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53 campgrounds and RV Parks near Young, AZ. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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7675 campsites
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Best campgrounds near Young, AZ
Lamplighter RV Resort
Payson, AZ (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(255 sites)
Payson Campground RV Resort
Payson, AZ (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(97 sites)
+5
Oxbow Estates RV Park
Payson, AZ (23 miles away)
+5
Jakes Corner RV Park
Payson, AZ (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
Punkin Center RV and Mobile Home Park
Tonto Basin, AZ (28 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
Roosevelt Lake Cottages RV Park
Tonto Basin, AZ (28 miles away)
(134 sites)
Gone Fishin RV Park
Tonto Basin, AZ (28 miles away)
$$$$$
(21 sites)
Roosevelt Lake Cottages RV Park
Tonto Basin, AZ (29 miles away)
Elk Pines RV Resort
Arizona (29 miles away)
$$$$$
(68 sites)
+2
Aj's Getaway RV Park
Arizona (30 miles away)
$$$$$
(43 sites)
Heber RV Resort LLC
Heber-Overgaard, AZ (30 miles away)
$$$$$
(65 sites)
+3
Roosevelt Lake Marina RV Park
Arizona (33 miles away)
$$$$$
(60 sites)
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Laundry Internet Showers Toilets Pool Tables Dump station Grills Cable TV
Campgrounds near Young, Arizona
Young is an isolated ranching community in the Pleasant Valley area of Gila County, surrounded by the Tonto National Forest at roughly 5,050 feet of elevation. Reaching it requires driving the Young Highway (State Route 288 from the south and Forest Road 512 from the north), a scenic route with substantial unpaved, narrow, and winding sections that is not well suited to large trailers. Most RV renters base their trip outside Young itself, in Payson or along the Highway 188 corridor near Roosevelt Lake, and use Young as a day-trip destination.
RV parks in the broader area include Lamplighter RV Resort and Payson Campground RV Resort in Payson, Jakes Corner RV Park at the junction of highways 87 and 188, Oxbow Estates RV Park along the Beeline Highway, and Punkin Center RV and Mobile Home Park near Tonto Basin. These parks offer full hookups and paved access, which is important given the road conditions leading into Young itself.
Closer to Young, camping shifts to rustic Forest Service sites in the Pleasant Valley Ranger District, best suited to smaller rigs or tents.
Things to do near Young
Canyon Creek is a well-known trout stream in the area, periodically stocked with rainbow trout, and the nearby Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery is open to visitors. The Sierra Ancha and Salome wilderness areas south of Young offer hiking through steep canyons, cliff-dwelling sites, and mixed pine and desert terrain. Wildlife in the district includes elk, black bear, mule deer, javelina, and Merriam's turkey.
Roosevelt Lake, reached by driving south on the Young Highway, is one of Arizona's largest lakes and a hub for boating, fishing, and shoreline recreation. The Tonto National Monument, with preserved cliff dwellings, sits along the same corridor.
The drive itself, the Desert to Tall Pines Scenic Road, is a common day trip, connecting ponderosa pine highlands to Sonoran Desert saguaros over roughly 74 miles.
Camping spots and RV parks near Young, AZ
Seasonal patterns around Young
- spring
March - May
68° / 36°F 25 mmDry and mild; best window for the scenic drive
- summer
June - August
88° / 55°F 65 mmMonsoon storms bring flash-flood risk in canyons
- fall
September - November
72° / 41°F 40 mmStable driving conditions and cool nights
- winter
December - February
54° / 27°F 55 mmSnow and ice can close SR 288 for days
Young sits high enough to see a real winter. Snow, mud, and ice can make sections of State Route 288 impassable for days after a storm, and shaded stretches through the Sierra Ancha hold snowpack longer than the surrounding lowlands. Winter camping is possible in the lower-elevation RV parks near Payson and Roosevelt Lake, but access to Young itself can be unreliable from December through February.
Spring warms quickly and is one of the better windows for the drive in, with wildflowers and streams running from snowmelt. Summers are warm but noticeably cooler than Phoenix or Roosevelt Lake because of elevation, which draws desert-based campers up to the pines.
The North American Monsoon typically runs from mid-June through September, delivering short but intense afternoon thunderstorms, flash-flood risk in canyons, and fire restrictions during dry spells. Fall brings mild days, cool nights, and the most stable driving conditions of the year.
