Once Upon a Creek: Newly Renovated Cozy Cabin In The Pines w/Patio Play Area
Once Upon a Creek is a cozy, fully renovated cabin in the heart of Christopher Creek—just a stone throw from the water and surrounded by tall pines. Once owned by an Arizona official state historian, it served as his peaceful writing retreat. Today, it offers a private yard, outdoor patio, and rustic charm. In the mornings, don’t be surprised to see elk grazing near the apple tree or lounging in the yard. A perfect mix of nature, history, and comfort.
Property Overview
Tucked beneath the tall pines of Christopher Creek, Once Upon a Creek is a peaceful 2-bedroom, 2-bath getaway designed for comfort, connection, and quiet. Originally owned by an Arizona state historian, this cabin was his personal retreat—a place to relax and write with the sound of being surrounded by nature.
Inside, you’ll find a cozy, Newly renovated open-concept layout with rustic charm and all the modern comforts: a fully stocked kitchen, soft linens, smart TV, and a living room perfect for card games or morning coffee. Outside, enjoy a spacious private yard with a fire pit, grill, dining area, and a cornhole setup for a bit of fun beneath the pines. Elk are frequent morning visitors, especially near the apple tree out front.
Whether you’re here to unwind, explore, or simply breathe in some mountain air—this cabin was made for it.
Guest Access
- Guests will enjoy full, private access to the entire cabin and its amenities. This includes:
- Smart Lock Entry: A personalized code will be provided prior to check-in for seamless, contactless entry.
- Outdoor Entertainment Area: Relax on the spacious patio featuring a fire pit, cornhole game area, BBQ grill, and comfortable seating for dining and lounging.
- Indoor Amenities: Make use of the fully equipped kitchen, cozy living spaces, and two well-appointed bedrooms.
- Laundry Facilities: A washer and dryer are available for guest use. Parking: Ample on-site parking is provided.
- No smoking - No pets allowed - No events, parties, or large gatherings - Must be at least 23 years old to book - Additional fees and taxes may apply - Photo ID may be required upon check-in - NOTE: The single-story cabin requires 2 steps to enter - NOTE: By booking this property, you agree to comply with the City of Payson Ordinance Chapter 116.10. Pursuant to this Article, this property requires a sex offender background check and you agree to provide any additional information that may be required to confirm your eligibility to make this booking - Gila County STR Permit #: STR-2512-0016
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Payson
Christopher Creek, a neighbourhood in Payson, is home to this cabin. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Tonto National Forest and Mongollon Rim Visitor Center, while Young Museum and Rim Country Museum are cultural highlights.
Mongollon Rim Visitor Center - 13 min drive - 17.7 km
Willow Springs Lake Recreation Area - 13 min drive - 18.8 km
Lake One - 13 min drive - 18.8 km
Sardine Point Day Use Area - 18 min drive - 22.5 km
Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area - 18 min drive - 24.0 km
Restaurants
Creekside Steakhouse - 7 min walk
Zane Grey's Steakhouse & Saloon - 15 min drive
Landmark at The Creek - 10 min walk
Samurai Sam's - 47 min drive
Kohl's Ranch - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Once Upon a Creek: Newly Renovated Cozy Cabin In The Pines w/Patio Play Area pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Once Upon a Creek: Newly Renovated Cozy Cabin In The Pines w/Patio Play Area?
As of 12 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Once Upon a Creek: Newly Renovated Cozy Cabin In The Pines w/Patio Play Area on 29 Aug, 2026 start from S$395, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Once Upon a Creek: Newly Renovated Cozy Cabin In The Pines w/Patio Play Area?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Once Upon a Creek: Newly Renovated Cozy Cabin In The Pines w/Patio Play Area?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Once Upon a Creek: Newly Renovated Cozy Cabin In The Pines w/Patio Play Area?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Once Upon a Creek: Newly Renovated Cozy Cabin In The Pines w/Patio Play Area located?
Located in Christopher Creek, this cabin is steps from Tonto National Forest and within 9 mi (15 km) of Mongollon Rim Visitor Center and Lake One. Willow Springs Lake Recreation Area and Lake Three are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Our family has a wonderful stay! We really enjoyed the outside patio.
