Colcord Ridge Campground
4.4326 reviewsColcord Ridge Campground, Tonto National Forest, Arizona
Colcord Ridge Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
This is a no-fee site; no passes or fees are required.
About this 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.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationAt 7,600 feet above sea level, Colcord Ridge Campground offers a true high-country experience. This lofty perch along the Mogollon Rim provides naturally air-conditioned summers and winter wonderlands complete with seasonal snowfall, making it a year-round destination for those seeking mountain majesty.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanting world where three majestic conifer species create a living cathedral overhead. The aromatic Ponderosa pines stand sentinel alongside silvery-barked white firs and mighty Douglas firs, their branches providing shelter for an impressive cast of wildlife characters. Keep your camera ready for possible encounters with majestic elk grazing in forest clearings, black bears foraging for berries, elusive mountain lions padding through the shadows, quirky javelinas rustling through the underbrush, and graceful deer stepping delicately between the trees. When winter arrives, this forest transforms into a crystalline wonderland where temperatures dip into the teens and snow creates a hushed, magical atmosphere.
Geological RegionColcord Ridge Campground claims its spectacular setting within the vast Tonto National Forest, positioned strategically along the legendary Mogollon Rim. This dramatic geological feature rises to 7,600 feet at the campground, creating a natural boundary between Arizona's low deserts and high plateaus. The rim's ancient limestone cliffs and volcanic origins have fostered the growth of a remarkable mixed conifer forest, where Ponderosa pine, white fir, and Douglas fir thrive in the mountain climate, creating one of Arizona's most diverse and beautiful forest ecosystems.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features for campers with disabilities are mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeSites are spacious with reasonable distances between spots, as noted by various user reviews.
Sites PrivacyCamp sites are described as being "pretty far from each other" by user Fierce Soloist, ensuring privacy.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites farther apart provide privacy; grills are functional but worn. Bring a scraper for cleaning grills.
Best CampsitesSite 13 is rated highly by users: "Campsite 13 is the best! We love it up here."
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
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Trailers under 32 feet permitted
- no specific guest number mentioned.
Groups
Group camping options or restrictions are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutNumbered campsites with reasonable distances between spots. "Nice campground with reasonable distance between spots."
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round; operational hours include quiet time from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Reservation PlatformsNo online or phone-based reservation systems; entirely first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served; availability may vary based on seasonal popularity.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation required; first-come, first-served.
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.
Fishing
Trout fishing is a highlight, located 5 miles from the campground near Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery, as per the authoritative description.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife 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
Winter camping is possible, but temperatures drop into the teens. Conditions are ideal for campers looking to experience snow, as highlighted in Katie Hogan's review mentioning February camping. Snow cover is frequent and measurable during winter weeks.Water Sports
No water sports apart from fishing are described in the authoritative content or user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires allowed in designated medal fire rings unless restricted. User reviews note occasional restrictions such as no charcoal grills, only propane.
- Quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency service: Payson Ranger Station (1009 E. Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541, Phone: (928) 474-7900). Closest medical facilities likely located in Payson.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly stated, but summer months are highlighted as ideal.
Trash and recyclingCampers are advised to follow a 'Pack It In, Pack It Out' policy, indicating no dedicated trash or recycling facilities on-site.
Proximity to water featuresTrout fishing available 5 miles east at Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery via Forest Road 33. Nearby Willow Springs Lake also provides fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently mention poor restroom conditions, lack of signage, and heavy road traffic during the day. "The vault toilet is quite disgusting and full of flies."
HostNo camp host mentioned in official or user reviews.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.4
26 reviews
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 26 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...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
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 26 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter reviews highlight snow cover and quiet conditions, while summer reviews emphasize heavy use and potential for strong winds.
Based on 26 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 13 is specifically recommended as the best site by Michelle Poole.
Based on 26 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews explicitly detail accessibility features.
Based on 26 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-related experiences are not explicitly addressed in user reviews.
Based on 26 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025