CampgroundsDB

Colcord Ridge

Its sites are first-come, first-served (no reservations), camping is free, and it is open year-round. Colcord Ridge is a National Forest campground near Payson, Arizona.

First-come, first-served

National Forest · Payson, Arizona

Managed by
National Forest
Max RV length
32 ft

Colcord Ridge sits inside Tonto National Forest. Its dispersed-camping rule, ranger offices, and boundary are on publiclandsdb.com. It sits 0.4 miles outside the boundary of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests; its dispersed-camping rule, ranger offices, and boundary are on publiclandsdb.com.

Getting a site

Managed by
National Forest
Reservations
None, first-come
Fee
Free

Sources: apps.fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-28; fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-29

Sites and hookups

Max RV length
32 ft
  • ✓ Toilets
  • ✕ Potable water

On site: Toilets. No potable water.

Sources: apps.fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-28; fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-29

Rules

Stay limit
14 days
Quiet hours
10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Sources: apps.fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-28; fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-29

Access and cell service

Elevation
7,600 ft

Cell coverage by carrier (FCC map)

AT&T
4G LTE and 5G (35/3 Mbps)
T-Mobile
No coverage at the campground; 4G LTE and 5G mapped about 0.2 mi away
Verizon
No coverage at the campground; 4G LTE mapped about 0.2 mi away
Source: FCC Broadband Data Collection, data as of December 31, 2025

Outdoor coverage each carrier reports to the FCC at this campground's map point, and the nearest mapped coverage within about half a mile. The FCC map only includes 4G LTE at 5/1 Mbps or better and 5G; a weaker signal, a text, or an emergency call may still get through, but don't count on it. These are carrier predictions, not measurements, and can be wrong either way: real service in canyons, under trees, and inside a tent or vehicle is often weaker. 5G speeds are the FCC's 7/1 and 35/3 Mbps tiers. This product uses the FCC Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the FCC.

34.2621, -110.8425 in Gila. Open in OpenStreetMap. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Open in Google Maps Directions

Season and winter services

Colcord Ridge is open year-round .

Sources: apps.fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-28; fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-29

Common questions

Do you need a reservation at Colcord Ridge?
No. Colcord Ridge is first-come, first-served: there is no reservation system, so arrive early to claim an open site.
How much does it cost to camp at Colcord Ridge?
Camping at Colcord Ridge is free.
Is there drinking water at Colcord Ridge?
No. Colcord Ridge has no potable water, so bring all the water you need.
When is Colcord Ridge open?
Colcord Ridge is open year-round.
How long can you stay at Colcord Ridge?
The stay limit at Colcord Ridge is 14 days.
Is there cell service at Colcord Ridge?
Yes, outdoors: the FCC's National Broadband Map (data as of December 31, 2025) shows 4G LTE and 5G from AT&T at Colcord Ridge. It shows none at Colcord Ridge from T-Mobile or Verizon, though T-Mobile shows 4G LTE and 5G about 0.2 mi away and Verizon shows 4G LTE about 0.2 mi away. The map is carrier-reported and modeled for outdoors, so expect weaker service in canyons, under trees, and inside a tent or vehicle.
Who manages Colcord Ridge?
Colcord Ridge is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Around Colcord Ridge

reservoirfinder.com · 28 miles

C.C. Cragin Reservoir's mapped center point is 28 miles from Colcord Ridge in a straight line. Current water level: C.C. Cragin Reservoir water level on reservoirfinder.com.

Waterfalls nearby

swimholesmap.com · within 30 miles

The nearest waterfall to Colcord Ridge, in a straight line: Waterwheel Falls (waterfall, 26 miles). Each has its own page on swimholesmap.com.

First-come Airplane Flat Payson · National Forest Season April to October Fee Free First-come Fr 171 Forest Lakes · National Forest Season May 1 to November Fee Free First-come Upper Canyon Creek Payson · National Forest Season April 1 to November 1 Fee Free Reservable Sinkhole Campground Payson · National Forest Season May 1 to October 31 Fee Single Site: $25 per night; $12 per additional vehicle

More campgrounds: camping near Payson and campgrounds in Gila.

Sources

First-come, first-served Free
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