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61 campgrounds and RV Parks near Star Valley, AZ. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
61 campgrounds
7053 campsites
90 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Star Valley, AZ
Lamplighter RV Resort
Payson, AZ (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(255 sites)
Payson Campground RV Resort
Payson, AZ (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(97 sites)
+5
Oxbow Estates RV Park
Payson, AZ (8 miles away)
+5
Jakes Corner RV Park
Payson, AZ (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
Clints Well Resort
Arizona (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
Punkin Center RV and Mobile Home Park
Tonto Basin, AZ (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
Roosevelt Lake Cottages RV Park
Tonto Basin, AZ (28 miles away)
(134 sites)
Gone Fishin RV Park
Tonto Basin, AZ (28 miles away)
$$$$$
(21 sites)
Roosevelt Lake Cottages RV Park
Tonto Basin, AZ (29 miles away)
Happy Jack Lodge and RV Park
Arizona (32 miles away)
$$$$$
(107 sites)
+8
Zane Grey RV Village
Camp Verde, AZ (36 miles away)
Aj's Getaway RV Park
Arizona (39 miles away)
$$$$$
(43 sites)
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Laundry Internet Showers Toilets Pool Tables Dump station Grills General store
Camping near Star Valley, Arizona
Star Valley sits immediately east of Payson in central Arizona's Rim Country, at roughly 5,000 feet elevation along State Route 260. The town lies below the Mogollon Rim and offers a noticeably cooler climate than the Phoenix area, with four distinct seasons, mild summers, and crisp mountain air. The location puts RV travelers within easy reach of Tonto National Forest, the Rim lakes, and Tonto Creek.
RV options cluster along the Highway 260 corridor between Star Valley and Payson. Nearby private parks include Lamplighter RV Resort, Payson Campground RV Resort, and Oxbow Estates RV Park, with Jakes Corner RV Park to the southwest along Highway 87 and Clints Well Resort north on the Rim toward the Coconino National Forest boundary.
The Mogollon Rim, pronounced by locals as muggy-own, is a 200-mile-long cliff in northern Arizona that ranges between 5,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation, serving as the geographical dividing line between the cool high country above and the hot, dry desert below. That elevation split is the main reason RV travelers use Star Valley as a summer base.
Things to do near Star Valley
The Payson Ranger District of Tonto National Forest is the primary draw. Visitors fish Tonto and Horton Creeks or hike Horton Creek Trail and Derrick Trail, both of which access the Highline National Recreation Trail (#31). Trout fishing is a fixture on the East Verde River and Tonto Creek, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department operates the Tonto Creek Hatchery north of Kohl's Ranch.
Rim Road (Forest Road 300) runs along the top of the Mogollon Rim and connects a string of small lakes including Woods Canyon and Willow Springs, both popular for day trips from a Star Valley base. Clints Well Resort sits near the north end of that corridor toward Blue Ridge Reservoir.
In town, Payson hosts rodeo grounds, a small historical museum, and grocery resupply within a short drive of any of the listed RV parks.
Camping spots and RV parks near Star Valley, AZ
When to visit Star Valley
- spring
March - May
72° / 37°F 30 mmPrime RV weather; fire restrictions can start by May.
- summer
June - August
91° / 57°F 55 mmMonsoon storms from July; book Rim sites early.
- fall
September - November
73° / 41°F 35 mmMild days, cool nights; forest sites close by early November.
- winter
December - February
55° / 27°F 60 mmCold nights, snow on the Rim; higher forest sites closed.
Spring and fall are the most reliable RV seasons. Days warm into the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit, nights stay cool, and Rim campgrounds have generally reopened after winter. Forest Service sites at Rim elevation are typically open from spring through fall, with most closing for the winter season.
Summer brings the North American monsoon. Rains generally arrive in early July, and afternoon thunderstorms are common through August. Before the monsoon breaks, fire danger runs high: the Tonto National Forest has entered Stage 2 fire restrictions in past summers, lifting them once monsoonal weather lowered fire danger across the forest. Check current restrictions before travel.
Payson winters can be quite cold, with average high temperatures in the high 40s to mid-50s and nights falling well below freezing, and snow is possible, particularly on the Rim where higher-elevation conditions can be harsher. Private RV parks in Star Valley and Payson stay open year-round, but Forest Service sites at higher elevation typically close.
How to book campgrounds near Star Valley
Private RV parks along the Highway 260 corridor, including Lamplighter RV Resort, Payson Campground RV Resort, Oxbow Estates RV Park, Jakes Corner RV Park, and Clints Well Resort, are booked directly through each park's website or by phone. Full-hookup sites at these properties fill quickly on summer weekends and during the Payson rodeo.
