An All Around Winner
From the seasoned pro to parents bravely entering the waters of camping with kids, Christopher Creek is great.
Photo: child refusing to get out of hammock.
This shot gives you the general feeling of the campground: sweet.
Getting there: 2 hours & 15 minutes from Tempe: east on 202, take Country Club Exit (87, Bee Line Hwy) North toward Payson. In Payson, take hwy 260 east toward Show Low. Christopher Creek Campground is about 20 minutes east of Payson, on the right (south) side of the road. (all paved)
Campground Rating: 10/10
What I like most: the creek really is right there, it’s small enough for the kids to play in safely and you can see it from your campsite. Tripping over the rocks in the creek bed is the biggest risk. There is a bit of a bank, steep in places, which can be tough for unsteady little legs, but they learn to use their hands pretty fast! There is also a swimming hole (where the kids do need constant supervision) deep enough for full submersion and a little swim!
Shortcomings: I really can’t think of a complaint. I guess one is that, if the wind is just right, you can hear cars on hwy 260.
Amenities: drinking water, fire rings, picnic table, vault toilets, camp host, firewood for sale
Note: If you forget something basic (like the time I forgot my food box), there is a store at the town of Christopher Creek which has just about everything, within reason. Best of all, it’s a five minute drive from the campground.
Photo: children with rakes: Rakes rock! Very big hit with the small fries. This is site #23. The creek begins where the dirt ends, behind the kids.
My favorite site: 23 and 25 are both great. The campground road is comprised of two loops. Soon after you enter the campground you can either veer left and go around the first loop, or veer right and cross the creek to the second loop. I prefer the second loop, which is across the creek. It seems that most of the big RV’s stay on the first loop.
Logistics: This campground closes during the winter. Call the ranger station for exact dates. No reservations accepted except for group site.
Group Campsite: another 10/10. This site is fantastic. It is roomy, lots of tent spots, right on the creek bank (not a steep bank here). The creek, as I say above, is perfect for splashing and exploring in, or just admiring from a camp chair on the bank. Special features of the group site: reservable (1-20 people); two big picnic tables, bigger area (for more tents), parking for about six cars (call ranger to see what the max # is); bathrooms and faucet next to parking area–others can use them, but they’re very close (photos below).
Webpage for campgound map: http://www.reserveamerica.com/nrrs/Christopher_Creek/Campsite_Map/r/campgroundMap.do?page=map&agency=NRRS&parkId=80
Good webpage for more info: http://www.camparizona.com/Campsites/PaysonCampsites/Christopher%20Creek.htm
Photo: child (still having an extended “turn” in hammock) now demands Raffi cover tunes. Camp’s all set up, drying out from a little monsoon action. Creek bed is behind the tent.
Photo: group site view toward creek.
Photo: The delightful creek is fun for everyone. The group site is in the background.
Christopher Creek Campground photos were taken in August 2006. Group site photos were taken in June 2008.
Camping Mama 