Third Crossing
- Third Crossing
Campground Overview:
Verde Glen Dispersed Camping Area is a popular dispersed camping and recreational area located north of Payson on the Tonto National Forest. During the summer months, Verde Glen is a fun escape for kids and parents. There are no designated campsites, drinking water, toilets, or trash services. If you are staying overnight you must come equipped with a portable toilet or use a self-contained vehicle. Everything you bring in with you, must be packed out.
Verde Glen Dispersed Camping Area is located under numerous shady trees in a flat, grassy area just off Houston Mesa Rd, pass the small community of Whispering Pines. The camping area sits along the creek bed of the East Verde River. There was no river while we were there, just a dry creek bed. During and after rainstorms, the creek bed will begin to fill as water flows down the Mogollon Rim. The drive to Verde Glen was very scenic, with some beautiful overlooks. First & Second Crossings were overflowing with cars and people looking to explore the area.
Travel on the Houston Mesa Road for 10 miles to the end of the pavement to the junction of FR 64. Turn right (east) and travel 1/2 mile to the site located on the north side of the road.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Dispersed |
Season: |
May – October |
Nearby City: |
Payson |
Fishing: |
East Verde River |
Campground Website: |
Verde Glen Dispersed Camping Area |
Campground Map: |
Click Here |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
Tucked below the Mogollon Rim, north of Payson on Fr 199 (Houston Mesa Rd), The Verde Glen and First, Second, Third Crossings and Water Wheel recreation areas are popular day-use picnic areas that sit along side the the East 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.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Campground full or want to see what’s around? Try one of these campgrounds located nearby
