Old Rim Road Designated Dispersed Camping

Beautiful dispersed camping along a ridge overlooking the Mogollan Valley. Large spots with handmade rock fire pits. Most are easy to get in and out of, (maybe harder for larger rigs) but at this time of year some are very muddy and rutted out. Road in is narrow but pretty good, and we were fine with a 30’ trailer. Super easy access off 260. Spots on the ridge are very windy but we stayed closer to the road and there wasn’t much wind at all. Gorgeous sunset too. Make sure you at least hike out to the ridge to take in the
breathtaking views!

So quiet. There are other rigs but I rarely saw anyone, I got cell service while sitting on the rim. If you want solitude this is for you. No water, no toilets so be prepared. The wind moving through the trees at this elevation is magnificent. I have a tiny van conversion (Promaster City) and some sites we could not access due to the large rocks. Trucks pulling rigs didn’t have a problem.

We stayed here the last 2 weekends, first in H32, then in H16. Most of the 47 available spots here are huge. Some are smaller and great for tents. The prime spots are closer to the visitors center, H1 - 3A, B, C, D, E. Hard to get to those spots, the driveway especially to 3A - E is very rocky and better for smaller RV’s or tents. But you are right on the rim with spectacular views. Unfortunately the smoke from the wildfires was so thick the views were not as visible. Also remember its much windier by the rim, so if you stay in one of those spots, it will be windy.

H32 is the north side, a large spot, we had a couple travel trailers on it, we stayed the weekend after Labor Day and it was pretty quiet. There is a ton of hiking or lakes in the area to kayak. If you go across the 260 to old rim road (300) you can catch the rim trail or Gen Crook Trail. There are so many to choose from in this area. We picked up a little of the trash that others have left. Unfortunately there are still inconsiderate campers around.

H16 is 500 steps from the rim. So it was a perfect combination of being far enough away to not have wind, but close enough to the rim that we brought our chairs and watched the sunset every night. We saw deer, elk, and wild horses. The horses came right into our campsite. Fires were allowed, but we have our gas propane fire. Some sites have picnic tables, all have fire pits. You have to camp within 50 feet of the ‘camp here’ sign.

Forrest Lakes Convenience store is only about 3 miles away east on the 260 and is a well stocked store, including RV parts and games. So if you need anything, you can go right there and pick it up instead of going back to Payson.

No cell service for TMobile, but great cell service for Verizon.

Try to make it your mission to clean up after inconsiderate campers to keep America beautiful.

We stayed at the Old Rim Road Dispersed Camping area at site #26 during the second week of September, Tuesday thru Friday. During the week-days it was very peaceful, however it did begin to get busy on Friday. Hiking in the area was wonderful, and views of the Mogollon Rim were magnificent. Camp fires were allowed during our time there. Old Rim Road (Forest Road 171) is located at the back of the Mogollon Rim Visitors Center on Highway 260, east of Payson, Arizona. Forest Road 171 connects to Young Highway 288, Forest Road 171 is a gravel road and is well maintained. We will stay here again!!!