Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Rim Road Dispersed Sites
The famous Rim Road (Forest Road 300) offers dozens of dispersed camping spots along the Mogollon Rim’s edge, where ponderosa pines frame dramatic views dropping 2,000 feet into the Verde Valley. Sites vary from roadside pulls to short spurs leading to cliff-edge positions. Popular with hunters in fall and anyone seeking escape from desert heat in summer. Fire rings at established spots, but bring your own water.
Access via multiple points off Highway 260 between Payson and Show Low. Road is graded gravel suitable for any vehicle in dry conditions, but can be impassable when wet. Snow closes higher elevations November through April. Some sites extremely close to cliff edge — not recommended for kids or pets.
Cliff-edge camping along the famous Mogollon Rim
Place Details
| Type | Dispersed Camping |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Payson, AZ |
| Miles from pavement | 12.3 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Gravel |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 35 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | May-October |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Fire ring |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |