Camp Information
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Christopher Creek Lodge
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1355 Christopher Creek Loop Payson, AZ 85541
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How do we contact you?
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If you need to contact us you can call, text or email CeaJay any time! Phone | 928.699.9104 Email | ceajayjernberg@gmail.com
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Camp Spiker Event Schedule
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We’re happy you can join us for our weekend wedding in the woods! May 23rd 2025 - Welcome to Camp Spiker! 3:00PM - Please settle into your cabins & start exploring. 5:00PM - Rehearsal for the wedding party 6:00PM - Rehearsal Dinner (Cookout Style! - Dinner Provided) May 24th 2025 - The big day! 3:00PM - Ceremony 4:00PM - Cocktail Hour 5:00PM - Reception (Dinner Provided) May 25th 2025 - Thank you for the memories! 10:00AM - Check out *Please help us leave no trace & clean up after yourselves*
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Parking
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In order to provide an authentic camp environment, we've connected with a local church that is allowing cars to be parked privately for the weekend. This will ensure that the venue will remain a natural and safe environment for our guests and children to roam freely throughout the grounds. The parking lot is a 1 minute drive from camp or a 3-4 minute walk by foot. *Feel free to utilize the roundabout entrance to drop off your party or luggage, we're only asking that the camp stays car-free throughout the weekend. *There will be several people available to shuttle people to and from the parking lot & camp if needed, please contact us to make arrangements. *Please retrieve your vehicle prior to 9:30AM May 25th, 2025 or the Sunday morning service (unless otherwise attending). At this time, you are allowed to park at the camp to gather your belongings and provide pick ups. Parking Location: Christopher Creek Community Bible Fellowship 1036 E Christopher Creek Loop Payson AZ 85541 *Please show respect to the church and guest's property while utilizing this parking area.
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RSVP
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Please RSVP on our wedding website prior to January 2025.
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Can I only attend the ceremony & reception?
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Absolutely! We want this summer camp experience to be fun for everyone so if you’d like to only attend the ceremony & reception, we’re just glad you’ve made it to celebrate with us!
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Is the venue child friendly?
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Yes, children are welcome to join our celebration. Please be mindful of safety hazards and never leave your little ones unattended. There is a large playground on site for the kids and a REC room for indoor entertainment.
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Where will I stay?
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We have reserved all of the 24 lodgings which include cabins, bunkhouse style cabins & hotel room style lofts for the weekend. Not everyone attending the wedding will be able to stay on location due to the capacity of each room so we ask that cabins be reserved for the wedding party & the rest will be assigned unless otherwise designated. *Cabin assignments will be given out for guests well before the wedding so you will have more information to plan your stay! *If you have not received information about overnight lodging there is a good chance the beds are full but you can always confirm with us before booking a hotel or alternative lodging. I've added a list of local Christopher Creek hotels and lodgings on the "Travel" page of the website, this doesn't include the dozens of area campsites for those who want to take advantage of the great outdoors. The nearby town of Payson boasts many options for hotel lodging as well. If you're staying offsite, you are absolutely welcome to come to "Camp Spiker" at any time day or night! The camp grounds will be open to ALL invited guests throughout the weekend whether you're staying on location or not. The Christopher Creek area has several cabin rentals, campsites and hotels in the area for you to choose from for lodging. Christopher Creek Lodging Capacity: Cabins (Creekside with a loft + kitchenette) Cabin 1 (Founders Cabin) - 2 Queen & 4 Twin Cabin 2 - 1 King & 4 Twin Cabin 3 - 1 King & 4 Twin Cabin 4 - 1 King & 4 Twin Cabin 5 - 1 Queen & 4 Twin Cabin 6 - 1 Queen & 4 Twin Cabin 8 - 1 King, 2 Full & 2 Twin Cabin 9 - 1 King, 2 Full & 2 Twin Cabin 10- 1 King & 4 Twin Trail Bunk Houses (single story + kitchenette) 9 bunk houses with a bunk bed (2 Full beds in each unit) Motel Style Rooms (with lofts) 6 Motel Rooms that include 1 Queen & 2 twin beds
