CHRISTOPHER CREEK PICNIC

Christopher Creek Campground is one of the most popular sites on Payson Ranger District. Developed campgrounds with picnic tables, grills and designated fire pits may be reserved for large families to spend quality time together. Campers may pass the time listening to ambient sounds of foliage fluttering in the breeze and the creek flowing in the distance. The operating season is April - October. With an elevation over a mile-high (5640 ft), Christopher Creek Campground's crisp, fresh air and vibrant views are a joy to behold. The facility is tucked along the banks of the spring-fed Christopher Creek, which passes just below the Mogollon Rim. The Mogollon Rim, pronounced by locals as ""muggy-own,"" is a 200-mile-long cliff in northern Arizona that ranges between 5,000 and 7,000 ft in elevation. The rim serves as the geographical dividing line between the cool high country above and the hot, dry desert below. Christopher Creek is in the desert portion, but is balanced by the cool waters of the creek and forested surroundings. Recreation: After a day of horseback riding or mountain biking, take a dip to cool off from the summer sun. Each spring, the creek is stocked with rainbow trout, allowing anglers the opportunity to cast their hearts out for rainbows as well as brook and brown trout. Facilities: The family-friendly campground has 43 sites on both sides of the creek, plus a group site that accommodates a maximum of 25 people. Nearby Attractions: The small town of Christopher Creek is just a short drive away and offers a few restaurant options for those who tire of cooking at the campground. A series of lakes called the Rim Country Lakes are about a 10-minute drive east. Woods Canyon Lake is one of the most popular recreational lakes in the state and offers options for boating as well as a nature trail that loops around the lake's perimeter.