Booking and reservations
Developed Forest Service campgrounds in the Tonto National Forest are booked through Recreation.gov, which is the official reservation system for federal sites. Reservations typically open on a rolling six-month window, and popular sites along the Mogollon Rim and near Roosevelt Lake fill quickly for summer weekends and holidays. Some sites remain first-come, first-served, especially the smaller and more rustic ones in the Pleasant Valley Ranger District.
Private RV parks in the corridor, including Lamplighter RV Resort, Payson Campground RV Resort, Jakes Corner RV Park, Oxbow Estates RV Park, and Punkin Center RV and Mobile Home Park, are booked directly with the property. Snowbird demand pushes winter and spring bookings at the lower-elevation parks well ahead, so reserving early is advised for stays between January and April.
What to expect
The Young area is remote. The town has fewer than 700 residents, one gas station, and limited services, so groceries, fuel, propane, and RV supplies should be sourced in Payson or Globe before heading in. Cell service is inconsistent across much of the Tonto National Forest and drops out on long stretches of the Young Highway.
Road conditions are the biggest planning factor. Large motorhomes and long trailers are not recommended on the unpaved middle sections of State Route 288, where the road is narrow and full of blind curves. Renters with big rigs typically stay at paved parks in Payson or near Roosevelt Lake and day-trip up.
Expect wide day-to-night temperature swings, dark night skies suited to stargazing, and wildlife on the road at dawn and dusk.
Own an RV? Earn up to $27,399/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Young, AZ
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Young, AZ?
RV rental in Young, AZ is surprisingly affordable, especially when you compare it to the cost of a Mogollon Rim cabin or Payson hotel during peak season. On RVezy, travel trailers typically start around $90 to $150 per night, while Class C motorhomes range from $175 to $275 per night. Because Young sits at 5,100 feet inside Tonto National Forest, most travelers book a unit in Phoenix, Mesa, or Payson and drive up Highway 260 to the AZ-288 turnoff. Pro tip: book midweek in late April or early October to save 20 to 30 percent and dodge the summer monsoon storms. Use the price filter on RVezy and message hosts directly to ask about multi-night discounts.
fs.usda.gov/tontoWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Young, Arizona?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Young, Arizona. There's no special endorsement or commercial driver's license required for any RV class on the RVezy platform, whether you're picking up a campervan in Payson or a fifth wheel in Phoenix to drive up to the Sierra Ancha. You'll need to be at least 25 years old with a valid license, and RVezy verifies your ID through the platform during booking, so the process is quick and contactless. Visiting from abroad? Bring your home country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) and you're ready to roll up Highway 288 toward Young.
azdot.gov/motor-vehicles/driver-services/driver-license-informationWhat protection is included with my Young, AZ RV rental?
Every RV rental in Young, AZ booked through RVezy comes with a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance built into your reservation, so you can focus on the drive up Young Road instead of the what-ifs. Protection plans cover physical damage to the RV, with different tiers you can choose at checkout depending on the level of coverage and deductible you prefer. Roadside assistance is just a phone call away if you get a flat tire on the switchbacks of AZ-288, also known locally as the Young Highway, or need help at a Tonto National Forest campsite. Review the full coverage details on RVezy before you confirm your booking.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Young, AZ RV trip?
Booking your Young RV trip is low-risk because RVezy sets the cancellation policy that applies to every reservation, not the individual host. There is a grace period after booking during which you can cancel for a full refund, and additional refund protections apply based on how far ahead of your trip you cancel. If a host needs to cancel, RVezy helps you secure a refund or rebooking. Since wildfires and forest road closures occasionally affect access to Young via AZ-288, this flexibility matters. Review the current cancellation policy on the RVezy Help Center before you confirm, then book with confidence.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental Young, AZ trip?
Yes, and Young is one of the most dog-friendly corners of Arizona. Use the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to find a pet-friendly RV rental Young AZ travelers love, and you will see listings where hosts welcome four-legged co-pilots. Tonto National Forest allows leashed dogs on nearly every trail near Young, including the Highline National Recreation Trail along the Mogollon Rim and the Workman Creek Falls trail in the Sierra Ancha Wilderness. Established campgrounds like Ponderosa and Christopher Creek typically allow leashed pets. Pro tip: pack extra water since the high-desert sun at 5,000-plus feet hits harder than dogs expect.
fs.usda.gov/tontoCan I get RV delivery in Young, AZ instead of picking it up?
