Colcord Ridge Campground

Star4.42
82 reviews
Colcord Ridge Campground, Tonto National Forest, Arizona

Quick Facts

7,600 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Tonto National Forest site

Official Website
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Colcord Ridge Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
This is a no-fee site; no passes or fees are required.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(928) 474-7900
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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 82 reviews

75 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"User reviews for Colcord Ridge highlight its peaceful atmosphere, good views, and basic facilities, though some complaints include the condition of vault toilets and heavy day-time traffic. "The pits are nice. The toilets are what you'd expect," noted Fierce Soloist, while others like Josh Bodenhagen criticized the cleanliness."

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Campground Map

Colcord Ridge Campground, Tonto National Forest, Arizona

Colcord Ridge Campground

Colcord Ridge Campground, Tonto National Forest, Arizona

Driving directionsAccess #1 (36 miles east of Payson): From Payson, travel 33 miles east on paved State Hwy. 260. Turn right on unpaved Young Road/Forest Road (FR) 512 and continue 3 miles to Forest Road 33 (unpaved). Colcord Ridge Campground is at the intersection of FR 512 and FR 33. Access #2 (23 miles north of Young): From Young, take unpaved State Hwy. 288/Forest Road (FR) 512 about 23 miles to the site.
FR 512 is an unpaved road. Significant portions of the access routes are unpaved, with conditions varying seasonally. The campground is relatively accessible but requires careful driving on Forest Roads.
Nearby places
Payson (36 miles east, approximately 45-minute drive) and Young (23 miles north, approximately 30-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are most readily available in Payson, approximately 36 miles away from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Colcord Ridge Campground

Experience the full spectrum of mountain weather at Colcord Ridge, where each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Summer brings blissful temperatures that make this high-elevation escape a coveted retreat from the desert heat below. As autumn arrives, crisp nights give way to golden afternoons, while spring awakens the forest with mild days punctuated by cool evenings. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, with temperatures plunging into the teens and frequent snowfall blanketing the pines in pristine white.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers blissful high-elevation temps; noted as ideal season though busier and windy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Cooler fall weather at elevation is pleasant; conifer forest means limited fall color.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Variable mountain weather and late snow possible at 7,600 ft; spring conditions mixed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Snow cover and quiet conditions noted in reviews; winter recreation is informal (play in snow).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not explicitly stated, but summer months are highlighted as ideal.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Year-round; operational hours include quiet time from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
  • Current Alerts: Currently closed for a large-scale clean-up and restoration project; facilities cleaned once a week.

About Colcord Ridge Campground

Perched high on the dramatic Mogollon Rim at 7,600 feet, Colcord Ridge Campground offers a refreshing escape into Arizona's high country. Here, towering Ponderosa pines mingle with fragrant white fir and stately Douglas fir, creating a cool mountain sanctuary perfect for summer adventures. Whether you're casting a line for elusive trout in nearby waters, quietly observing the abundant wildlife, or introducing young campers to their first outdoor overnight experience, this peaceful retreat provides the ideal backdrop. The dispersed camping opportunities allow you to find your own perfect spot among the trees, making it a favorite destination for families seeking to create lasting wilderness memories.
Colcord Ridge Campground offers dispersed camping with options for tent camping and RV access for trailers under 32 feet. "Dispersed camping and site camping," is noted by user MotoDoc ADV.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
First-come, first-served, so no official check-in time.
Check-out
Departure dictated by first-come, first-served policy.
Stay Limit
14 days

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Camping at Colcord Ridge offers opportunities for dispersed camping and outdoor activities such as trout fishing and wildlife viewing. "Trout fishing is available -- 5 miles to the east of Canyon Creek Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery -- 5 miles east on FR 33," states the authoritative content. Wildlife spotting may include elk, deer, and even black bears.
FishingTrout fishing is a highlight, located 5 miles from the campground near Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery, as per the authoritative description.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as black bear, elk, deer, javelina, and mountain lion can be seen in the area. "Wildlife includes black bear, elk, mountain lion, javelina and deer," notes the campground description.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters with black bears and mountain lions. The ridge location is windy, and road dust can be an issue during dry conditions. "Bring a scraper if you plan on using the grills."
Active AlertsCurrently closed for a large-scale clean-up and restoration project; facilities cleaned once a week.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Colcord Ridge Campground

Reviews

4.4
82 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Colcord Ridge Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Colcord Ridge highlight its peaceful atmosphere, good views, and basic facilities, though some complaints include the condition of vault toilets and heavy day-time traffic. "The pits are nice. The toilets are what you'd expect," noted Fierce Soloist, while others like Josh Bodenhagen criticized the cleanliness.
Review Summaries
Based on 82 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the spacious sites, privacy, and scenic views of the Mogollon Rim. "The views are spectacular," says Fierce Soloist. The campground's proximity to trout fishing at Canyon Creek is...
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Based on 82 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints center around the condition of vault toilets being 'disgusting and full of flies' (Josh Bodenhagen), wind blowing road dust onto campers (Mark Handley), and occasional noise from heavy...
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Based on 82 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include bringing extra toilet paper, a grill scraper, and preparing for windy conditions. "Bring a scraper if you plan on using it," advises Fierce Soloist.
Based on 82 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight snow cover and quiet conditions, while summer reviews emphasize heavy use and potential for strong winds.
Based on 82 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "It's nice and quiet. The views are spectacular." - Fierce Soloist 2. "Restrooms cleaned once a week." - Pauline Jorgensen 3. "The vault toilet is quite disgusting and full of flies." - Josh...
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Based on 82 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 13 is specifically recommended as the best site by Michelle Poole.
Based on 82 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews explicitly detail accessibility features.
Based on 82 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related experiences are not explicitly addressed in user reviews.
Based on 82 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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