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Payson Campground & RV Resort
RV Park

Payson Campground & RV Resort

Forest Lakes, Arizona
4.3 (569 reviews)

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About Payson Campground & RV Resort

Campground in Arizona.

Nestled in the heart of Arizona's beautiful high country, Payson Campground & RV Resort offers a refreshing escape from the desert heat. Located at elevation in the charming town of Payson, this destination provides the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and comfortable camping amenities for RV travelers seeking genuine relaxation.

The Payson area is known for its cooler temperatures and lush pine forests, making it an ideal retreat during Arizona's scorching summers. The elevation creates a genuinely different climate experience compared to the lower desert regions, with crisp mornings and pleasant evenings that invite you to spend time outdoors. This natural cooling effect means you'll enjoy comfortable sleeping temperatures without excessive air conditioning, which many RV travelers appreciate.

Payson itself is a welcoming community with a small-town charm that makes visitors feel at home. The town offers convenient access to local restaurants, shops, and services, so you don't need to venture far for supplies or a nice dinner out. The surrounding Tonto National Forest provides endless opportunities for outdoor exploration, including hiking trails suitable for various skill levels, scenic drives, and peaceful spots for picnicking or relaxing by streams.

The area appeals to a wide range of travelers. Families appreciate the safer, milder environment and proximity to family-friendly attractions. Retirees enjoy the laid-back pace and year-round moderate temperatures. Adventure seekers find excellent hiking, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities nearby. Those escaping summer heat in other parts of Arizona find Payson's elevation a welcome reprieve.

Whether you're planning a week-long mountain getaway, using it as a base for exploring central Arizona, or simply seeking a peaceful place to park your RV for a while, Payson offers an authentic camping experience with genuine Arizona hospitality. The combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and community warmth makes this destination a memorable stop on any RV journey through the Southwest.
4.3

Rating

569

Reviews

Park Details

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

Forest Lakes is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

Arizona weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Forest Lakes.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near Forest Lakes. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

Payson Campground & RV Resort Reviews

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Brandon Zale

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Brandon Zale

Great family-friendly campground. We stayed here for a fall family camping weekend with another family. The host called us after our booking and suggested two other sites that would work better for us, which we appreciated. We all appreciated the clean full bathrooms with warm showers, and the well maintained-sites. There is an office and store on-site that sells firewood. Very close to store... Great family-friendly campground. We stayed here for a fall family camping weekend with another family. The host called us after our booking and suggested two other sites that would work better for us, which we appreciated. We all appreciated the clean full bathrooms with warm showers, and the well maintained-sites. There is an office and store on-site that sells firewood. Very close to stores, restaurants, etc. We made a great choice!

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Carol Mckellep

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by Carol Mckellep

This campground has large private RV spaces. The showers are large and the water pressure is very good. however there was no bench or chair to set my stuff on. We travel with dogs and the dog park was really just a dog space. It was a little more than a dog run. Maybe 3 to 4 feet wide and 18 feet long. The staff was very friendly and the spaces were very clean. That site is close to town however g... This campground has large private RV spaces. The showers are large and the water pressure is very good. however there was no bench or chair to set my stuff on. We travel with dogs and the dog park was really just a dog space. It was a little more than a dog run. Maybe 3 to 4 feet wide and 18 feet long. The staff was very friendly and the spaces were very clean. That site is close to town however getting in and out is off of the busy street and you can only see the campground sign if you’re coming from the west. The online automated telephone system is horrible! It forces you listen to the entire message before it’ll give you an option for a clerk at the front desk.

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Alyssa Smith

Mar 18, 2026

1.0

Google Review by Alyssa Smith

Absolutely not big-rig friendly — do not attempt. From the moment we pulled in off the highway and had to climb a steep incline, we had a feeling this park wasn’t designed for larger RVs. The entire RV park feels more like an unmaintained dirt boondocking lot: extremely uneven, unlevel sites, rigs parked at all angles, and large dirt mounds you have to drive over. With our fifth wheel, the cleara... Absolutely not big-rig friendly — do not attempt. From the moment we pulled in off the highway and had to climb a steep incline, we had a feeling this park wasn’t designed for larger RVs. The entire RV park feels more like an unmaintained dirt boondocking lot: extremely uneven, unlevel sites, rigs parked at all angles, and large dirt mounds you have to drive over. With our fifth wheel, the clearance between our bed and the truck was the closest it has ever been to making contact. Our “pull-through” site wasn’t even possible to pull through when leaving because a curved tree had branches scraping the full side of our RV. We had to back out down the dirt mound we originally drove up to get into the site. The final exit was the worst part — the incline is so steep that we bottomed out, and the back of the RV scraped the pavement. Sharing this as a genuine warning for other big rigs considering this park. It may be fine for smaller RVs, but for big fifth wheels or motorhomes, it’s a hard pass. We have a 42’ Grand Design Solitude for reference.

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Meribeth Lord

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Meribeth Lord

RV Park is very clean and well kept. Large laundry room and bathroom. Staff very friendly and helpful. Close to town and shops as well as Pine and Strawberry Arizona.

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Dwayne

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Dwayne

Staff are very nice. Over priced for what it is. Not a resort. But a nice campground gravel sites and gravel roads some tighter turns watch for trees getting to your site. Our site was close to level. Pool is nice. I would stay here again if I needed a place to stay.

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