Sharp Creek Campground

For Arizonans looking to trade the urban landscape for the serenity of the pines, Sharp Creek Campground in Payson offers a compelling solution. Situated within the vast Tonto National Forest, this campground provides a quintessential high-country camping experience. It’s a place where the air is crisp, the nights are cool, and the sounds of nature replace the everyday hustle and bustle. Sharp Creek is a versatile campground, catering to both RV enthusiasts and traditional tent campers, making it an excellent choice for a wide variety of outdoor lovers. Its proximity to Payson and the famous Mogollon Rim means you're never far from adventure, whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a peaceful spot for a picnic.

One of the most appealing aspects of Sharp Creek is its ability to feel secluded and quiet, even while being relatively close to a major highway. This balance is a significant draw for campers who want the convenience of easy access but the feel of being deep in the wilderness. The campground is well-spaced, with many sites offering a sense of privacy and separation from your neighbors. The presence of a creek, which runs with water during the wetter months, adds to the tranquil atmosphere and provides a beautiful natural feature to explore. This combination of accessibility and a quiet, natural environment makes Sharp Creek a top contender for a weekend escape from the heat and noise of the city.

Sharp Creek is also a great example of an outdoor space designed for shared enjoyment. It’s a place where families can come together, dogs are welcome, and a variety of activities, from hiking to picnicking, are easily accessible. The campground’s focus on providing a foundational set of amenities—such as free on-site parking and basic hookups—makes it a practical choice for campers who are self-sufficient but still appreciate some comforts. While a few visitors have noted inconsistent maintenance of certain facilities, the majority of reviews praise the overall cleanliness and beauty of the sites themselves, highlighting the campground's potential as a go-to destination for a peaceful and scenic outing.

It is always recommended to check current fire restrictions and conditions before visiting, as these can change quickly in Arizona's forests. Being prepared and following all local guidelines ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Sharp Creek Campground is located near Payson, Arizona, within the Tonto National Forest, at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet. The address is Payson, AZ 85541, USA. It is situated off of State Highway 260, making it very easy to reach by car from Payson and other parts of Arizona. The campground's location provides a convenient base for exploring the diverse landscapes of the Mogollon Rim country. The scenic drive to the campground, winding through pine forests, sets the tone for a relaxing mountain getaway.

The site is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that individuals of all abilities can enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The availability of free on-site parking is a significant convenience, allowing campers to easily park their vehicles close to their sites without additional fees. The campground’s design, with its paved roads, makes it easily navigable for both small cars and large RVs, eliminating the stress of tricky, unpaved forest roads.

While a few reviews mention some noise from the nearby highway, this is often a trade-off for the excellent accessibility and convenience. For many, the pros of a quick and easy drive outweigh the minor noise from passing vehicles. The campground's strategic location also puts it within a short drive of Christopher Creek, a popular spot for fishing and picnicking, as well as the Rim Lakes, which offer boating and additional recreational opportunities.

Sharp Creek Campground provides a variety of services to make your stay more comfortable, catering to both RV and tent campers.

• RV Camping: The campground is well-suited for RVs, with spacious sites that can accommodate a range of vehicle sizes.
• RV Hookups: For those with recreational vehicles, the campground offers both RV electric hookup and RV water hookup at select sites, providing essential comforts.
• Parking: Free on-site parking is available, ensuring easy and convenient access to your campsite.
• Children: The campground is noted for being good for kids, with open spaces for play and kid-friendly hikes in the surrounding area.
• Pets: Dogs are allowed, as long as they are on a leash and campers adhere to all pet regulations. This makes it a great option for families who want to bring their four-legged companions.
• Accessibility: The campground has a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, demonstrating its commitment to being an inclusive outdoor space.

It is important to note that while there are amenities like vault toilets and running water, the condition of these facilities can be inconsistent, as some campers have noted. It is always wise to be prepared with your own supplies and to be self-sufficient, as is good practice for any camping trip.

Sharp Creek Campground is rich with features that make it a standout destination for those seeking a high-country escape.

• Quiet and Beautiful Sites: Despite being near the highway, the campground is often described as very quiet and peaceful, particularly on weekdays. The sites are large and well-spaced, providing a sense of privacy and seclusion.
• Picnic-Friendly Environment: The campground is a great spot for picnics, with ample space and a scenic backdrop. Picnic tables and grills are available at most sites, making it easy to enjoy an outdoor meal.
• Hiking Opportunities: The area is a hiker's paradise, with a variety of trails accessible from the campground. The presence of kid-friendly hikes is a huge plus for families who want to explore the trails together.
• Pet-Friendly: The welcoming policy for dogs means you don’t have to leave your furry friend at home. The forested environment provides a great space for leashed walks and exploration.
• RV-Ready: With RV electric and water hookups, this campground caters to RVers who want a more comfortable camping experience without sacrificing the feel of being in nature.

For reservations and general inquiries, it is best to contact the official phone numbers provided or check the Recreation.gov website for booking.

• Address: Payson, AZ 85541, USA
• Phone: (928) 474-7900
• Mobile Phone: +1 928-474-7900

For Arizonans, choosing Sharp Creek Campground is a smart decision for several key reasons. First, its location near Payson makes it a highly accessible and convenient weekend getaway from the state's major metropolitan areas. You can quickly trade the desert heat for the cool, crisp air of the Tonto National Forest. The site's versatility, with options for both RV and tent campers, and the availability of essential hookups, caters to a wide range of camping preferences, ensuring a comfortable stay regardless of your equipment. For RV owners, the presence of electric and water hookups is a significant draw, offering a level of convenience not found in many other forest campgrounds.

The atmosphere of the campground is another major selling point. Despite its proximity to a highway, it is known for being quiet and peaceful, especially during the week. The spacious, well-maintained sites provide a sense of personal space, allowing you to truly relax and feel a part of nature without being crowded by other campers. The kid and pet-friendly policies make it a perfect choice for families, offering a safe and engaging environment for everyone to enjoy. The variety of activities, from easy hikes to picnicking, ensures that there's always something to do.

While some past reviews have raised concerns about the consistency of camp host services and restroom cleanliness, it's worth noting that the overall feedback on the campground itself remains overwhelmingly positive. Many visitors praise the beauty, cleanliness, and quiet nature of the campsites. By choosing Sharp Creek, you are opting for a serene, well-equipped, and conveniently located campground that serves as an excellent base for exploring the stunning outdoor recreation opportunities of Payson and the Mogollon Rim. A little pre-planning and a positive attitude will ensure your trip is a memorable one.

Sharp Creek Campground

Payson, AZ 85541, USA