Sharp Creek

4.61

427 reviews

1009 East Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541, USA

Featured in:Primitive Camping Arizona#2 Family-Friendly Campgrounds Arizona Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Arizona +3 more

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$29 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Peak season: May 1 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service - Tonto National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$29 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Peak season: May 1 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service - Tonto National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Sharp Creek

$29.00 - $150.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season rates for individual sites (standard nonelectric, tent-only nonelectric) are $29 per night, while group sites cost $150 per night. Rates...

Standard Site Fee$29.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$150.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

928-474-7900

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What Campers Say

4.61

Top-Rated

Based on 427 reviews

223 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousfriendlywell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with frequent mentions of clean facilities, friendly hosts, and spacious sites. Periodic concerns include road noise, proximity of sites, and lack of certain amenities like hookups."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1009 East Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541, USA

Sharp Creek

1009 East Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541, USA

Driving directionsFrom Payson, take Highway 260 east for 23 miles. The campground is on the south side of Highway 260 approximately 1.5 miles east of Christopher Creek.

Road access is convenient via paved Highway 260. Accessibility remains consistent year-round, though travelers should note seasonal closures or forest fire-related restrictions.

Nearby places

Payson (23 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car)

Christopher Creek (1.5 miles, approximately 5 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Basic groceries and supplies are available in Christopher Creek less than a mile away, with more extensive shopping options in Payson (23 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Sharp Creek

Sharp Creek's high-country location creates a delightful climate that changes with the seasons. Spring and fall bring crisp, invigorating air with temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring. During Arizona's monsoon season, afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll through, bringing the fresh scent of rain on pine needles and dramatic cloud formations over the rim. Summer offers a cool mountain refuge when the desert below swelters, with temperatures often 20-30 degrees cooler than Phoenix or Tucson. Winter transforms the landscape into a potential wonderland, where snow may dust the ponderosa pines and nighttime temperatures dip below freezing, creating a cozy atmosphere for those prepared with warm gear.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Elevation mitigates heat but monsoon rains and peak-season crowds can affect summer stays.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in AZ

Fall noted as ideal: crisp air, moderate temps, fewer crowds and great hiking conditions.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in AZ

Spring described as ideal with crisp temperatures and excellent hiking before peak crowds.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground peak season May 1–Nov 3; out-of-season reservations unavailable (winter closure implied).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1–November 3 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season: May 1 to November 3. Out-of-season reservations unavailable.
Current Alerts: Forest fire-related alerts and seasonal closures may occur during dry conditions. Campers are advised to check local advisories before visiting.

About Sharp Creek

Nestled in Arizona's high country, Sharp Creek Campground offers an intimate escape with 28 thoughtfully positioned sites across three distinct loops. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers with 19 reservable sites for those who plan ahead and 9 first-come, first-served spots for spontaneous explorers. Whether you're casting a line in crystal-clear waters, setting off on scenic trails, or gathering around the campfire with loved ones, Sharp Creek provides the perfect basecamp. Each site comes fully equipped with your camping essentials: a sturdy picnic table for meals under towering pines, a fire pit and grill for evening cookouts, and a convenient lantern holder to light your way. For larger gatherings, spacious group sites can comfortably host up to 75 people, making it ideal for family reunions or outdoor celebrations.

Sharp Creek features diverse camping accommodations, including tent-only sites, RV-friendly sites, and three spacious group campsites. The group sites can accommodate up to 75 people each and are ideal for large gatherings.

Historical SignificanceThe majestic Mogollon Rim serves as nature's grand amphitheater, rising dramatically above Sharp Creek Campground. This geological marvel has shaped Arizona's landscape for millions of years, creating a natural boundary that separates the cool pine forests of the Colorado Plateau from the sun-baked deserts below. The rim's towering presence has influenced everything from weather patterns to human settlement, making this area a crossroads where diverse ecosystems meet and ancient geological forces continue to tell their story through every exposed rock layer and carved canyon.

Weather and SeasonsSharp Creek's high-country location creates a delightful climate that changes with the seasons. Spring and fall bring crisp, invigorating air with temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring. During Arizona's monsoon season, afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll through, bringing the fresh scent of rain on pine needles and dramatic cloud formations over the rim. Summer offers a cool mountain refuge when the desert below swelters, with temperatures often 20-30 degrees cooler than Phoenix or Tucson. Winter transforms the landscape into a potential wonderland, where snow may dust the ponderosa pines and nighttime temperatures dip below freezing, creating a cozy atmosphere for those prepared with warm gear.

ElevationPerched at 6,000 feet above sea level, Sharp Creek Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat that feels worlds away from Arizona's famous desert landscapes. This elevation gifts visitors with naturally air-conditioned summers, where afternoon breezes whisper through the pines while the desert valleys below shimmer in triple-digit heat. The thin mountain air adds a crispness to every breath, and the higher altitude means cooler nights perfect for stargazing and campfire stories.

Natural Features and SceneryAt 6,000 feet, Sharp Creek Campground immerses you in a cathedral of towering ponderosa pines, their vanilla-scented bark and needle-carpeted floor creating a sensory experience unique to Arizona's high country. The crystalline waters of nearby Christopher Creek dance over smooth stones, providing both a soothing soundtrack and opportunities for quiet reflection or playful splashing. Above it all, the dramatic escarpment of the Mogollon Rim dominates the horizon, its ancient cliffs catching the golden light of sunrise and painting shadows across the forest floor as the day progresses.

