Flowing Spring- Turn off Hwy 260
- Flowing Spring- Turn off Hwy 260
Campground Overview:
Flowing Spring is a popular recreation area located along Hwy 260/ 87, a few miles north of Payson, on the Tonto National Forest. The nearby landscape offers many pastoral scenes and interesting rock formations. Situated along the banks of the East Verde River, trout fishing and picnicking are the favorite activities for visitors. Dispersed camping is allowed but there are no designated campsites or amenities. A vault toilet is available.
This site is 3 ½ miles north of Payson. From Payson, go north on State Hwy 87. Near mile marker 257 just south of the East Verde River, turn right (east) on Forest Road (FR) 272. Continue traveling on Fr 272 for ½ mile to the site.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Dispersed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Payson |
Fishing: |
East Verde River |
Campground Website: |
Flowing Spring |
Campground Map: |
Click Here |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
The East Verde River is a tributary of the Verde River. Beginning on the Mogollon Rim near Washington Park, it flows generally southwest through Gila County and the Tonto National Forest northeast of Phoenix. Near the middle of its course, it passes to within about 5 miles (8 km) of Payson, which is southeast of the river. The East Verde River flows through parts of the Mazatzal Wilderness west of Payson.
The Payson Area Trails System is an in-progress, interconnecting trail system utilizing detached pathways, existing sidewalks, and bike lanes in Payson to form an interior trail network. These interior trails will connect to specific Forest Service roads and trails on Payson’s periphery providing a more rustic trail-user experience. If you enjoy hiking and want to see more of Payson these trails are great way to see the surrounding area. (Click Here for a Map)
Campers who make the quick trip to the town of Payson, one mile south, will find restaurants, shopping and other conveniences. Scenic driving and outdoor recreation abound in the surrounding Tonto National Forest, which embraces almost 3 million acres of rugged and spectacularly beautiful country, ranging from saguaro cactus-studded desert to pine-forested mountains beneath the Mogollon Rim.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is located in central Arizona near Payson. It is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. The bridge stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point. There are three hiking trails, a picnic area, and a group use area. Goodfellow Lodge at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is a one-of-a-kind rustic hideaway in the middle of some of the most picturesque scenery in Arizona’s Rim Country. Nestled deep within Pine Canyon, this three-story cabin-style lodge was built in the 1920’s and has kept much of its early 20th-century charm. The lodge has 10 furnished bedrooms with private and communal restrooms, as well as a furnished basement suite with a private kitchenette with sink and refrigerator.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Campground full or want to see what’s around? Try one of these campgrounds located nearby
