Forum Discussion

Padlin's avatar
Padlin
Explorer
Apr 08, 2017

Campgrounds along rt 87 between Mesa and Winslow AZ

Does anyone have experience in this stretch? wondering if there any nice campgrounds this time of year along the route. If so, would they be full in early April? Do not need hookups.

Thanks
  • Thanks folks, going to take a ride and see how the FS campgrounds look.
  • Houston Mesa Campground just off 87 in Payson is right off 87. Nice Forest Service Campground. No hookups and if over 62 can use the America the Beautiful pass for half off.No hookups but they have showers and dump.
  • mileshuff wrote:
    Couple others you may want to look into. I've not stayed at either but have been thru Payson numerous times. Nice area.

    https://www.paysoncampground.com/

    https://www.recreation.gov/camping/houston-mesa/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70702


    We are setting at Payson RV Campground. Weather here is great. The park is close to full. Reservations would be a good idea if you want to be sure to have a spot.
    Drove up to Woods Canyon Lake, on the rim road (7,500' elev) a couple of days ago.Snow is all but gone.
  • Try around Clint's Well, junction of 87 and Lake Mary rd (FS3).

    Usually opens May 1st but call. When weather is warm like its been it sometimes opens earlier.
    http://www.sunriseresorts.com/resort-locations/clints-well-resort/

    Forest service Campground open year round, no hookups, first come first serve.
    https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/recarea/?recid=54902&actid=29

    Happy Jack Campground and Lodge. Two miles off 87 on Lake Mary rd. Full hookups, dump station, steakhouse.
    http://www.happyjacklodge.com/rv-camping/
  • Maybe some of the 'unimproved' sites would be available. Around Payson you will be okay. But depending on elevation, most campgrounds along there probably won't even open until May or so. There was new snow on the Rim not that long ago. It would definitely require some investigation.
  • I see what you're saying, although I am looking to stay on or near 87, not go up 88, Apache Trail.

    The question would be are the forest service campgrounds all full this time of year around Payson?
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Open GOOGLE SEARCH and search for MESA AZ... Then click on the GOOGLE MAP for MESA... Then when it opens up add a search in the MAP for RV CAMPGROUNDs.

    Then as you move the view up AZ87 you see what is available along the route...

    Looks like a few after you pass PAYSON...

    You can read the campground reviews on the side notes there...

    We do this all the time looking for campgounds along our routes...

    Between Mesa and Payson looks like a whole bunch of camp grounds along the Apache Trail out of Apache Junction after Roosevelt Lake. That route however is not paved around all of the Lakes along the Apache Trail...

    Not sure how your small size 5th wheel handles on mtns roads... Might be worth a day drive just using your F150 and check it all out first...

    Roy Ken

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