Yes, RV delivery in Young, AZ is one of the smartest ways to start a trip here, especially since the town sits at the end of a winding mountain road. Many RVezy hosts based in Payson, Globe, Mesa, and Phoenix offer delivery directly to Tonto National Forest campgrounds such as Reynolds Creek, Rose Creek, or Valentine Ridge. Your host will arrive, level the RV, hook up utilities where available, and walk you through every system before handing over the keys. Use the Delivery filter on RVezy and message hosts to confirm mileage and fees to your campsite. It is the perfect setup for a first time renting an RV.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038124854-Delivery-optionsHow far can I drive on an RV road trip from Young, AZ?
Young is a fantastic launchpad for a Mogollon Rim and central Arizona loop, and your mileage allowance will easily get you to the highlights. Most RVezy hosts include 100 to 150 miles per day, with options for RV rental with unlimited mileage on some listings. From Young, it's about 60 miles to Payson, 95 miles to Roosevelt Lake, 165 miles to Sedona, 175 miles to Phoenix, and roughly 225 miles to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. An RV road trip from Young AZ through the Apache Trail or up to Sunset Crater fits comfortably within a week. Filter listings on RVezy by mileage policy to find the right match.
azdot.gov/adot-news/state-route-288-young-highwayWhere are the best campgrounds near Young, AZ?
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to RV camping Young AZ, with several Tonto National Forest campgrounds within a short drive. Reynolds Creek Campground sits at 5,200 feet and accommodates rigs up to 32 feet with vault toilets and creek access. Colcord Ridge at 7,600 feet is a cooler high-elevation pick, also rated for 32-foot RVs. Valentine Ridge offers shaded sites at 6,600 feet, while Rose Creek is a smaller, intimate option near the Sierra Ancha Wilderness. For full hookups, Houston Mesa Campground in nearby Payson is your best bet. Pro tip: many of these are first-come, first-served, so arrive Thursday for a weekend site.
recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2725When is the best time of year for an RV trip to Young, AZ?
The sweet spots for a Young AZ RV trip are mid-April through May and mid-September through October, when daytime highs sit in the comfortable 65 to 80 degree range and nights cool to the 40s and 50s. Summer (June through August) brings highs in the upper 80s plus dramatic monsoon thunderstorms from early July onward, which can be exciting but means afternoon driving caution on AZ-288. Winter sees lows in the 20s and occasional snow on the Mogollon Rim, but a four-season RV with a propane furnace makes it magical. Pro tip: October leaf-peeping in the aspens above Young is one of Arizona's best-kept secrets.
weather.gov/fgz/I've never rented an RV before. How does it work in Young?
First time renting an RV? You're in great hands, and Young is actually one of the more forgiving destinations because traffic is light and most campgrounds are pull-through. Every RVezy host gives you a full orientation at pickup or delivery, walking you through the generator, water system, slide-outs, leveling, and dump procedures. You can message your host through the platform before, during, and after your trip, and RVezy customer support is available 24/7. Pro tip for the drive into Young: the last stretch of AZ-288 includes about 14 miles of well-graded gravel, so take it slow, keep both hands on the wheel, and enjoy the scenery.
azdot.gov/adot-blog/safe-driving-tipsWhat happens if my RV breaks down near Young, AZ?
You are covered. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so a flat tire on AZ-288 or a dead battery at Reynolds Creek is just a phone call away from getting solved. Roadside help can dispatch a tire change, jump start, fuel delivery, or tow to the nearest service location. Cell coverage in Young itself is spotty (Verizon works best), so download offline maps before you leave Payson. Your host is also a quick message away through the RVezy app for advice on quirks specific to their rig.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityCan I take my Young, AZ RV rental across state lines or into Mexico?
Yes, interstate travel is welcome on most RVezy rentals, so a loop from Young through Utah's Zion or New Mexico's Gila Cliff Dwellings is totally doable. Confirm with your host before booking, since some owners cap travel to certain states. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because the protection plan and insurance do not extend across the border. Popular routes from Young include heading north about 4 hours to Monument Valley on the Arizona-Utah line, or east roughly 5 hours to White Sands National Park in New Mexico. Message hosts directly through the listing page to lock in your route.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat kind of fuel mileage and gas budget should I plan for?
