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Just looking for some suggestions for camping in November. I was looking at Horton's Creek outside of Payson. However the weather report says 34 at night. Was looking for something a bit warmer. I would like to be out of the desert though so maybe I will just have to travel heavy and stay warm. Thanks for any suggestions

The improved campground near Horton Creek, Upper Tonto and Ponderosa are closed though you can still camp out on the forest. Just South of the Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery apx. 1.2 miles is a forest road that goes to some private property (it was at this location the Zane Grey cabin was located but burned down during the Dude fire) the right fork. The left fork goes to a former campground (located on old forest service maps and topo maps) that is located on a ridge top. I t is a good unimproved campground with some good views. I camped last week nearby and the temp was in the high 50's though the weather has changed since.

Nightime in the mountains this time of year is always cold. Not too many ways around it. It's possible that you might run into some slightly warmer temperatures if you go to the south of the state (say Mt. Lemon or Mt. Grahm) but even there it gets pretty cold still.

I think you just need to bring some extra firewood, a few blankets and a good supply of hot chocolate.

And really - even in the desert the nights are quite chilly compared to the daytime temperatures.

I was thinking about camping in the middle Verde Valley (Camp Verde area) and hiking the trails in the area.