Clints Well Campground — Hotel in Payson

For a free stay in the beautiful Coconino National Forest, this place is worth going to if you don't mind that there are no showers and no running water available. There are vault toilets and the campground host did a good job of keeping the restroom clean.

The campsites are far enough apart so that it feels like your space is really yours, a big plus! Long pine needles covered most of the ground surface so there was little to track into the tent.

The pine trees are suitable for hammocks and a good distance apart for several of them if you're in a group. Use tree straps for hammocks; they work great on the pines and won't disturb the bark if used properly.

Nighttime temps dropped by about 30 degrees; so even in early July with the daytime temps around 80F, just be prepared with extra blankets if you're tent camping.

There were elk that wandered quietly right up behind our tent in the middle of the night. My husband woke up to a pack of coyotes off in the distance but they never came into the campground.

There are fire rings with sealed water jugs for safety and are okay to use if there are no fire restrictions.

The camp host was very nice and went around to every site to give us a heads up on the stormy...

This place was absolutely perfect. Clean and well maintained little campground with large camping area. Parking at your campsite is small so do not plan to bring a large travel trailer here but this is perfect for a small teardrop or pod camper or tents. Camp host Rodney was incredible, friendly and knowledgeable. Came and greeted us after we were settled in. Great place to kick back with a nice little store just down the road close enough to ride a bike. Restrooms were very clean however there are people that walk over from BLM land to use the bathrooms when its busy. The road along side the campground is noticeable but it won't wreck the weekend. Overall a great place to stay. We spent 4 nights and they were all exactly...

Great location. A bit close to Lake Mary road. 1 thing to note...we had at least one rat move into our engine compartment after failing to open hood. It only took the first night (of 4) to open that door. Fought them the entire time there. Had chemical repellents as well as electronic...nothing worked. Take heed...open your hood and don't let rodents set up shop. Saw 25-30 Elk herd cross Lake Mary rd but (thankfully) it happened fast so no pics but no vehicle collisions...watch for Elk on that road! Nice picnic tables, ample free firewood on ground and fire rings. Hosts were very nice. A little bit of road noise, mainly from UTVs and a few semi trucks using engine brakes and...