Reservation methods vary by campground type in the Payson area. Developed sites in Tonto National Forest are reserved through Recreation.gov, while dispersed camping areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations needed. Standard sites at developed Forest Service campgrounds can be booked up to 6 months in advance, and group sites up to 12 months in advance.
During peak spring and fall weekends, booking developed campgrounds several months in advance is recommended, while shoulder-season midweek stays often allow more last-minute planning.
What to expect on the ground
Sites at the private parks near Star Valley are level gravel or paved with full hookups, and most accommodate large Class A and fifth-wheel rigs. Forest Service campgrounds are more rustic, with vault toilets, potable water at many sites, and no hookups. Developed Rim-country sites typically accommodate RVs and trailers up to around 40 feet, while smaller creek-side campgrounds have tight roads and short spurs better suited to truck campers and small trailers.
Cell coverage is generally reliable in Star Valley and Payson and weakens quickly on Rim forest roads. Grocery, propane, dump stations, and RV service are available in Payson.
Expect elk, mule deer, and free-range cattle along Highway 260 at dawn and dusk. Black bears are present in the Rim country, so food and trash must be stored securely at forest sites.
Own an RV? Earn up to $27,399/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Star Valley, AZ
How much does an RV rental in Star Valley, AZ typically cost?
An RV rental in Star Valley is one of the most affordable ways to explore the Mogollon Rim country. On RVezy, travel trailers in the Star Valley and Payson area typically run $90 to $175 per night, Class C motorhomes average $175 to $275, and larger Class A rigs land in the $250 to $400 range. Because hosts set their own nightly rates, you can find cheap RV rental Star Valley options by booking midweek or during shoulder months like April or October. Pro tip: filter by Instant Book on RVezy and message the host about weekly discounts. Many local owners offer 10 to 15 percent off stays of five nights or more, which is perfect for a slower Tonto National Forest trip.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Star%20Valley%2C%20ArizonaWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Star Valley, Arizona?
You're in luck, a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Star Valley. Arizona does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or any special endorsement for recreational vehicles used for personal travel, so your standard Class D (or equivalent) license covers virtually every motorhome and travel trailer on RVezy. You just need to be 25 or older and upload a clear photo of your license during booking. Visiting from overseas? Pick up an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country before flying in. Most first-time renters are pleasantly surprised at how quickly the ID verification step wraps up on the platform, usually within a few hours.
azdot.gov/mvdIs my Star Valley RV rental protected if something happens during the trip?
Peace of mind is built into every booking. Every RV rental in Star Valley, AZ comes with an RVezy renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so a flat tire on Highway 260 or a hailstone ding near Christopher Creek is covered. During checkout, you choose your protection level, which determines your deductible and coverage limits for most physical damage to the rig. This provides real financial protection so a small surprise doesn't derail your Mogollon Rim adventure. Pro tip: if you're heading into elk country at dawn or dusk, consider a higher-tier package, those Tonto National Forest elk love crossing Highway 87 right at sunrise.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Star Valley RV trip?
Booking is low-risk because RVezy sets a clear, standardized cancellation policy on every reservation (hosts don't choose this, RVezy does). There's a grace-period window after booking where you can cancel for a full refund, and additional refund tiers based on how far out from your trip you cancel. Weather curveballs happen in central Arizona, monsoon storms in July and August and occasional snow on the Rim in winter, and RVezy also has provisions for host cancellations and qualifying disruptions. You'll see your exact cancellation terms during checkout before you pay. Pro tip: book early to lock in the best rigs for the Rim Country Classic Car Show or the Payson Rodeo, you can always adjust later within the policy window.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Star Valley?
Yes, your pup is going to love this trip. Plenty of hosts offer a pet-friendly RV rental in Star Valley, just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to see them instantly. The surrounding Tonto National Forest is one of the most dog-welcoming areas in Arizona, with leashed dogs allowed at Christopher Creek Campground, Ponderosa Campground, and on most Payson Ranger District trails like the Highline Trail and Water Wheel Falls. Many hosts charge a small pet fee ($25 to $75 per stay) for cleaning. Pro tip: pack booties for summer pavement and a tick check routine, the ponderosa forest is beautiful but the tall grass near Tonto Creek can hide critters.
fs.usda.gov/tontoCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Star Valley?
Yes, RV delivery in Star Valley is a game-changer for first-timers. Many RVezy hosts will drive the rig right to your campsite at Ponderosa Campground, Houston Mesa, Christopher Creek, or a private RV park nearby, then level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system. Just use the Delivery filter when searching, then message the host with your destination and dates to confirm the fee (often $2 to $4 per mile from their location). This is the easiest way to enjoy a Star Valley RV trip without towing or driving a motorhome yourself. Pro tip: bundle delivery with a generator add-on if you're heading to a no-hookup forest site.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Star%20Valley%2C%20ArizonaHow far can I drive on an RV road trip from Star Valley?
