Reynolds Creek Group Campground
4.3519 reviews1009 East Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541, USA
Reynolds Creek Group Campground
$75.00 - $75.00 / 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$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates are $75 per night during peak season (April 01 to October 31). Additional fees may apply for reservations ($8 online, $9 via contact center, and $3 in-person). Taxes may also apply.
About this campground
Escape to Reynolds Creek Group Campground, where the whisper of ponderosa pines mingles with the gentle murmur of a year-round creek in this hidden gem of the Tonto National Forest. This rustic retreat offers the perfect blend of seclusion and natural beauty, with spacious sites that welcome large gatherings under a canopy of towering evergreens. Whether you're casting a line in the crystal-clear waters, capturing the golden hour through your camera lens, or following ancient trails through the wilderness, Reynolds Creek provides an authentic basecamp for your outdoor adventures.
This is a primitive group campground with minimal facilities, suitable for tent camping and group gatherings.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape rich with stories, where your campground serves as a gateway to the legendary From the Desert to the Tall Pines National Scenic Byway. History comes alive on nearby trails like the Center Mountain Trail #142, where generations of travelers have carved paths through these ancient forests, leaving echoes of their journeys for modern adventurers to discover.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's full palette as the seasons paint Reynolds Creek in ever-changing hues. Winter occasionally dusts the pines with delicate snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy camper. Summer brings warm days cooled by the shade of ancient trees and the refreshing presence of the creek. But autumn truly steals the show – when wild berries ripen for picking and crisp, comfortable temperatures make every outdoor moment magical.
ElevationPerched at 5,250 feet above sea level, Reynolds Creek offers a refreshing mountain escape where the air is crisp and temperatures drop pleasantly from the desert heat below. This elevated paradise provides natural air conditioning and stunning vistas that remind you just how far you've climbed from the everyday world.
Natural Features and SceneryReynolds Creek weaves its silvery thread through the campground, providing a soothing soundtrack and endless opportunities for creekside relaxation year-round. Majestic ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their vanilla-scented bark and emerald needles creating a natural cathedral. At the heart of it all lies an expansive meadow – nature's amphitheater perfect for group games, stargazing, or simply spreading out a picnic blanket. Come fall, the surrounding forest transforms into a forager's paradise, with wild berries beckoning from every sunny slope.
Geological RegionNestled within the Pleasant Valley Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest, Reynolds Creek sits at the crossroads of Arizona's most dramatic landscapes. Here, towering ponderosa pines stand sentinel over a terrain shaped by millennia of geological forces. The nearby Salome and Sierra Ancha Wilderness Areas frame your camping experience, offering glimpses into Arizona's raw, untamed beauty where ancient rocks tell stories of fire, water, and time.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is remote and accessible only via dirt roads. No additional accessibility features were mentioned.
Sites SizeThe site is spacious enough for large groups, with two ramadas and eight picnic tables accommodating group activities. User Nelia I. remarked, "Big open spaces for 100+ people or just your little family."
Sites PrivacyThe campground is mostly fenced, offering a degree of seclusion. As user Mikayla Martin stated, "Beautiful secluded spot, which is mostly fenced with Creek access on site."
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring sufficient water as no running water is available on-site. Choose shaded areas for privacy and congregating near ramadas.
Best CampsitesReynolds Creek Group Campground/1, Loop: Reynolds Creek Group Campground.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Check-in time varies
- refer to confirmation documents for exact timing.
Check-out
- Check-out time varies
- refer to confirmation documents for exact timing.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Designed for large groups—capacity for 100+ people.
Groups
The site can accommodate a large group with its two ramadas, eight picnic tables, and open spaces. User Kimball Cody noted, "Big open spaces for 100+ people or just your little family."
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of a single group site with ramadas, picnic tables, and grills.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 01 to October 31 during peak season and closed from November 30 to April 01.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or through their app.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not specified for this group campground.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made anytime before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, with additional fees for late cancellations (14 days prior for group sites). Late cancellations forfeit the first night's use fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Reynolds Creek Group Campground provides a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, wading in the creek, and nature photography. The campground's proximity to the Salome and Sierra Ancha Wilderness Areas offers additional recreation opportunities such as exploring trails and visiting a lookout tower.
Hiking
The campground is located near two trailheads, within a quarter mile, which provide access to the Salome and Sierra Ancha Wilderness Areas. According to user Nelia I., hiking the nearby trails offers "very nice views, lots of water flowing in the creek, and lots of wildlife."Fishing
Fishing is mentioned as one of the recreational activities available, particularly in Reynolds Creek, which runs year-round.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is possible, with user Nelia I. noting, "Lots of wildlife! Don't forget it is bear country (we saw bear paw prints in the snow)."Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, although user Nelia I. described hiking in snowy conditions.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are allowed only in established steel fire rings. Citations or tickets will be issued for any other fire locations.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity has been reported in the area, requiring secure food storage. Wildlife encounters and remote access conditions (unpaved roads) are potential hazards.
Active alertsNo active alerts were specified.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
Emergency services are located in the city of Payson, 47 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 01 to October 31.
Trash and recyclingNo trash disposal facilities are available. Campers are advised to follow a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Reynolds Creek, which runs year-round. Two miles south is Workman Creek with cascading waterfalls.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention issues with maintenance, including aging amenities and unattended trash. Some campers were disturbed by unauthorized visitors bypassing locked gates.
HostRangers occasionally visit the site but there is no permanent host presence.
Campground Map
1009 East Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541, USA
Driving directionsFrom Young, drive 20 miles south on State Hwy. 288 (unpaved). Site is on the right and is signed. From Hwy 188, drive 27 miles north on State Hwy. 288 (partially paved).
This site is very remote and is accessible only by dirt roads.Nearby places
Young: 20 miles south, Payson: 47 miles northwest (27 miles on Hwy 188 + 20 miles on Hwy 260)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Young, AZ, 20 miles south or in Payson, AZ, 47 miles northwest.
Camper Reviews
4.4
19 reviews
Reynolds Creek Group Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the campground's secluded location and natural beauty, although some complaints about maintenance and unauthorized visitors were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users highlighted the spaciousness and natural beauty of the site. Adam S. mentioned, "Perfect location for a big group," while Suzanne M. appreciated the "2 nice ramadas with tables" and...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users reported maintenance-related issues, such as Suzanne M., who mentioned "hot coals left in fire rings" and "quite a bit of yucky micro trash all around." Jeanette Warren expressed concerns...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Several users recommend bringing water and supplies due to the lack of on-site amenities. Charlette B. advised, "No running water so make sure you bring plenty of your own."
Based on 19 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Fall appears to be a popular season, with opportunities for berry picking and cooler temperatures. Winter may present challenges due to snow, as noted by Nelia I.
Based on 19 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Perfect private campground." - Kimball Cody
"Set back off the main road. Can have a really large group or a smaller group." - Ryan Organ
"Creek was flowing enough when we went at the end of July." -...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific reviews for Reynolds Creek Group Campground highlight its suitability for large groups and its natural surroundings. Suzanne M. mentioned, "2 nice ramadas with tables," and Jennifer S....
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility-related reviews were provided.
Based on 19 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not explicitly discussed in the reviews.
Based on 19 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025