the sites short and no where near level. As an x-KOA it also has a lot of trees. We did not stay here, but drove through the park to check it out. We have a 40' motor home with four slides. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Park was very nice and clean. Dusty sites and lots of children. It was not as woodsy and private as we would of liked it to have been. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Very nice kept campground ex KOA. Good clean power and connections. Some sites are cramped but they have others plenty big enough for the biggest rigs. Our's is 40' 5 slides and we had plenty of room. They give a Good Sams discount of 10% We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
Although this RV park is located in the town of Payson, all the sites (and roads) are dirt and average in size. Some sites are level, some are not. No wifi is available and the TV reception can be marginal. The restrooms are excellent, as are the showers and swimming pool. The management is friendly except for the mostly absentee owners. They are a very different story - and don't much care for dogs! There are a few permanent residents living in rather modest RVs here which detract from the park's attempt to be upscale. If it were not for the full service sites, I think a much nicer RV spot would be just north of town (1 mile) in the Forest Service campground. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
No shower and only pit toilets, but a beautiful spot. There are some trails. It is quiet and peaceful. I used my "Geezer Pass" for the half rate. Friendly hosts. We camped here in a Motorhome.
A great, quiet spot to spend a few days. Willow Springs Lake is nearby for fishing and boating. Some trails nearby for hiking or biking. Pit toilets are new and very clean. I was the only camper in the loop, so it was very nice. Friendly hosts. Managed now on contract with Thousand Trails Inc. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Quiet campground just a couple of miles from Payson. Friendly host. No trails. Dump station is $7 and water to fill up is $.25 a gallon. Basic, but worth a stop. We camped here in a Motorhome.
We love it here. The views are amazing. It is all dry camping but dump station and water not too far away. Security gate closes at sundown. The $3.00 per night works with your Golden Age Pass. Must purchase passes from area stores in Mesa. We camped here in a Motorhome.
$10 rate reflects Golden Age Discount. Host very friendly and knowledgeable. All sites paved, mostly level. Verizon air card worked, due to close proximity to town. Only negative, it was 106 degrees, but cooled off some after sunset. Would stay here again but not in summer. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Nice campground with friendly hosts to answer questions. There are tall trees and it's only about 1 mile outside of town. They have warm showers and flush toilets. Showers were $2 for six minutes. A little noisy since it was right off of the freeway. We would definitely camp here again. It might be a little tight for a large RV. We camped here in a Tent Trailer.
This is a very noisy campground next to the highway. We have a 40' motorhome & there are about 12 sites we could fit into although the pull-throughs, while long enough, have such a tight mid-curve with narrow paving & tree branches, that they would require just backing into one end of them. The campground manager (concessioner) had a very happy dog. I had to finally go over and ask her to keep it quiet. She didn't appreciate it. We think that most campgrounds have that rule and for the manager to not oblige is unfortunate. Because of the noise we would only stay one night which driving through the area in the future. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Good access roads and large sites. We have a 37ft motorhome and had plenty of room in a pull through site in the designated RV loop. Also sites are large enough in the Mt. Lion loop which I thought was nicer. It was further from the road noise. Bathrooms clean. Close to town some shaded sites. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Still a little primitive but very nice and very quite. The best part about this campground is how close it is to Payson. I use to tent in this area when I was younger and it was nice to see that it hasnt been over run by urban sprawl. Its a great campground for weekenders but full timers might not find it as appealing. We camped here in a Motorhome.
This site is located north of Payson at the junction of State Hwy. 87 and the Houston Mesa Road/Forest Road (FR) 199. Turn east on FR 199 for 1/10 mile to the Houston Mesa Campground located on the north side of the road. Houston Mesa Horse Campground is located on the south side of the road. This is a very nice Tonto NFS campground. All the roads are paved, as are the sites. Picnic tables and small fire cooking bins are provided. This is a heavily wooded area in ponderosa pine forest location. More importantly, it only 1 mile from the town of Payson. A nice place for the family. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
Our stay at this Tonto National Forest campground was enjoyable. The campground is located about 12 miles northeast of Payson on AZ 260. Under the canopy of the tall pines, we had a sense of really being out in the woods even though it’s convenient to the highway. A sign near the entrance directs you to find a spot. A host will find you later to collect the fee. Some sites had reserved signs, but there were plenty of sites available for walk-ins. We were here on a Friday at the end of April. The campground was not full. Summer weekends might be another matter. The loops and sites where you park are paved. The picnic and campfire areas are on the forest floor. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring/grill combo, and a separate pedestal grill. We stayed at back-in site C2. We needed to use 3” leveling blocks on the front tires due to the incline. Other sites are more level. They also have pull-through sites. This is a dry camping campground without any hookups. Their dump station was closed when we visited. They have drinking water and enclosed vault toilets scattered throughout the campground. You know you’re not alone, but we felt there was plenty of space between sites. We collected dry wood in the forest to use in our campfire. They also sell firewood. We will definitely be staying here again. We camped here in a Motorhome.
While the National Park book shows spur lengths to be 22', there are several on the outer edge that are over 40 feet in length. We took a 50 foot tape measure after talking to the camp host and checked out the sites he recommended. Beautiful, quiet campground which is rarely crowded since it's completely dry-camping. There is a dump station at the camp but was out of service this weekend. Potable water is available at several spots in the campground. We camped here in a Motorhome.
This is a small campground in the Tonto Nat'l Forest just 15 miles outside of Payson off
route 260. It's camping like it's suppose to be. It's located at 5,600 ft just below the Mogollon Rim in a stand of Ponderosa pines. This is one of my favorite places to get away for the week-end and sit by the campfire and relax. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.