Upper Tonto Creek
Closed through December 31, 2026 due to Tonto Creek bridge construction. When open, the campground operates May through October on a first-come, first-served basis at $20 per night. Payment via Recreation.gov Scan and Pay app required.
Flash Flood Warning issued September 11 at 6:59PM MST until September 11 at 9:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
At 659 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated that the heavy rain has ended upstream of Cibeque Falls. However, flash flooding remains a threat from earlier thunderstorms producing heavy rain Between 2 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. Flooding impacts will continue, but no additional rainfall is expected. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, and normally dry washes. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Cibeque Falls. This includes the following swimming holes... Cibeque Falls.
Flash Flood Warning issued September 11 at 6:20PM MST until September 11 at 11:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
FFWFGZ The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has extended the * Flash Flood Warning for... Gila County in east central Arizona... * Until 1100 PM MST. * At 620 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated that the heavy rain had ended over the Fossil Creek area. However, flash flooding remains a threat from earlier thunderstorms producing heavy rain upstream of Fossil Creek and Hardscrabble Creek near Strawberry. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. Flooding impacts will continue, but no additional rainfall is expected. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, and normally dry washes. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... The Toilet Bowl, Fossil Creek Waterfall, Fossil Creek Day Use Area, Strawberry and Fossil Springs Wilderness. This includes State Route 87 between mile markers 271 and 272. This includes the following swimming holes... All swimming holes and waterfalls on Fossil Creek and Fossil Creek Dam "The Toilet Bowl". This includes the following creeks, washes and rivers... Fossil Creek and Hardscrabble Creek.
Flash Flood Warning issued September 11 at 6:13PM MST until September 11 at 11:15PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
FFWFGZ The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Gila County in east central Arizona... Navajo County in north central Arizona... * Until 1115 PM MST. * At 613 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain in the upper portions of Canyon Creek. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks, streams, and normally dry washes. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Chediski Mountain and Chediski Peak. This includes State Route 288 near mile marker 311. This includes the following recreation areas and campgrounds... Valentine Ridge Campground. This includes the following creeks, washes and rivers... Canyon Creek, Cibecue Creek, Bear Creek, Carrizo Creek, and Salt Creek.
About
Upper Tonto Creek Campground is a small, intimate campground tucked away from Highway 260 at the confluence of Tonto and Horton Creeks. The 6 non-electric campsites are nestled above Tonto Creek, offering a quiet retreat for tent campers and those with small trailers or truck campers. Fishing in both creeks is a primary draw, with anglers enjoying the accessible waters. Hikers can reach the Horton Creek Trail and Derrick Trail directly from the area, both of which connect to the Highline National Recreation Trail (#31). The campground has vault toilets and potable water available from a hand pump. Due to the tight campground road with no turnaround options, this site is best suited for smaller vehicles and short trailers. Check-in is at 2:00 PM, check-out at noon, with quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. A 14-day stay limit applies.
Directions
17 miles northeast of Payson. From Payson, travel 16 miles east on State Hwy. 260. Just east of mile marker 268 at Kohl's Ranch, turn left (north) on Forest Road 289. Travel one mile and turn right into the campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (928) 474-7900 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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