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Camping · Arizona

Valentine Ridge Campground

USFS · Camping Area · Dispersed · Free

DispersedFree

Fast facts

Cost
Free
Managed by
USFS
Type
Camping Area
Nearest dump station
Canyon Point Dump Station · 5.9 mi
Coordinates
34.2436, -110.7969
Last verified
September 18, 2026
34.2436° N · 110.7969° W
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Last verifiedSeptember 18, 2026

About this place

A dispersed camping area situated near Canyon Creek, known for its rainbow trout fishing. A 9-mile all-terrain bicycle loop trail starts at the camping area. Wildlife includes: Abert squirrel, black bear, mountain lion, elk, turkey and deer. Arizona Game & Fish Department Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery is nearby.

From the USFS.

Is Valentine Ridge Campground free?

Yes. Valentine Ridge Campground is free to use. It is managed by the USFS. It is a dispersed area, so there are no hookups, no water and no trash service unless a report below says otherwise.

How do I get to Valentine Ridge Campground?

Access #1 (40 miles east of Payson) 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. Access #2 (22 miles north of Young) 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.

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What are the rules at Valentine Ridge Campground?

14-day stay limit. Trailers under 16 feet. FR 512 and FR 188 are unpaved roads suitable for passenger vehicles. Four-wheel drive and or chains may be advisable after heavy snows. Bear-proof your camp especially food. The regulations for trout in Canyon Creek are upstream of OW Bridge. The limit for trout is 4. From OW Bridge to the Fort Apache Reservation Boundary the regulation for trout is catch and release only. Artificial fly and lure only. Single barbless hooks In the winter, temperatures drop into the teens. PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT.

Nearby

SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.

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Disclaimer TerrainKit is an independent product with no affiliation with, sponsorship from or endorsement by the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service or any other public agency. Site and access information is compiled from publicly available sources and can go out of date without notice. Confirm current rules, closures, fire restrictions and stay limits with the managing ranger district or field office before you camp.
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47.5053° N · 111.3008° W
Valentine Ridge Campground, Free Camping in Arizona - TerrainKit