You've picked the perfect basecamp, Star Valley sits at the crossroads of some of Arizona's best RV road trip routes. From Star Valley, the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center is just 30 miles up Highway 260, Sedona is about 90 miles west via Camp Verde, the Grand Canyon South Rim is around 180 miles north, and Phoenix is a manageable 95 miles south on Highway 87. Most RVezy hosts include a daily mileage allowance (commonly 100 to 150 miles per day), and some offer RV rental with unlimited mileage for an extra flat fee. Pro tip: if you're planning a loop to the Grand Canyon and back, ask the host upfront about an unlimited-mileage upgrade, it almost always saves money on longer trips.
nps.gov/grca/index.htmWhere are the best campgrounds near Star Valley, AZ?
You're spoiled for choice, the best campgrounds near Star Valley sit within a 30-minute drive. Top picks include Ponderosa Campground (sites under towering pines off Highway 260), Christopher Creek Campground (creekside sites along Highway 260), and Houston Mesa Campground just north of Payson. Private RV parks in and around town offer full-hookup alternatives. Forest Service sites book through Recreation.gov up to six months out. Pro tip: for July weekends and the fall color show in October, reserve as soon as the 6-month window opens, Christopher Creek fills within minutes.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231896When is the best time to visit Star Valley in an RV?
Star Valley shines almost year-round thanks to its 5,000-foot elevation and four real seasons. The sweet spot for RV camping Star Valley is late April through mid-October, when daytime highs sit in the 70s to upper 80s and nights cool to the 40s and 50s, ideal for campfires under the ponderosas. July and August bring afternoon monsoon thunderstorms (and lush green forest), while September and October deliver crisp air and golden aspens up on the Rim. Winters are cold with occasional snow and nighttime lows in the teens. Pro tip: shoulder months of May and late September are the locals' favorite, fewer crowds at Woods Canyon Lake and significantly cheaper nightly rates from Star Valley hosts.
weather.gov/fgz/I'm first time renting an RV, will I get help figuring it all out?
You're going to do great, RVezy is built for first-timers. Every host provides a hands-on orientation at pickup, walking you through propane, water, the awning, slide-outs, the generator, and dump procedures, usually 30 to 60 minutes of one-on-one time. You can also message the host through the listing before you even book to ask anything (how it drives on Highway 87's hills, whether the AC handles 90-degree Payson afternoons, etc.). Many Star Valley hosts even offer delivery and setup so you skip the driving learning curve entirely. Pro tip: ask your host for a short video walkthrough you can rewatch from camp, it's a lifesaver when you're hooking up at Ponderosa Campground for the first time.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/categories/360002054853-For-rentersWhat happens if I have a breakdown during my Star Valley RV trip?
You're covered, every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan. If you get a flat on Highway 260, a dead battery at Woods Canyon Lake, or a tow situation on the Beeline Highway (87), one phone call dispatches help. The RVezy support team is also available around the clock to coordinate with your host, who knows the rig's quirks better than anyone. Cell service is solid in Star Valley and Payson but spotty in the deep Tonto National Forest, so download offline maps before you head up the Rim. Pro tip: snap a photo of the rig's VIN and your host's contact info at pickup, it makes any roadside call go faster.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Star Valley RV rental across state lines or into Mexico?
Cross-state travel is generally welcomed, and the routes from Star Valley are spectacular. Most RVezy hosts allow trips into New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado, just confirm with your host before booking since some prefer to keep the rig in-state. Popular interstate runs from Star Valley include Monument Valley (about 4 hours north), Zion National Park (about 7 hours), and the Four Corners (about 5 hours). Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because the protection plan and insurance coverage do not extend across the border. Pro tip: if you're planning to cross into Utah for Bryce or Zion, mention it in your first message to the host, they often have route tips and dump-station recommendations from past renters.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat kind of fuel mileage should I budget for my Star Valley RV trip?
Easy to budget, just know your class. Campervans (Class B) get 18 to 22 mpg, Class C motorhomes average 8 to 12 mpg, Class A rigs come in around 6 to 10 mpg, and a tow vehicle pulling a travel trailer typically hits 10 to 14 mpg. Gas in Star Valley and Payson usually runs 15 to 30 cents above the Phoenix average because of the mountain location, so fuel up at Costco or QuikTrip in north Phoenix before climbing Highway 87. Diesel is available at the Maverik and Circle K in Payson. Pro tip: Highway 87's Beeline climb adds noticeable load on the engine, plan a fuel stop in Fountain Hills going up and you'll arrive in Star Valley with plenty in the tank.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Star Valley?
