Payson Lakes Campground

Extra vehicle fee of $10 per vehicle per day at the campground; firewood sold on-site for $9; 2-night minimum stay on weekends and 3-night minimum on holidays for reservable sites (Recreation.gov, campsite booking fees apply separately).

Official small designated swim beach on Big East Lake with flat, paved access and no powerboats permitted, which favors families, but Recreation.gov does not mention lifeguards, and the lake sits at ~8,000 ft so water stays cold even in summer; supervise young kids accordingly.

No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.

Paved roads and paved parking spurs throughout the campground/day-use area; a paved nature path begins right at the parking area and circles the lake to the swim beach. Recreation.gov states an extra-vehicle fee of $10/day applies for campers, but it's unclear whether a separate day-use-only parking fee applies for non-campers.

Powerboats prohibited on the lakes; dogs (max two per site, leashed) are not allowed on beaches or in the water; quiet hours 10pm-6am with no generators after 10pm; gate hours 7am-10pm; no amplified music, fireworks, firearms, horses, or off-road vehicles; strict bear-country food/trash storage with fines up to $5,000 for violations.