Geological RegionSharp Creek Campground rests in the geological wonderland below the Mogollon Rim, where central Arizona's landscape tells a story written in stone. This remarkable region showcases nature's artistry through sculpted canyons carved by patient streams and dramatic fault lines that lifted the rim skyward. The surrounding ponderosa pine forests thrive in the rich soils deposited over millennia, while the rim itself stands as a testament to the powerful forces of erosion and tectonic activity that continue to shape this dynamic landscape. Here, visitors can witness firsthand the intersection of geological time and natural beauty that makes Arizona's high country so extraordinary.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time begins at 2:00 PM local time.

Check-out

Check-out time is by 12:00 PM local time.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy of 8 guests per individual site.

Groups

Group campsites can accommodate up to 75 individuals and include amenities such as a giant fire ring, grills, picnic tables, and ramada shelters. These sites are more open compared to individual sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into three loops (Oak, Juniper, and Pine). Sites are well-spaced with asphalt pads. Group sites are located in a separate loop.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov or via the mobile app. Reservations must be made 6 months in advance for individual sites.

Walk-in Availability9 out of 28 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment for these sites must be done on-site via fee machine or mobile app (no cash accepted).

Cancellation PolicyStandard reservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellation fees apply if canceled within one day of arrival for individual campsites; additional fees may apply for group sites. Refunds exclude reservation service fees.

AccessibilitySeveral reviews highlight accessibility features, including handicapped-accessible campsites. The campground has level asphalt pads suitable for wheelchairs and provides easy access to water spigots and vault toilets.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and well-maintained, accommodating various tent sizes and RVs up to 37 feet.

PrivacyMixed reviews regarding privacy—while some sites are well-spaced and offer a secluded experience, others are noted as being close together, reducing privacy.

Total Campsites28 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites in Juniper Loop for quieter stays and more shaded areas. Oak Loop is better for proximity to amenities like water spigots.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Sharp Creek Campground offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. Nearby Christopher Creek is ideal for trout fishing, and the historic Highline National Recreational Trail provides hiking opportunities with scenic views of the Mogollon Rim. Willow Springs and Woods Canyon Lakes offer boating and additional fishing opportunities.

HikingThe nearby Highline National Recreational Trail spans 51 miles and is accessible from the 260 Trail three miles east of the campground, offering picturesque views along the Mogollon Rim. Other trails include Horton Creek and See Canyon for hiking and exploring.

FishingFishing options include trout fishing in Christopher Creek less than a mile from the campground and fishing opportunities at Woods Canyon and Willow Springs Lakes located 10 minutes away.

BoatingBoating is permitted on Willow Springs and Woods Canyon Lakes, situated within a 10-minute drive from Sharp Creek.

Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include elk, coyotes, and occasionally bears. Visitors have described nighttime elk bugling and coyote yipping as part of the camping experience.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsIncreased bear activity due to drought conditions requires secure food storage practices. Wildlife such as elk and coyotes are frequently spotted. Proximity to Highway 260 may result in noise pollution.

Active AlertsForest fire-related alerts and seasonal closures may occur during dry conditions. Campers are advised to check local advisories before visiting.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed within designated fire pits. Firewood is not sold on-site; campers must purchase externally and follow restrictions on moving firewood to prevent pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are typically observed from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include Payson Hospital (23 miles away), local police and fire services in Payson, and ranger stations within Tonto National Forest.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans are placed throughout the campground for convenience. Recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.

Water FeaturesChristopher Creek is less than a mile away and offers trout fishing. Two lakes (Willow Springs and Woods Canyon) are nearby for boating and additional fishing opportunities.

Camp HostHosts Donna and Sammy are frequently praised as helpful, friendly, and maintaining clean facilities. Negative reviews cite occasional rudeness or over-enforcement of rules.

Weather at Sharp Creek

Reviews

4.6

427 reviews

Top-Rated

Sharp Creek is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with frequent mentions of clean facilities, friendly hosts, and spacious sites. Periodic concerns include road noise, proximity of sites, and lack of certain amenities like hookups.

Review Summaries

Based on 427 reviews

What Campers Love

Campground cleanliness, well-maintained vault toilets, helpful and friendly hosts, and spacious campsites are commonly praised. Hosts Donna and Sammy receive frequent commendations for their...

Based on 427 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include highway noise, closely spaced campsites reducing privacy, and strict enforcement of rules by hosts. Occasional issues with generators and limited amenities like no showers and no...

Based on 427 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend arriving early to reserve first-come, first-serve sites, bringing additional tables or canopies for extra shade, and preparing for bear activity by securing food items. Group sites...

Based on 427 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are noted as ideal seasons due to moderate temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot, but the elevation helps mitigate extreme conditions. Monsoon season brings rain, which...

Based on 427 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful clean campground with spacious sites. Hosts Donna and Sammy were a pleasure to talk to." - Brenda DeMuth. "Vault toilets were the cleanest and best smelling ever." - Carol Leckie. "The...

Based on 427 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #2 is noted for privacy, while #24 is highlighted for its seclusion and quietness. Group sites are praised for ample space but critiqued for a lack of seclusion. Loop Oak features spacious...

Based on 427 reviews