Campground Overview:
Valentine Ridge Campground is situated near Canyon Creek and is known for its rainbow trout fishing. A 9-mile all-terrain bicycle loop trail starts at the campground. Wildlife includes: Abert squirrel, black bear, mountain lion, elk, turkey and deer. Arizona Game & Fish Department Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery is nearby.
Campsites:
Valentine Ridge Campground has about 9 campsites located in a loop. Most campsites have a grill, fire pit, and picnic table. A vault toilet is available but there is no water or trash bins. Come prepared to pack in, pack out all trash. The nearest dumpster is located at Colcord Ridge Campground down FR 33. During heavy rain or snow, the road might require a high clearance vehicle.
From Payson, travel 33 miles east on paved State Hwy. 260. Turn right on unpaved Young Road/Forest Road (FR) 512, and continue for approximately 5 miles to unpaved FR 188. Turn left on FR 188 and travel 2 miles to the site.
From Young, take State Hwy. 288/Forest Road (FR)512/Young Road, north for 20 miles to FR 188; turn right onto FR 188 and follow it for 2 miles to the site.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Semi-Developed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Payson |
Fishing: |
Canyon Creek |
Campground Website: |
Valentine Ridge Campground |
Campground Map: |
Click Here |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
Canyon Creek, an outstanding high elevation riparian community just under the Mogollon Rim, is a very popular fishing and birding destination. Canyon Creek Hatchery is one of Arizona’s five fish hatcheries and is built at the headwaters that feed into Canyon Creek. In 2000, a large wildfire swept through much of the country surrounding the hatchery, destroying many large trees. After the fire, elk, deer and other wildlife species moved into the area to take advantage of the lush growth that resulted from the burn.
Canyon Creek is an excellent place to view elk, mule deer, turkey, waterfowl, trout, and a wide range of riparian birds, especially during the spring migration. Elk, mule deer, Merriam’s turkey, and Abert’s squirrel can be seen year round; there is a possibility of seeing black bear in summer. In winter and spring, bald eagles may forage at the hatchery show pond. It is not uncommon to see 5-6 eagles at one time. Canyon Creek is home to rainbow and brown trout, and many of the small fish that can be seen from the shore are speckled dace, one of Arizona’s native fish species. Hikers are likely to see terrestrial gartersnakes, canyon treefrogs, or Arizona toads on any warm weather walk along the creek.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Campground full or want to see what’s around? Try one of these campgrounds located nearby
