Upper Canyon Creek Campground
4.58120 reviews1009 E. Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541
Quick Facts
6,600 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Open from April 1 - ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
6,600 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Open from April 1 - ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsUpper Canyon Creek Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site. It operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider(928) 474-7900
What Campers Say
4.58
Top-Rated
Based on 120 reviews
391 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanshade
"User reviews for Upper Canyon Creek Campground are sparse, with most observations focusing on the natural beauty, fishing opportunities, and the limited amenities. Campers emphasize its appeal as a quiet, remote, and rustic camping experience."
Fees & Passes at Upper Canyon Creek Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14-day stay limit.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Payson Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Upper Canyon Creek Campground
At 6,600 feet elevation, Upper Canyon Creek offers a refreshing mountain climate that provides welcome relief from summer heat. While winter nights can plunge into the teens, bringing a crystalline beauty to the forest, summer visitors enjoy delightfully mild days perfect for hiking and evenings cool enough for campfire storytelling. Pack layers to fully embrace the mountain's ever-changing moods throughout your stay.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open from April 1 - November 1.
About Upper Canyon Creek Campground
Escape to Upper Canyon Creek Campground, where towering Ponderosa pines, white firs, and Douglas firs create a cathedral-like canopy above your dispersed camping adventure. This hidden gem invites you to pitch your tent beneath ancient trees while the melodic sounds of Canyon Creek drift through the forest. Anglers will discover a rainbow trout paradise in the creek's crystal-clear waters, making this the perfect basecamp for those seeking both tranquility and world-class fishing.
Upper Canyon Creek Campground is a dispersed camping area with 10 first-come, first-served campsites. The campground is designed for primitive camping and is not equipped for RVs over 16 feet.
Historical SignificanceThis pristine wilderness remains untouched by documented historical events, offering visitors a chance to create their own stories and connections with the natural world.
Weather and SeasonsAt 6,600 feet elevation, Upper Canyon Creek offers a refreshing mountain climate that provides welcome relief from summer heat. While winter nights can plunge into the teens, bringing a crystalline beauty to the forest, summer visitors enjoy delightfully mild days perfect for hiking and evenings cool enough for campfire storytelling. Pack layers to fully embrace the mountain's ever-changing moods throughout your stay.
ElevationPerched at 6,600 feet above sea level, this high-altitude haven delivers crisp mountain air and naturally air-conditioned summers. The elevation creates an alpine microclimate where morning mist dances through the trees and afternoon thunderstorms bring dramatic skies, followed by spectacular star-filled nights unobscured by city lights.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanting old-growth forest where massive Ponderosa pines stretch skyward alongside graceful white firs and stately Douglas firs, their intertwining branches creating a natural sanctuary. Canyon Creek winds through this verdant landscape, its pristine waters home to native rainbow trout that flash silver in dappled sunlight. The forest floor, carpeted with pine needles and wildflowers, invites exploration while the creek's gentle babble provides nature's perfect soundtrack.
Geological RegionNestled within a remarkable ecosystem where three distinct conifer species thrive together, Upper Canyon Creek showcases nature's perfect harmony. The mature Ponderosa pine forest, interspersed with white and Douglas firs, creates diverse habitats that support abundant wildlife. Canyon Creek has carved its path through this landscape over millennia, creating pools and riffles that rainbow trout call home, making this geological wonderland a fly fisher's dream destination.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in the authoritative content.
Sites SizeThe campground has 10 designated dispersed campsites, suitable for vehicles with trailers under 16 feet.
Sites PrivacySites are dispersed and set in a natural forest, offering some level of privacy although specific site spacing details are not provided.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned, and the campground appears to cater to smaller, individual camping parties.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 10 designated dispersed campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 1 - November 1.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is popular for its fishing opportunities in Canyon Creek, which is stocked with rainbow trout and managed for a four-trout limit with restrictions to artificial flies and lures only. Wildlife viewing is another notable activity, with species like Abert squirrel and black bear seen in the area. Hunting is also permitted in the surrounding forest.
Fishing
Fishing in Canyon Creek is a highlight, with a four-trout limit and restrictions to artificial flies and lures. The nearby Arizona Game and Fish Department Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery complements this activity.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is significant, with species such as Abert squirrels and black bears commonly seen.Winter Activities
During winter, the area experiences temperatures that can dip into the teens, but specific winter activities like snowshoeing or skiing are not detailed.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned in the authoritative content.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Bear-proof your campfire setup to avoid wildlife disturbances.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include black bears and adverse road conditions following heavy rain or snow.
Weather at Upper Canyon Creek Campground
49
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 14.5 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services closest to the campground are located at Payson Ranger Station (1009 E. Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541).
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash services are not available. Campers must pack out all trash under the 'Pack It In, Pack It Out' policy.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Canyon Creek, which is popular for trout fishing.
HostContact the Payson Ranger District for assistance.
Campground Map
1009 E. Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541
Driving directionsAccess #1 (41 miles east of Payson): From Payson, travel 33 miles east on paved State Hwy. 260. Turn right on Young Road/Forest Road (FR) 512, and continue on for 3 miles to FR 33 (unpaved). Turn left on FR 33 and travel 1 1/2 miles to the site. Access #2 (28 miles north of Young): From Young, take State Hwy. 288/Forest Road (FR) 512 north for 23 miles to FR 33. Turn right onto FR 33. Taking FR 33, it’s about 5 miles to the site.
Both FR 512 and FR 33 are unpaved roads. Four-wheel drive or chains are advised after heavy rains or snow. Trailers must be under 16 feet.Nearby places
Payson (41 miles), Young (28 miles north)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Payson, approximately 41 miles away. Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials can be found there.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
120 reviews
Upper Canyon Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Upper Canyon Creek Campground are sparse, with most observations focusing on the natural beauty, fishing opportunities, and the limited amenities. Campers emphasize its appeal as a quiet, remote, and rustic camping experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 120 reviews
What Campers Love
Frequent mentions of the beautiful natural setting, abundant fishing opportunities, and the tranquil, remote atmosphere of the campground. Campers enjoy the shade provided by Ponderosa pines and the...
Based on 120 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some campers note the lack of potable water, the 'pack it in, pack it out' policy requiring them to handle their own trash, and the absence of showers or flush toilets.
Based on 120 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend being fully self-sufficient, bringing sufficient water and trash bags, and preparing for encounters with wildlife, including using bear-proof storage for food.
Based on 120 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open from April 1 to November 1, with reviews indicating it is most popular in the summer months due to pleasant weather and abundant outdoor activities.
Based on 120 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Canyon Creek is popular among anglers fishing for rainbow trout." - Authoritative Source. "Pack it in, pack it out!" - Authoritative Source.
Based on 120 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
The campground features 10 designated campsites, but no specific site numbers or detailed reviews of individual sites are provided.
Based on 120 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility issues are not mentioned in the user reviews or authoritative content.
Based on 120 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews or policies about pets are mentioned.
Based on 120 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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