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3-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

Christopher Creek Lodge

Experience rustic rooms and cabins at Christopher Creek Lodge, Payson, AZ. Enjoy hiking trails, a fish-stocked creek, and nearby Mogollon Rim adventures.

1355 Christopher Creek Loop, Payson, AZ 85541, United States View on map
9.2/10
Exceptional Based on 613 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Pet-friendly Kid-friendly Kitchens in some rooms
What recent guests emphasize

Rustic Creekside Comfort with Friendly Service

Guests appreciate the peaceful, nature-rich setting and the welcoming staff making this lodge ideal for a relaxing getaway with family or friends.

Guests often praise

  • Clean, comfortable rooms and bunks with cozy bedding and functional heating.
  • Helpful, friendly hosts who provide attentive service and local tips.
  • Scenic location with wildlife sightings, a creek running through the property, and opportunities to feed squirrels.
  • Shared kitchen areas and outdoor grills that make cooking easy and enjoyable.
  • Peaceful atmosphere suitable for quiet relaxation, even during busier times.

Worth knowing

  • Firepit use may be restricted during fire bans, though gas grills remain available.
  • Wood for stoves is available at a reasonable price but not complimentary.
  • The lodge’s rustic style means rooms are more basic compared to typical hotels or luxury cabins.
  • The property benefits from a remote, forested location which can feel cold on winter nights, so heating is important.
  • Family groups should anticipate shared bunk-style sleeping arrangements in some accommodations.

Best for

  • Travelers seeking a quiet, nature-immersed retreat near hiking, fishing, and lakes.
  • Families and groups wanting lodge accommodations with communal cooking and dining options.
  • LGBTQ+ travelers looking for an inclusive and welcoming environment.
  • Visitors planning multi-season stays, including autumn foliage and winter snow experiences.
  • Those wanting a rustic, no-frills getaway with friendly hosts and scenic outdoor activities.
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About this property

Welcome to Christopher Creek Lodge

Christopher Creek Lodge offers a rustic retreat nestled within the woodsy surroundings of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Payson, Arizona. The property features a variety of accommodations including cabins, dormitories, lodge-style rooms, and motel units, all set amid trees with a fish-stocked creek running through the grounds. This natural setting provides opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing, with elk frequently seen grazing nearby.

The lodge’s facilities include communal kitchens and outdoor grills, providing guests with the option to prepare their own meals. Families and groups often appreciate the bunk-style rooms and cozy cabins that balance comfort and simplicity. Many reviewers highlight the attentive and friendly staff, as well as the peaceful environment, although some note that the rustic style means amenities such as wood for stoves are available for purchase rather than complimentary.

Located approximately nine miles from the Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery, the property is a convenient base for exploring nearby natural attractions like the Mogollon Rim, Woods Canyon Lake, and Bear Canyon Lake. These spots are popular for hiking, biking, and water activities, enhancing the appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. Guests also benefit from the lodge’s LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, making it welcoming to a diverse range of visitors.

Check-in is from 3:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. The lodge is accessible within an hour and 16 minutes by car from Show Low Regional Airport, making it reasonably reachable for regional travelers. While the experience focuses on a relaxing, nature-centered stay, reviews suggest it suits those seeking a quieter, less polished alternative to traditional hotels.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Kitchens in some rooms
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Breakfast
Pool
Air-conditioned
Restaurant
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

MB
melissa bennett Mar 05, 2026
10

I've stayed twice in the bunks. Great place to stay. Beds are soft and clean. Host was great. It was a cold night the 1st night with no neighbors. I say that because I had neighbors on each side the next night and it wasnt as cold. They brought me wood to burn in the stove. Mind it isn't free but it's a great price. No delivery fee. I felt horrible because I had no cash to tip. There are heaters, and they work if you use them. Im grateful for the attention and delivery. I'll definitely be back soon.

MM
MT Murray Mar 04, 2026
10

Tod and his wife have done an amazing job taking over. It has been a while since we have been there, but it is way better than I remember! We will definitely be back. Thank you for an amazing weekend!!!

CD
Christian Dragos Feb 20, 2026
10

Stayed for two nights on a Monday and Tuesday night, middle of August. It was wonderful! We had the entire place pretty much to ourselves. The rooms are very comfortable. We stayed in a Pony Express unit near the front. Elk would wander and graze through the grounds. Staff was very helpful and friendly and they have bags of peanuts to give you to feed the squirrels! Unfortunately, there was a fire ban so we couldn't use the firepits dotted throughout the grounds, but we were able to use the gas grills. We plan to stay again in the autumn to see the trees change colors. We're also planning a winter stay there and hopefully see some snowfall. It's less than a 2-hour drive from Phoenix. All in all, I highly recommend Christopher Creek Lodge!

