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Colcord Ridge Campground

4 ReviewsAdd Review

US Forest Service maintains this free campground three miles off Highway 260 on a dirt road that most vehicles can handle. Colcord Ridge Campground operates from May 15 to October 15, accommodating RVs up to 32 feet with drive-in and walk-in access options.

Multiple camping spots spread along Young Road provide flexibility for different group sizes. The forested setting features tall pines and junipers at elevation, offering relief from lower desert temperatures during summer months. Jacob S. notes "You can get some amazing views of the Mogollon Rim depending where you stop." Wildlife sightings include deer, coyotes, and wild horses according to recent visitors.

Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with vault toilets available throughout the campground. Fire restrictions commonly apply during summer months, so campers should verify current regulations before arrival. Cell service reaches the area well enough for streaming, though coverage may vary by carrier. Forest Lakes and other rim lakes sit within driving distance for fishing and water activities.

The campground operates on a pack-in, pack-out basis with no water or trash services provided. Campers exploring camping spots around Sitgreaves National Forest will find this spot works well for those wanting forest camping without fees or reservations.

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Location

Public Campground

Colcord Ridge Campground is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Directions

Access #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 3miles to the site. Access #2 (23 miles north of Young): From Young, take unpaved State Hwy. 288/Forest Road (FR) 512 about 23 miles to the site.

Coordinates

34.27707688 N
110.84256667 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned spacious, well-spaced sites among tall pines with scenic views. Many campers appreciated the family-friendly location with nearby lakes and outdoor activities, plus standard amenities like fire rings and vault toilets.

Caitlin S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 14, 2024

Spread out campground with amazing views and wildlife

AMAZING campgrounds if you’re looking to escape the heat in the summer months. Spread out areas all up and down Young Road. Active wildlife from deer to coyotes to wild horses. Perfect for families with kids as there are also lakes creeks and caves within driving distance.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Caitlin S., May 14, 2024
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  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Caitlin S., May 14, 2024
  • (9) View All
Kat E.
Reviewed Sep. 21, 2021

Great Vehicle Accessibility

Do you want to get away from the city but only have a vehicle that’s is low to the ground making dirt roads challenging or sometimes impossible? This is the campsite for you. While the site is on a dirt road it has been maintained enough that my typical sedan can get to it easily and the road is paved up until the turn off for the camp site. We’ve enjoyed beautiful sun rises from our camp and had good enough cell service to stream a horror movie. Double check what the fire restrictions are before leaving for your trip! This forest tends to have fire bans or can be completely closed during summer seasons when the fire risks are high. Sometimes you can find wild mushrooms growing which has always been a cool experience to me.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Kat E., September 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Kat E., September 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Kat E., September 21, 2021
  • (5) View All
Zachary C.
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2020

Nice camping spot in the pines.

This is a nice fairly quiet campground in the pines three miles off of highway 260. There’s a picnic table and fire ring at the sites as well as a couple vault toilets at the campground. There’s a beautiful view looking out to the NW however there are some fairly large power lines to the west. We would stay here again, nice convenient place.

  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Zachary C., August 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Zachary C., August 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Zachary C., August 27, 2020
  • (7) View All
Jacob S.
Reviewed Sep. 23, 2019

Amazing Camping off Yound Highway

Big open spots with lots to do nearby. There are multiple places to pull of of this road and camp. This is a pack in/pack out site with trees and fresh air. It is part of Tonto National forest so fire restrictions and usually in place through the summer. Tall pines are everywhere with junipers here and there. You can get some amazing views of the Mogollon Rim depending where you stop.
Forest Lakes and the rim lakes are close by. They are great for kayaking, fishing and camping. The fish hatchery is a fun stop for kids but the hours are pretty specific.

  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Jacob S., September 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Jacob S., September 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Colcord Ridge Campground by Jacob S., September 23, 2019
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Colcord Ridge Campground?

Colcord Ridge Campground offers basic amenities in a natural pine forest setting. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring for cooking and gathering. The campground has vault toilets for visitor use. This is a pack-in/pack-out facility with no garbage service, so visitors must take their trash with them when leaving. There's no running water or electric hookups available. Fire restrictions are typically in place during summer months as this campground is part of Tonto National Forest.

How do I make reservations for Colcord Ridge Campground?

Colcord Ridge Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservation system. Simply arrive and select an available site. Since this is a dispersed camping area within Tonto National Forest, no formal check-in process is required. During peak summer months and weekends, arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. For the most current information on availability and any potential permit requirements, check with the Tonto National Forest office before your trip.

Where is Colcord Ridge Campground located and how do I get there?

Colcord Ridge Campground is located in Tonto National Forest, approximately three miles off Highway 260 on Young Road. The campground is easily accessible via a dirt road that's well-maintained, making it suitable for standard passenger vehicles without high clearance. The location offers beautiful views to the northwest (though there are some power lines visible to the west). The campground's position in the pine forests makes it an ideal escape from summer heat, with several lakes, creeks, and caves within driving distance for additional exploration.

What are the best campsites at Colcord Ridge Campground?

The best campsites at Colcord Ridge Campground are those spread out along Young Road that offer more privacy and space between neighbors. Sites with northwestern views provide beautiful vistas, though be aware some have power lines visible in the distance. The campground features big, open spots nestled among tall pines and junipers, giving campers plenty of room to spread out. For families, sites closer to the main areas provide easier access while still maintaining the peaceful forest atmosphere. Multiple camping opportunities exist along the road, allowing visitors to find the perfect spot for their needs.

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