Budgeting fuel for your Young RV trip is straightforward once you know the ranges: campervans (Class B) average 18 to 22 mpg, Class C motorhomes get 8 to 12 mpg, and larger Class A or fifth-wheel setups land around 6 to 10 mpg. Arizona gas prices in the Payson and Globe area typically sit slightly above the Phoenix average, so fill up in Mesa or Globe before climbing AZ-288 because there's no fuel station in Young itself. For a 500-mile round trip in a Class C, plan roughly $175 to $250 in gas. Pro tip: download GasBuddy and top off in Payson on your way home.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Young?
For the popular Tonto National Forest reservable sites like Ponderosa, Christopher Creek, and Houston Mesa, book on Recreation.gov 4 to 6 months ahead for summer weekends, and 2 to 3 months ahead for spring and fall trips. First-come, first-served campgrounds near Young such as Reynolds Creek, Rose Creek, and Valentine Ridge fill by Friday afternoon during peak season, so plan to arrive Thursday. Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends are the toughest to score, so pivot to dispersed camping along Forest Road 512 or FR 200 if you strike out. Pro tip: weekday arrivals open up nearly every site in the area.
recreation.gov/What are the driving conditions like getting to Young, AZ?
Driving to Young is part of the adventure, and an RV handles it just fine with a little patience. The two main approaches are AZ-260 east from Payson to AZ-288 south (about 14 miles of well-maintained gravel), or AZ-288 north from Globe through Roosevelt Lake. Grades reach 6 to 8 percent in spots and there are some tight curves on the Globe side, so use lower gears descending and watch for free-range cattle. The road is fully passable for travel trailers, fifth wheels, and Class C motorhomes year-round, though monsoon downpours (July to September) can cause temporary washouts. Check ADOT's az511 site before leaving Payson.
az511.gov/What hookups and amenities will I find at campgrounds near Young?
Most campgrounds in and around Young are rustic Forest Service sites, which is part of the charm. Expect vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and potable water spigots at established campgrounds like Ponderosa and Houston Mesa, but no electric, water, or sewer hookups at the sites themselves. For full hookups (50/30/20 amp electric, water, sewer), head to Payson RV Resort or Houston Mesa's hookup loop, about an hour from Young. The nearest RV dump stations are at Houston Mesa Campground and the Payson Walmart area. Pro tip: bring a full freshwater tank from Payson since Young itself has no public fill station and the high-desert air dehydrates fast.
fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=35458&actid=29What is typically included inside a motorhome rental Young, AZ travelers book?
A motorhome rental Young AZ guests pick on RVezy comes loaded for off-grid Mogollon Rim camping. Expect a queen bed, full kitchen with propane stove, fridge, microwave, bathroom with toilet and shower, dinette that converts to sleeping space, roof AC, propane furnace (essential for chilly Young nights), and seatbelted seating for travel. Most Class C and travel trailer listings include a generator or solar setup since Tonto National Forest campsites have no shore power. Many hosts add a TV, outdoor speaker, and starter kits with linens, kitchenware, and camp chairs. Check each listing's amenities section on RVezy and message the host if you need something specific like a pack-n-play.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Young%2C%20ArizonaWhat add-ons and pickup options are available for a campervan rental Young, AZ?
When you book a campervan rental Young AZ trip, hosts typically offer popular add-ons like camp chairs, outdoor tables, generators, propane refills, bedding kits, kitchen kits, and bike or kayak racks for hitting Roosevelt Lake. Pet fees usually run $25 to $75 per trip, and generator use beyond the included hours may add a small per-hour charge. Pickup happens at the host's location (often Phoenix, Mesa, or Payson), and delivery to your Tonto National Forest campsite is widely offered for a per-mile fee. Mileage policies vary: some listings cap at 100 miles per day, others advertise unlimited mileage. All add-ons, fees, and the mileage policy are clearly shown on each RVezy listing before you book.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Young%2C%20ArizonaHow do payment and the security deposit work for a cheap RV rental Young, AZ?
Even a cheap RV rental Young AZ booking is simple and secure on RVezy. Payment is handled entirely through the RVezy platform with a credit card at the time of booking, so no cash or side-deals with the host. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment and released after your trip once the host confirms the RV came back in good shape. To avoid any deposit issues, take date-stamped photos of the interior, exterior, and odometer at pickup, follow the host's fuel and dump-station instructions, and report any incident through the RVezy app right away. Keeping communication in-platform keeps everyone protected.
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