TM
Teri Mathis Jan 25, 2026
10

My family and I stayed at this place this past weekend. We had such a wonderful stay. From the time we called to book till the time we checked out we received nothing but the best. Todd and his wife were awesome to work with. We stayed in a trail bunk with our 4 kids. 3 slept on the top , and my husband ,myself , and our 4 year old on the bottom. What a bonus to be able to cook homemade meals for our family in the kitchen area in the cabin , and the nice grills outside. There is a creek that runs right through with elk hanging around. The playground and horseshoes were a bonus also! We will be returning!!

AG
Antonio Guerrero Jan 24, 2026
10

All around 5 stars, great little spot to just enjoy nature and spend time with your family on a get away from the moment we arrived we loved it. Todd was great and helped us with everything we needed. Rooms were clean and cozy and there's a little store and resturant right down the road. This may be our new yearly spot.

C
compakdisc Jan 17, 2026
8.0

My partner and I are not rough and tough outdoorsy folk so I found this place on Google when looking for a more “glamping” type of experience for a weekend getaway from Phoenix. Camping without all the bugs and actual toilets. This place was nice. Peace and quiet in the woods, it was cold and rainy when we first got there which had the creek rushing the next day. fresh air and good walking near the street by the lodge. Theres a pretty good restaurant nearby (hours are a bit wonky so check) and a general store that had some higher quality offerings than what I was expecting. In our cabin #3 we had a main bedroom with a big comfy bed and a tv in the bedroom and main space. Theres a nicely remodeled bathroom with a sink toilet and shower. Not enough shampoo body wash or conditioner provided. There Is a kitchen that has an electric stove, oven, microwave and fridge and freezer. They offer utensils dishes pots and pans. Dish soap and sponge provided - bring some dish towels. The website said they have a coffee maker. Be warned that it is only a kcup brewer and no kcups are provided complimentary. Sounds extra but as a coffee snob I brought coffee thinking there would be a maker and panicked a little seeing no traditional coffee maker. Would be a nice service touch to include some coffee or at least teabags. The pans are also super worn down though so if that bothers you bring an extra pan. Theres a charcoal bbq facing the creek and some porch rocking chairs to enjoy the view. room has a small heater which was okay, but it still got really chilly so definitely bring extra blankets and fuzzy socks or slippers. Bedding was clean. Wi-Fi was good, no outages. For your privacy!!!! Make sure to sign out of any services like Netflix or YouTube you access on the TV - some random accounts were still signed in when we used it (we signed them out). We don’t have kids but this place seems great for families. Theres a playground on site and some picnic and bonfire areas. Our cabin had a loft with four futon type beds which I’m sure kids would love to stay in. There is a wood stove to burn duralogs in - bring some with you to add to cozy cabin ambiance as they are not provided. Overall Good experience with just a few “eh” moments. Thanks!

JC
Johnny Chandler Jan 13, 2026
10

What a relaxing escape! Came up from the valley for a couple nights, and was welcomed early by the staff. Stayed in one of the "motel" front rooms. They're what you'd expect in a motel-style room, but more quaint, with a fairly spacious loft above. GREAT if you have some children visiting with you. Could also accommodate 3-4 adults with no problem. Lots of attractions in the area, but if you're staying put, there are restaurants and a nicely stocked store within walking distance. Can't say enough nice things about the staff. Truly welcoming and friendly!

SC
shawn crawford Dec 22, 2025
10

We come here every year for a week and it is amazing. The wildlife is awesome as well great time everyone. This is for sure place to visit put it on your calendar. Thank you to all the staff and amenities. The place for a nice relaxing time. Enjoy everyone

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Christopher Creek Lodge

Payson, Arizona, USA

Nestled in the trees of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, this woodsy creekside lodge is 9.4 miles from the Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery.

  • Show Low Regional Airport 1 hr 16 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Arizona. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Mogollon Rim 210 reviews

Mogollon Rim

Arizona 85541, USA

4.9 · Plateau
Woods Canyon Lake 555 reviews

Woods Canyon Lake

Arizona, USA

4.7 · Lake
Bear Canyon Lake 189 reviews

Bear Canyon Lake

Arizona 85541, USA

4.7 · Lake
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