Colcord Ridge Campground sits on the edge of the Mogollon Rim. The views are not quite as spectacular from this campground than by Rim Campground or the vistas on the road to Woods Canyon but, they are still stunning. This is a basically a dispersed campground on relatively flat ground with the basics. This is a good place to start looking for a campsite when all of the Woods Canyon Recreation area campgrounds and Sinkhole campground at Willow Springs Lake are full. You will need to bear-proof your camp here as the local wildlife includes black bear, elk, Javelina, mountain lion and deer. There is no fee to camp here. Make sure you bring water with you as there is no water available at the campground. You can fill your water jugs at any of the nearby campgrounds. Sinkhole campground is closest.
Colcord Ridge is a great place to camp if you want to explore the top of the Mogollon Rim. It is centrally located between Black Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake, Canyon Creek and Woods Canyon Lake.
The closest fishing is 5 miles east at Canyon Creek, or up the road to Willow Springs Lake. The road down into Canyon Creek is winding and a little rough at times. It may take a half an hour to get back to the creek and can be difficult during heavy rains. A four wheel drive vehicle make the going easier.
If you have kids with you and the roads are dry, I would highly recommend taking them down to the Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery and bring your swimsuits to play around in the creek at the bridge between Airplane Flat and Upper Canyon Creek campgrounds, they will have a blast.
Nearby campgrounds include Airplane Flat, Upper Canyon Creek and Valentine Ridge.
This is a dispersed campground, If there are any fire restrictions in place, you will not be able to have a campfire here.
Directions
From Payson travel 33 miles east on S. R. 260 to F.R. 512 (Young Road) turn right then travel 3.2 miles south to the campground on your left.
General Notes
- Elevation: 7626′
- Season: May – November
- Stay Limit: 14 Days
- Fee: No
- First Come – First Served, no reservations
- Campsites: 15
- Trailer Limit: 32′
- Potable Water: No
- Campsite Grills, tables and fire rings: Yes
- Showers: At Canyon Point Campground
- Waste Disposal: at Woods Canyon Rec Area or Canyon Point
- Closest Store: Forest Lakes
- Information: Pleasant Valley Ranger District 928-462-4300