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Camp Amenities
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Christopher Creek Lodge Amenities: - Large playground with clubhouse - 3 Large firepits - Rec Room that includes big screen TV, shuffle board, couch, table/chairs & board games. - Christopher Creek (wading & fishing allowed) - Fish Cleaning Station - Large picnic table area - Horseshoe pit - Grills outside of every cabin/bunkhouse and two large grills in the "Mogollon Monster Lair" - Cabins & bunk houses include full kitchen with supplies - Each room has heaters & a Keurig Coffee Maker - Extra supplies sold in office - Restaurants within walking distance - Nearby hiking trails Outdoor Games! - Yard golf - Glow in the dark corn hole - Jumbo Jenga - Connect Four - Giant Tic-Tac-Toe - Chess - Ring Toss - Beer Pong
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Weather
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The weather in late May at Christopher Creek is usually 5-8 degrees cooler than the town of Payson Arizona. The days are warm, around 75 to 80 degrees with a cool breeze & fresh forest air. The nights are cooler with the temps dropping as low as 45 degrees.
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Attire
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Although we're in the woods for the weekend, we ask that you go formal for the ceremony & reception. For all other times of the weekend you'll be in the great outdoors so dress accordingly. Cowboy boots & hats are welcome if you have them! *The ground consists of cinders & grass so when it comes to formal wear avoid thin high heels!*
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Food & Drink
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BYO food & drinks for the weekend. There are refrigerators in every room & kitchenettes in all the bunkhouses & cabins. Food will be provided only for the rehearsal dinner (cook out style!) & the reception dinner. *There are several restaurants within walking distance of the camp. See "things to do" page for more details. Alcohol You are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages onto the property. *Consumption of alcohol by persons under the age of 21 is unlawful and will be strictly enforced. Any persons with the appearance of being overly intoxicated and/or disruptive to other guests on the property will be asked to leave by the Christopher Creek Lodge staff. Don't forget the S'mores!
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Internet Access & Phone Service
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The cell phone service for Verizon and AT&T is good. The rooms do not have individual phones. The office does have a landline for calls out. The Camp does have WIFI that extends the entire property. The REC room also has WIFI. (See lodge manager for password if it is not updated here on the website.)
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Do we clean up after ourselves?
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The short answer is, yes! This is a leave no trace experience in the woods. We ask that you respect nature and do not cut any wood or damage any vegetation. Please throw ALL trash away and keep the campgrounds CLEAN at all times. The Lodge does not provide daily housekeeping, and guests are expected to hang and reuse their towels during their stay. Also, please help conserve energy while you're away by turning down heaters or closing windows depending on the weather. None of the equipment, fixtures, furniture, decorations or anything on the property is allowed to be moved without consent from the management. If management does approve anything to be moved or altered, then it must also be arranged to return everything to its original condition before departure. Theft of any kind (pillows, towels, dishes, etc.) is not allowed. The Lodge will charge and/or prosecute for any theft or unreported damage. Please do not move any items (ie. inside furniture, picnic tables, TVs, landscaping rocks/stumps) without permission from management. All rooms receive a post-occupancy inspection for any damages or theft incurred during your stay. If anything is found in the inspection, you will be charged.
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Quiet Time
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Having a good time is encouraged, but guests may not be disruptive to others. Please use common courtesy. Community areas are for everyone to share. Quiet time starts at 10:00PM. Quiet time is regarding music or loud noises to respect the adjacent properties. You're welcome to use all the facilities in camp including the REC room or firepits at any time of the day or night. (Just make sure to never leave fires unattended & put them out when you leave.)
