Sharp Creek
4.62175 reviews1009 East Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541, USA
Sharp Creek
$29.00 - $150.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$29.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$150.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season rates for individual sites (standard nonelectric, tent-only nonelectric) are $29 per night, while group sites cost $150 per night. Rates apply from May 1 to November 3 during peak season. Out-of-season reservations are unavailable.
About this campground
Nestled in Arizona's high country, Sharp Creek Campground offers an intimate escape with 28 thoughtfully positioned sites across three distinct loops. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers with 19 reservable sites for those who plan ahead and 9 first-come, first-served spots for spontaneous explorers. Whether you're casting a line in crystal-clear waters, setting off on scenic trails, or gathering around the campfire with loved ones, Sharp Creek provides the perfect basecamp. Each site comes fully equipped with your camping essentials: a sturdy picnic table for meals under towering pines, a fire pit and grill for evening cookouts, and a convenient lantern holder to light your way. For larger gatherings, spacious group sites can comfortably host up to 75 people, making it ideal for family reunions or outdoor celebrations.
Sharp Creek features diverse camping accommodations, including tent-only sites, RV-friendly sites, and three spacious group campsites. The group sites can accommodate up to 75 people each and are ideal for large gatherings.
Historical SignificanceThe majestic Mogollon Rim serves as nature's grand amphitheater, rising dramatically above Sharp Creek Campground. This geological marvel has shaped Arizona's landscape for millions of years, creating a natural boundary that separates the cool pine forests of the Colorado Plateau from the sun-baked deserts below. The rim's towering presence has influenced everything from weather patterns to human settlement, making this area a crossroads where diverse ecosystems meet and ancient geological forces continue to tell their story through every exposed rock layer and carved canyon.
Weather and SeasonsSharp Creek's high-country location creates a delightful climate that changes with the seasons. Spring and fall bring crisp, invigorating air with temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring. During Arizona's monsoon season, afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll through, bringing the fresh scent of rain on pine needles and dramatic cloud formations over the rim. Summer offers a cool mountain refuge when the desert below swelters, with temperatures often 20-30 degrees cooler than Phoenix or Tucson. Winter transforms the landscape into a potential wonderland, where snow may dust the ponderosa pines and nighttime temperatures dip below freezing, creating a cozy atmosphere for those prepared with warm gear.
ElevationPerched at 6,000 feet above sea level, Sharp Creek Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat that feels worlds away from Arizona's famous desert landscapes. This elevation gifts visitors with naturally air-conditioned summers, where afternoon breezes whisper through the pines while the desert valleys below shimmer in triple-digit heat. The thin mountain air adds a crispness to every breath, and the higher altitude means cooler nights perfect for stargazing and campfire stories.
Natural Features and SceneryAt 6,000 feet, Sharp Creek Campground immerses you in a cathedral of towering ponderosa pines, their vanilla-scented bark and needle-carpeted floor creating a sensory experience unique to Arizona's high country. The crystalline waters of nearby Christopher Creek dance over smooth stones, providing both a soothing soundtrack and opportunities for quiet reflection or playful splashing. Above it all, the dramatic escarpment of the Mogollon Rim dominates the horizon, its ancient cliffs catching the golden light of sunrise and painting shadows across the forest floor as the day progresses.
Geological RegionSharp Creek Campground rests in the geological wonderland below the Mogollon Rim, where central Arizona's landscape tells a story written in stone. This remarkable region showcases nature's artistry through sculpted canyons carved by patient streams and dramatic fault lines that lifted the rim skyward. The surrounding ponderosa pine forests thrive in the rich soils deposited over millennia, while the rim itself stands as a testament to the powerful forces of erosion and tectonic activity that continue to shape this dynamic landscape. Here, visitors can witness firsthand the intersection of geological time and natural beauty that makes Arizona's high country so extraordinary.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySeveral reviews highlight accessibility features, including handicapped-accessible campsites. The campground has level asphalt pads suitable for wheelchairs and provides easy access to water spigots and vault toilets.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious and well-maintained, accommodating various tent sizes and RVs up to 37 feet.
Sites PrivacyMixed reviews regarding privacy—while some sites are well-spaced and offer a secluded experience, others are noted as being close together, reducing privacy.
Total Campsites28 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites in Juniper Loop for quieter stays and more shaded areas. Oak Loop is better for proximity to amenities like water spigots.
Best CampsitesReviewers appreciated sites in Juniper Loop (#20, #24, #28) for their spacious layouts and privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time begins at 2:00 PM local time.
Check-out
Check-out time is by 12:00 PM local time.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy of 8 guests per individual site.