Christina F.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Apr, 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review! We're thrilled your family had a wonderful stay and that you especially enjoyed the outside patio. It's one of our favorite spots too—perfect for relaxing with the fresh mountain air and peaceful surroundings. We’d love to host your family again anytime!
Perfect quiet getaway. Super clean, well taken care of. Will stay again!
Kara K.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Apr, 2026
Thank you so much for the great review! We're delighted you found it the perfect quiet getaway and super clean—we take a lot of pride in keeping the entire property well cared for! We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
We loved staying here. The house is super clean and has all the basic needs. The area is very quiet and peaceful. I enjoyed being close to the creek. We drove to Mogollon rim and Willow lake. There are two restaurants near by and downtown is only 20 mins away. Great place to visit- we love Payson!
Elizabeth H.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Mar, 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so glad you loved your stay at Once Upon a Creek—the cleanliness, peaceful quiet, and that special closeness to the creek are what make this spot so magical for us too.
It's great to hear you enjoyed exploring the Mogollon Rim and Willow Springs Lake (those are fantastic nearby gems!)
Thanks again for being such fantastic visitors. We'd be thrilled to welcome you back anytime for more creek-side relaxation.
Michael (Host)
We enjoyed our stay very much. Great place! Having other houses so nearby was a little disappointing however, we never saw or heard the neighbors.
Kim R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Aug, 2025
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled you had a great time at Once Upon a Creek and enjoyed the cozy cabin’s charm. We appreciate your feedback about the nearby houses. Our listing photos aim to showcase the surrounding area, including the community layout, to set clear expectations. While truly isolated properties are rare in this community, with most lots under a quarter acre, our property exceeds the average lot size, along with the surrounding pine tress on the property, it offers a bit more of an isolated feeling compared to most properties in the neighborhood. We apologize if some of this was unclear! We’re glad you found it peaceful with no neighbor noise! We’d love to welcome you back for another relaxing stay in the pines!
Such a great house and neighborhood. Everyone in the area was so friendly and we were even greeted by an elk upon arrival! The outdoor area was relaxing and perfect for the kids.
Danah L.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Aug, 2025
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled you loved staying at Once Upon a Creek and felt welcomed by the friendly neighborhood—what a special greeting from that elk! It’s great to hear the outdoor patio play area was a hit with the kids and provided a relaxing spot for everyone. We can’t wait to host you again for more memorable moments in our cozy cabin!
Perfect little spot to get away from the heat! Clean house with a nice yard close to creeks and lakes.
Travis H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Aug, 2025
Thank you for your review! We’re so happy you found Once Upon a Creek to be a perfect paradise to escape the heat. We strive to make every stay a refreshing getaway, and we’d be thrilled to welcome you back for more serene moments in the pines!
Exactly what we expected PLUS more! Cleanest place through a VRBO we've ever experienced. Comfy mattresses! Just the right amount of kitchen appliances and amenities without the visual "noise" of too many things! We especially loved the quiet hours and sitting under the stars. Perfect getaway, kind and responsive host with great recommendations about the area.
Susan H.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Mar, 2026
Thank you for the great review! We're delighted "Once Upon a Creek" went above and beyond compared to your past VRBO experiences! We aim to make it memorable experience for everyone!
Can't wait to host you again! :)
Michael (Host)
Great place to stay. Very clean and comfortable. Everthing worked as it should inside. We weren't able to build a fire due to restrictions but sitting and lounging outside was very nice. We got to see elk everyday. Walking distance to the general store and tavern made it nice. The sourdough bread at the general store is homemade and very good. Good hiking to See Springs as well.
Cody C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Aug, 2025
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re delighted you found Once Upon a Creek clean, comfortable, and fully functional for a great stay. It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed lounging in the yard and spotting elk daily—they do love the apples out front! We’re glad the short walk to the general store and tavern added convenience, and that homemade sourdough is delicious! Glad you were able to et some! We do apologize about the fire restrictions, but we’re thrilled you enjoyed the outdoor space and hiking to See Springs. We’d love to host you again for another cozy getaway in the pines!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Armando R.
19 Nov, 2025
Armando R.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
About the host
Hosted by Mike (Host)
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests