Christopher Creek Campground
The camp sites at Christopher Creek Campground on U.S. 260 dot both banks of the creek like beads on a string. The National Forest campground is open from April to October, depending on the weather. Campers have access to clean fresh water and vault toilets, but no hookups. The trade-off: All sites offer grills, picnic tables and campfire rings. Some of the 43 sites can accommodate rigs up to 45 feet. A group site is available by reservation only.
Christopher Creek Campground
Payson Ranger District
1009 E. Hwy 260
Payson, AZ 85541
928-474-7900
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/home.shtml
Tonto Creek Campground
The campground at Upper Tonto Creek is a small, quiet facility, ideal for tent campers and backpackers. The forest service provides fresh water and vault toilets. Campers must to leave with everything they brought, including their trash. The campground is open seasonally, April to October, snow pack permitting. It's a wonderful jumping-off spot for fishing in Horton and Tonto Creeks and hiking along the Derrick and Horton trails.
Upper Tonto Creek Campground
Payson Ranger District
1009 E. Hwy 260
Payson, AZ 85541
928-474-7900
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/home.shtml
Sharp Creek Campground
The 23 sites at Sharp Creek campground spread out in the forest near the tiny village of Christopher Creek. There are no hookups or showers, but the campground does have fresh water and vault toilets. Campers can purchase firewood from the camp host and pick up basic necessities from the little store in town. The campground sits at 6,000 feet elevation, and the snow level determines its opening date in the spring.
Sharp Creek Campground
Payson Ranger District
1009 E. Hwy 260
Payson, AZ 85541
928-474-7900
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/home.shtml
Ponderosa Campground
Ponderosa Campground on the south side of U.S. 260 offers 61 sites for campers who stay in tents or smaller rigs. This Forest Service facility offers fresh water and a waste dump station but no hookups. The two group sites at Ponderosa can handle up to 50 campers each. The campground is in the high pines of Arizona, so it's not accessible in winter. Even during summer months, the nights can be cool.
Ponderosa Campground
Payson Ranger District
1009 E. Hwy 260
Payson, AZ 85541
928-474-7900
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/home.shtml