Plan ahead and you'll snag the best spots. Tonto National Forest campgrounds like Ponderosa, Christopher Creek, and Houston Mesa open reservations on Recreation.gov six months in advance, and summer weekends (Memorial Day through Labor Day) plus October Rim color weekends often sell out within hours. Private parks in and around Star Valley accept direct bookings by phone or website, usually with more flexibility. For weekday stays in May or September, two to three weeks out is typically enough. Pro tip: set a calendar alert for the 6-month-minus-one-day mark and log in at 7 AM Arizona time, that's when the Christopher Creek creekside sites get scooped up.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231896What are the driving conditions like around Star Valley?
Driving here is easier than most mountain towns, but there are a few smart tips. Highway 87 (the Beeline) from Phoenix to Star Valley is a four-lane divided highway that climbs from 1,500 to 5,000 feet, expect steady grades but no white-knuckle switchbacks. Highway 260 east toward the Rim is two-lane with passing zones and the occasional elk crossing, drive cautiously at dawn and dusk. Summer monsoon storms (July and August) can drop heavy rain and small hail in minutes, so pull over and wait it out. Winter brings occasional snow above 6,000 feet. Pro tip: avoid driving Highway 87 southbound on Sunday afternoons in summer, the Phoenix weekend exodus turns it into a slow crawl after 3 PM.
az511.gov/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Star Valley?
You've got great options at every price point. Private RV parks in and around Star Valley typically offer full hookups (water, sewer, 30/50-amp electric), Wi-Fi, laundry, and clubhouses. Tonto National Forest campgrounds (Ponderosa, Christopher Creek, Houston Mesa) provide picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and potable water spigots, but no hookups, so you'll rely on the RV's tanks. For dumping and fresh water, several private parks in town offer paid dump and fill services. Pro tip: top off fresh water before leaving Payson because forest campground spigots can be seasonal, and bring a 25-foot freshwater hose since spigots aren't always next to your site.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231896What equipment and amenities come standard in a Star Valley RV rental?
You'll feel right at home from day one. Most motorhome rental Star Valley listings on RVezy come fully equipped: a queen or king bed, kitchen with stove, fridge, microwave, sink and cookware, a wet bath or full bathroom with shower and toilet, dinette that converts to extra sleeping, roof AC, propane furnace, and seatbelted seating for travel. Many include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor awning, and camp chairs. Wi-Fi and generators vary, just check the listing's amenities list. Campervan rental Star Valley options are more compact but still include a bed, cooktop, fridge, and often a pop-top for extra sleeping. Pro tip: message the host to ask if linens, towels, and a starter kit of paper goods are included, many Star Valley hosts throw them in free.
fs.usda.gov/r03/tontoWhat add-ons and pickup options are available when I rent an RV in Star Valley?
Hosts on RVezy make customizing your trip easy. Popular add-ons in the Star Valley and Payson area include generators ($20 to $40/day), portable propane fire pits (helpful because Tonto National Forest fire restrictions often ban wood fires in early summer), bike racks, kayak/SUP setups for Woods Canyon Lake, kid sleeping kits, and outdoor camp kitchens. Pickup is usually at the host's home in Star Valley, Payson, or nearby Pine, and delivery is available from most hosts. Mileage policies typically allow 100 to 150 free miles per day with overage at $0.35 to $0.50 per mile, or you can ask about an unlimited-mileage flat-rate upgrade. Pro tip: bundle the generator and propane fire pit for fire-restriction season, it's the only legal way to enjoy flames on the Rim.
fs.usda.gov/tontoHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is straightforward and secure. When you book your RV rental Arizona trip, RVezy charges the rental total (nightly rate, fees, protection, any add-ons) to your credit or debit card through the platform, never directly to the host. A refundable security deposit is pre-authorized separately on your card before pickup and released after the trip once the host confirms no damage and the RV came back clean with the proper fuel and tank levels. Pro tip: snap a quick walkaround video at both pickup and dropoff, it takes 90 seconds and makes deposit returns smooth and undisputed every single time.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent an RV in Star Valley for a winter trip?
Yes, and winter in Star Valley is an underrated gem. At roughly 5,000 feet elevation, Star Valley gets occasional snow and chilly nighttime lows, but daytime temps often climb into the 50s, perfect for snowshoeing on the Mogollon Rim or soaking in the quiet at a near-empty Christopher Creek. Many RVezy hosts list four-season rigs with heated holding tanks, enclosed underbellies, and propane furnaces, just filter for winter-ready listings and message the host to confirm. Shore power at private RV parks in town keeps you toasty all night. Pro tip: ask your host for a heated water hose and tank heater pads if temps drop below freezing, and keep the gray tank valve closed to prevent freeze-ups.
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