Fr 171 Campground

Introduction / Overview

For those who cherish the feeling of solitude and a true connection with nature, FR 171 Campground offers a quintessential Arizona high-country camping experience. Located on the scenic Old Rim Road near Payson, this site is a favored destination for campers who prefer to be "away from people." Unlike a traditional, crowded campground with closely packed sites, FR 171 features widely spaced, dispersed campsites scattered along the forest road. This design is what makes it so appealing to those who seek peace and privacy.

The campground provides a back-to-basics approach to camping, focusing on the natural environment rather than extensive amenities. While there are a few essential conveniences like restrooms and running water, the main highlight is the freedom and space it offers. Visitors consistently rave about the distance between sites, with some noting that their campsite was at least 50 yards from their neighbors. This is a rare find in many popular camping areas and is the key to the quiet and serene atmosphere that defines FR 171.

Beyond the solitude, the campground is set against a backdrop of stunning scenery, with tall Ponderosa pines and a rugged landscape. This environment is perfect for picnics and general enjoyment of the outdoors. The at-a-glance information suggests that while there is a camping fee, recent reviews indicate that camping here is often free. This is a significant bonus for budget-conscious travelers and makes the high-quality experience even more valuable. The fact that spots are often available even on a Saturday is a testament to the number of sites and their well-spaced layout.

It is important for prospective campers to be prepared for a slightly more rustic experience. The driveways to some sites can be challenging, with large rocks that require careful navigation, so it's a good idea to check out a site before committing. The road may also see some intermittent ATV traffic, but it is not constant and does not detract from the overall peacefulness. FR 171 Campground embodies the spirit of adventurous, self-sufficient camping, providing a beautiful and tranquil setting where the best parts of nature can be enjoyed without the crowds.

Location and Accessibility

FR 171 Campground is located on Old Rim Rd, near Payson, AZ 85541, USA. Its position places it high up in the mountains, a short distance from the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. This is a prime location for those looking to escape the heat of the lower elevations and enjoy the cooler temperatures and fragrant air of Arizona's high country.

The campground is accessible by vehicle, with on-site parking available at each site. However, as noted in reviews, the driveways to some sites can be a bit rugged, with giant rocks, so checking the access path before settling in is a wise practice. For the most part, though, the road along the sites is manageable, even for some larger rigs, as reported by campers. The proximity to the Mogollon Rim means that beautiful scenic overlooks are just a short walk or drive away, providing some of the most breathtaking views in the state. Its location also offers a convenient starting point for exploring other nearby attractions and hikes in the Tonto National Forest. The peaceful seclusion of the site, despite its accessibility, is what makes it so special.

Services Offered

• Running Water: Potable water is available at the campground.
• Restrooms: Restroom facilities are provided for campers.
• Tent Sites: Designated spots are available for tent camping.
• On-site Parking: Parking is available directly at the campsites.
• Picnic Areas: The natural setting is ideal for picnicking.

Features / Highlights

• Solitude and Privacy: Sites are widely spaced, offering a high degree of privacy.
• No Camping Fee: As noted by campers, the campground is often free, making it a great value.
• Family-Friendly: The campground is noted to be a good place for kids.
• Beautiful Scenery: Situated in a stunning, forested area with a nice fire pit at each site and incredible views nearby.
• Spacious Sites: Campsites are well spread out, allowing for a comfortable and uncrowded experience.
• Tent Sites: Well-suited for tent camping, with a variety of spots available.
• Easy Access to the Rim: A short walk or drive to the Mogollon Rim provides breathtaking vistas.

Contact Information

Phone: (928) 333-4301

Address: Old Rim Rd, Payson, AZ 85541, USA

What is worth choosing

FR 171 Campground is the perfect choice for the Arizona camper who values space, solitude, and the raw beauty of nature above all else. What makes it so worthwhile is the rare combination of a secluded atmosphere with the convenience of a few essential amenities. Finding a campsite on a Saturday, a feat nearly impossible at many popular campgrounds, is a testament to the spacious and well-laid-out nature of this area. The ability to find a spot a significant distance from your neighbors, as highlighted by a camper who enjoyed a 50-yard buffer, is a priceless feature for those who want to truly get away from it all.

The fact that camping is often free here is an enormous bonus, making a stay at FR 171 not only a great experience but also a fantastic value. This is a place where you can spend your money on other adventures or simply enjoy the freedom of a low-cost getaway. The beautiful scenery, including the surrounding pine forests and the easy access to the stunning Mogollon Rim, provides a constant backdrop of natural wonder. This is the kind of place that invites you to put down your phone, light a fire in the designated pit, and simply soak in the quiet beauty of the forest.

While the access to some sites may be a bit rugged, this is a small price to pay for the peace and privacy that FR 171 offers. It’s a place that rewards those who are prepared for a more authentic, self-sufficient camping trip. The blend of a peaceful, dispersed camping experience with the basic comforts of restrooms and running water makes it an ideal middle ground between primitive backpacking and a full-service RV park. For families with kids or individuals who crave a true sense of seclusion in one of Arizona's most beautiful natural areas, FR 171 Campground is a highly recommended and truly special destination.

Fr 171 Campground

Old Rim Rd, Payson, AZ 85541, USA