Groups
Group campsites can accommodate up to 75 individuals and include amenities such as a giant fire ring, grills, picnic tables, and ramada shelters. These sites are more open compared to individual sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into three loops (Oak, Juniper, and Pine). Sites are well-spaced with asphalt pads. Group sites are located in a separate loop.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak season: May 1 to November 3. Out-of-season reservations unavailable.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov or via the mobile app. Reservations must be made 6 months in advance for individual sites.
Walk-in Availability9 out of 28 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment for these sites must be done on-site via fee machine or mobile app (no cash accepted).
Cancellation PolicyStandard reservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellation fees apply if canceled within one day of arrival for individual campsites; additional fees may apply for group sites. Refunds exclude reservation service fees.
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
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sharp Creek Campground offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. Nearby Christopher Creek is ideal for trout fishing, and the historic Highline National Recreational Trail provides hiking opportunities with scenic views of the Mogollon Rim. Willow Springs and Woods Canyon Lakes offer boating and additional fishing opportunities.
Hiking
The nearby Highline National Recreational Trail spans 51 miles and is accessible from the 260 Trail three miles east of the campground, offering picturesque views along the Mogollon Rim. Other trails include Horton Creek and See Canyon for hiking and exploring.Fishing
Fishing options include trout fishing in Christopher Creek less than a mile from the campground and fishing opportunities at Woods Canyon and Willow Springs Lakes located 10 minutes away.Boating
Boating is permitted on Willow Springs and Woods Canyon Lakes, situated within a 10-minute drive from Sharp Creek.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include elk, coyotes, and occasionally bears. Visitors have described nighttime elk bugling and coyote yipping as part of the camping experience.Winter Activities
No winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding opportunities may exist at nearby lakes but are not explicitly detailed.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed within designated fire pits. Firewood is not sold on-site; campers must purchase externally and follow restrictions on moving firewood to prevent pests.
- Quiet hours are typically observed from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsIncreased bear activity due to drought conditions requires secure food storage practices. Wildlife such as elk and coyotes are frequently spotted. Proximity to Highway 260 may result in noise pollution.
Active alertsForest fire-related alerts and seasonal closures may occur during dry conditions. Campers are advised to check local advisories before visiting.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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 services include Payson Hospital (23 miles away), local police and fire services in Payson, and ranger stations within Tonto National Forest.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1–November 3 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are placed throughout the campground for convenience. Recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresChristopher Creek is less than a mile away and offers trout fishing. Two lakes (Willow Springs and Woods Canyon) are nearby for boating and additional fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention highway noise, lack of hookups, and generator disturbances. Others were dissatisfied with strict enforcement of site rules by camp hosts.
HostHosts Donna and Sammy are frequently praised as helpful, friendly, and maintaining clean facilities. Negative reviews cite occasional rudeness or over-enforcement of rules.
Campground Map
1009 East Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541, USA
Driving directionsFrom Payson, take Highway 260 east for 23 miles. The campground is on the south side of Highway 260 approximately 1.5 miles east of Christopher Creek.
Road access is convenient via paved Highway 260. Accessibility remains consistent year-round, though travelers should note seasonal closures or forest fire-related restrictions.Nearby places
Payson (23 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car)
Christopher Creek (1.5 miles, approximately 5 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Basic groceries and supplies are available in Christopher Creek less than a mile away, with more extensive shopping options in Payson (23 miles away).
Camper Reviews
4.6
175 reviews
Sharp Creek is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with frequent mentions of clean facilities, friendly hosts, and spacious sites. Periodic concerns include road noise, proximity of sites, and lack of certain amenities like hookups.
Review Summaries
Based on 175 reviews
What Campers Love
Campground cleanliness, well-maintained vault toilets, helpful and friendly hosts, and spacious campsites are commonly praised. Hosts Donna and Sammy receive frequent commendations for their...
Based on 175 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include highway noise, closely spaced campsites reducing privacy, and strict enforcement of rules by hosts. Occasional issues with generators and limited amenities like no showers and no...
Based on 175 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend arriving early to reserve first-come, first-serve sites, bringing additional tables or canopies for extra shade, and preparing for bear activity by securing food items. Group sites...
Based on 175 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are noted as ideal seasons due to moderate temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot, but the elevation helps mitigate extreme conditions. Monsoon season brings rain, which...
Based on 175 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Beautiful clean campground with spacious sites. Hosts Donna and Sammy were a pleasure to talk to." - Brenda DeMuth. "Vault toilets were the cleanest and best smelling ever." - Carol Leckie. "The...
Based on 175 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #2 is noted for privacy, while #24 is highlighted for its seclusion and quietness. Group sites are praised for ample space but critiqued for a lack of seclusion. Loop Oak features spacious...
Based on 175 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Several reviews highlight handicapped-accessible features, including spacious, level pads and convenient access to water spigots and vault toilets.
Based on 175 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and several users note the campground's suitability for dogs. One review emphasizes the need for leashing pets at all times.
Based on 175 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025