Overview With an elevation of 5640 ft, Christopher Creek Campground's crisp, fresh air and vibrant views are a joy to behold. The campground is tucked along the banks of the spring-fed Christopher Creek, which passes just below the Mogollon Rim. This campground is typically open April-November. The Mogollon Rim, pronou…
Overview With an elevation of 5640 ft, Christopher Creek Campground's crisp, fresh air and vibrant views are a joy to behold. The campground is tucked along the banks of the spring-fed Christopher Creek, which passes just below the Mogollon Rim. This campground is typically open 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.Access the National Recreation Highline trail close by.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. There is a separate day use/picnic area within the campground. Please note if you park and use this area it is a separate fee, covered under the Tonto Pass program. 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
Photos
Christopher Creek Campground Entrance Sign — USFSChristopher Creek Campground views of tall pines and restroom building. — USFSChristopher Creek Campground picnic area — USFSChristopher Creek Campground Restroom — USFSChristopher Creek Campground group site camping space. — USFSChristopher Creek Campground picnic area with restroom building. — USFSChristopher Creek — USFSChristopher Creek Campground group site parking and restroom. — USFSChristopher Creek Entrance Sign — USFS
How to Get There
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.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to CHRISTOPHER CREEK
Heading to CHRISTOPHER CREEK? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for CHRISTOPHER CREEK?
No central reservation system listed for CHRISTOPHER CREEK. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231896) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at CHRISTOPHER CREEK?
CHRISTOPHER CREEK has 44 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to CHRISTOPHER CREEK?
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.
