Christopher Creek Campground
Payson, Arizona
| Address: | Christopher Creek Campgrounds Access, Payson, AZ 85541, USA |
| GPS: |
34°18'46.2"N 111°2'19.7"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Arizona |
| Trails/Routes: | 1.1 mi |
Restrooms Rivers Trails Rocks Pet Friendly Fishing Motorized Use
Camp, Canyoneer, Cross Country Ski, Hike, and Swim
Christopher Creek is a popular campground situated just east of Payson, nestled between the Christopher Creek river, and the town of the same name. This site is used for both overnight and day-use stays in the canyon, and has amenities such as picnic tables, pit toilets, grills, campfire rings, and drinking water. There are several swimming holes along the adjacent river, as well as a couple small waterfalls. The creek is stocked with trout each spring, making it and the nearby lakes a great destination for fishing. The site is closed to camping from October until April, but is available for cross-country skiing during the snowy winter.
The campground crosses over the creek, providing some opportunities for swimming and hiking. Other nearby attractions include hiking and canyoneering in the neighboring gorge, or horseback riding at ranches down the road.
Bear activity has been noticed in the area, and the U. S. Forest Service would like to remind any visitors to take necessary precautions, especially when storing food overnight.
Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov, and can be made up to three days or as far as 6 months in advance.
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Payson, Arizona
- Head northeast on AZ-87 N toward E Frontier St (0.7 mi)
- Turn right onto AZ-260 E (19.7 mi)
- Turn right onto Christopher Creek Campgrounds Access (118 ft)
Trails
Distance ?
1.1 milesReal Ascent ?
105 feetReal Descent ?
171 feetGrade (-8° to 7°)
-14% to 12%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.