Christopher Creek

Star4.72
372 reviews
1009 East Highway 260
Family FriendlySwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,640 ft

Price

$24 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

43 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Tonto National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Christopher Creek
$24.00 - $80.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation use fees vary depending on the type of campsite reserved. Standard and tent-only sites have a nightly fee of $24, while group sites are...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$80.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(928) 474-7900
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What Campers Say

4.72

Top-Rated

Based on 372 reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsfriendly

Some mention

crowded

"Christopher Creek Campground is highly praised for its natural beauty, clean facilities, and attentive camp hosts. Many users highlight the creek, wildlife, and hiking opportunities as key attractions. However, concerns about noise, lack of privacy, and occasional maintenance issues have also been expressed."

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Campground Map

1009 East Highway 260

Christopher Creek

1009 East Highway 260

Driving directionsFrom 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.
Road access to Christopher Creek is facilitated by paved roads leading up to the campground. There is no mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain. Roads within the campground are paved.
Nearby places
Payson, AZ (21 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries and fuel, can be found in Payson, AZ, which is approximately 21 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Christopher Creek

Experience the refreshing embrace of mountain weather at Christopher Creek, where crisp, dry air carries the scent of pine and adventure. Fall brings nature's perfect camping conditions, with sun-warmed days in the comfortable low 70s transitioning to cozy evenings around the campfire as temperatures dip into the 40s. Summer visitors discover a natural oasis where the creek's gentle murmur and cool waters provide welcome relief from warmer days, creating an ideal microclimate for outdoor exploration.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Swimming holes popular in summer but increased activity leads to noise complaints.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in AZ

Fall called 'perfect camping conditions' with pleasant weather and great scenery; reviews favor fall.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in AZ

Spring popular: creek flow better and trout are stocked; reviewers praise spring visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov 3–Apr 1; winter season not applicable for on-site camping.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 - November 3.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open from May 1 to November 3 during the reservable season. It is closed from November 3 to April 1.
  • Current Alerts: Flooding of Christopher Creek has occurred in the past, temporarily closing access to some campsites.

About Christopher Creek

Nestled along the babbling waters of a pristine spring-fed creek, Christopher Creek Campground invites you to experience the magic of Arizona's high country. With 43 thoughtfully placed campsites straddling both banks of the creek, this forest sanctuary creates the perfect backdrop for family adventures and peaceful retreats. Whether you're planning an intimate getaway or organizing a group gathering, the campground's versatile facilities and natural charm offer something special for every outdoor enthusiast.
Christopher Creek Campground caters to different camping styles, with options for tent camping, trailer camping (up to 22 feet), and group camping. The natural setting makes it ideal for families, small groups, and individuals seeking a peaceful retreat.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a range of activities that cater to both adventure-seekers and those looking to relax. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the creek. The location near Woods Canyon Lake also provides opportunities for boating and nature walks.
HikingThe campground is surrounded by trails that are suitable for various skill levels. Nearby trails include See Spring, Highline Trail, and Horton Creek. One user said, 'There are good hiking trails close to the campground (See Spring, Highline Trail, Horton Creek, etc.) and the creek running the campground is a welcomed treat.'
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Christopher Creek, where the creek is stocked with rainbow trout each spring. Other types of fish include brook and brown trout. A reviewer mentioned, 'The creek was flowing and my friend's grandson caught 4 trout.'
SwimmingThe campground features three swimming holes where visitors can cool off during the summer. However, water levels can vary seasonally, as one reviewer noted, 'The creek is the lowest it has been in years due to AZ's poor monsoon season.'
BikingMountain biking is available as a recreational activity; however, detailed descriptions of the trails are limited.
BoatingVisitors can drive 10 minutes to Woods Canyon Lake, one of the most popular recreational lakes in Arizona, which offers boating and a scenic nature trail. 'Rim Country Lakes are about a 10-minute drive east... Woods Canyon Lake is one of the most popular recreational lakes in the state.'
Wildlife viewingThe campground provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors have reported seeing deer, coyotes, and even bear tracks. 'The creek at Christopher Creek is lovely! We hiked along it one day and played in it another. The only issue was a lot of hornets around our site.'
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is a noted hazard; campers must use bear-proof lockers for food storage. Coyotes have also been sighted.
Active AlertsFlooding of Christopher Creek has occurred in the past, temporarily closing access to some campsites.
Food Storage RequiredAll sites are equipped with bear-proof food storage lockers, which campers are required to use for storing food and scented items.

Weather at Christopher Creek

Reviews

4.7
372 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Christopher Creek is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Christopher Creek Campground is highly praised for its natural beauty, clean facilities, and attentive camp hosts. Many users highlight the creek, wildlife, and hiking opportunities as key attractions. However, concerns about noise, lack of privacy, and occasional maintenance issues have also been expressed.
Review Summaries
Based on 372 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently praise the clean bathrooms, natural setting, and friendly camp hosts. Comments include 'The restrooms were very well kept up with' and 'Roger, the host, is so nice and friendly!'
Based on 372 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring complaints include noisy neighbors, lack of site privacy, and maintenance issues. One reviewer said, 'Campers on top of campers and not peaceful at all,' while another noted, 'The creek was...
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Based on 372 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Bring earplugs during peak seasons to block out potential noise. 2. Stock up on firewood before arrival, as it’s not sold on-site. 3. Research individual sites to find the best fit for your setup...
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Based on 372 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is particularly popular in spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and the creek flow is better. Summer sees increased activity, often leading to noise complaints. Winter...
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Based on 372 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Our campsite was about 45 steps to the creek which was beautiful.' 2. 'Bathrooms were very clean for camping bathrooms and many locations so there was never a line.' 3. 'What has happened to...
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Based on 372 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 17 is frequently praised for its spaciousness and proximity to the creek: 'Spent a couple nights at Christopher Creek Campground from Sunday to Tues. We camped at site number 17 which I believe...
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Based on 372 reviews

Accessibility Features

Camp hosts have been noted for their support of visitors with disabilities. One review mentioned, 'The camp hosts were super helpful, even pointing out a handicap-accessible camping pot for my next...
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Based on 372 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, with many users mentioning positive experiences camping with their dogs. 'The campground is great. Our dogs got to play in the creek and it was beautiful to get to...
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Based on 372 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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