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Campfires, BBQs & Indoor Fireplaces
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FIRE: All fires must be constantly supervised. -Indoor fireplaces can be used all year, but only Duraflame type logs are acceptable for use (traditional firewood is not allowed). Nothing can be cooked using indoor fireplaces (this includes s'mores). -The barbeque grill outside of each cabin is for use with charcoal only (no exceptions). -Campfires are allowed only in the three designated fire pits, which must be fully extinguished and clean before you leave it. Only Duraflame Campfire Roasting Logs are allowed, which you can bring, or purchase at the office. No firewood is to be used or gathered off the property. -If the forest is on fire restriction then no outside fires are allowed, including charcoal (even if it's raining). -Fireworks are never allowed!
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Fishing
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Fishing is allowed on the property. Anyone 10 and older will need a license, which can be obtained online or in town. No cleaning of fish inside the rooms. For your convenience the camp has an outside fish cleaning sink for use. You can obtain a fishing license here: https://license.azgfd.com/
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Critters
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There are skunks, raccoons, mice, bears, elk, deer and various birds of prey, including some extra friendly squirrels and blue jays in our forest. Please be cautious and be sure to seal trash securely in our covered trash bins. There are two domestic critters that will be prowling the grounds.. no not the Mogollon Monster... beware of Jasper & Ledger! Bradley & CeaJay's dogs will be attending the weekend in the woods with everyone. Jasper is a rescue dog with a tendency to be shy and protective around strangers but when he warms up to you he is a sweetheart. Ledger is also a rescue who has a big awkward personality for such a tiny canine. Please be careful when meeting new dogs, especially with kids! :)
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Can I bring my pet?
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Although the camp is dog friendly, we're asking that you do not bring your furry friend due to the fees, logistics and clean up. The couple's dog Jasper will be attending as he is in the wedding party. We know how much we love our animals so we appreciate your understanding! (Please contact me for any exceptions as to coordinate with the lodge.)
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Guns
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No gun use is allowed on the property. Shooting Guns, Paintball, Airsoft and BB guns are not to be used on the property.
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Septic System
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The septic system demands that we be cautious of what we discard into kitchen drains and toilets. A list of non acceptable items is posted above the toilet. Basically, you can flush a little bit of toilet paper down and that's about it. When in doubt, don't. Nobody likes a backed-up septic.
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Message from the Christopher Creek Lodge Staff
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WELCOME: First of all, we'd like to welcome you to the Christopher Creek Lodge. The lodge is consists of real log cabins, set right in the middle of the forest, with the creek running right through the property. We love our great guests & will do our very best to make your stay enjoyable! For over 60 years this historic lodge continues to be one of the most beautiful places in Arizona, and we want to keep it that way. We are not a campground, nor are we Caesars Palace. We aim to provide a peaceful and cozy getaway. For everyone's safety, comfort, and protection, we expect all guests to adhere to our policies. HOWDY NEIGHBOR: Having a good time is encouraged, but do not be disruptive to others. Please use common courtesy. If you suspect bad, discourteous or harmful behavior, please tell us. COME AND GET IT: Equipment rentals like binoculars, handheld GPS, telescopes are available. We do our best to accommodate as many as we can. LET'S KEEP IT CLEAN FOLKS: Guests are expected to do some minimal housekeeping and exercise care of their room. All cleaning is handled by our wonderful hard workers once a guest has departed. If the place is left a mess an additional minimum $50 fee will be assessed. Please do your part to help keep the property nice. HOLY SMOKES: There is NO smoking in any of the units. There is a $500 charge inside smoking. WHEN IN DOUBT: If you're not sure whether you can or can't do something, please don't! Not until you have talked with the lodge manager to be sure. For all our great guests, we want to make sure the lodge stays beautiful, safe, enjoyable and affordable for years to come. It takes all of us to make that happen. CAVEAT EMPTOR (Yep, that's Latin): We expect all guests to follow the good general rule of leaving a place better than you found it. This is a rustic environment. As such, guests are responsible for taking care of themselves and their dependents. We are not liable for any accidents, injuries or loss of any kind.