Tonto National Forest

Larry Forbis Overnight Group Site

Closed

Closed for the season. The campground operates only from October 1 through March 31 for overnight camping. Reservations can be made starting 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov, with a minimum 7-day advance booking requirement.

Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions

To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device in effective working order.

Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…

Mesquite Campground Post Fire Recovery Closure for Public Health & Safety

Mesquite Campground closed due to post fire recovery.

Roosevelt Lake, Cottonwood Cove Area Closure for Public Health and Safety

Cottonwood Cove in Roosevelt Lake closed. Picnic site still open.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order

Stage 1 Fires Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order effective May 15, 2026 at 8 a.m.

Vehicle Restrictions in Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River Permit Area

Motor vehicles are prohibited in the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River area.

Upper & Lower Tonto Creek Campgrounds and Horton Creek Trailhead Parking Area Temp. Closure Order

Due to the construction of a new Tonto Creek bridge Upper and Lower Creek Campgrounds are closed until construction is completed. Additionally, Horton Creek Trailhead parking area is closed until construction is completed. An alternate route to Horton Creek Trail will be available from Derrick…

Pinto Valley Mine Blasting Area Closure - Extension for Public Health & Safety

Due to blasting in the Pinto Valley Mine area on the Globe Ranger District areas near the mine are closed for public safety.

Bulldog Canyon and SR 88 Recreational Area Camping Closure

Click to view closure order for details.

Lower Burnt Corral Recreation Area Closure

For details see the closure order.

3-Mile Wash Recreation Area Occupancy and Use Prohibitions

See the closure order for more details.

Box Bar Seasonal Eagle Closure

December 1, 2024, at 12 p.m. and will remain in effect seasonally each year from December 1 through June 30, until June 30, 2026, at 12 p.m.

Fossil Creek Prohibitions and FR 708 Closure During Permit Season (April 1–October 1)

Please refer to the Coconino National Forest website for information regarding the closure of Forest Road (FR) 708, parking restrictions, and prohibitions on glass containers, camping, and campfires at the Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River during permit season from April 1-October 1. The four-mile…

About

Nestled on the banks of the Lower Salt River, Larry Forbis Overnight Group Site provides an excellent option for large gatherings in the Sonoran Desert. The campground features three independent units (A, B, and C), each equipped with two large ramadas, four picnic tables, four pedestal grills, three fire rings, and 10 designated parking spaces. Shared vault toilets serve all three units. The site operates seasonally from October 1 through March 31, when cooler temperatures make desert camping comfortable. During the winter months, the river typically runs lower, but fishing opportunities exist in pools along the riverbank. Groups exceeding 75 people require a separate Special Use Authorization from the Mesa Ranger Station. Campers should note that no potable water is available on site and trash must be packed out or disposed of at dumpsters located at nearby Pebble Beach Recreation Site. Reservations must be made at least 7 days in advance through Recreation.gov and can be booked up to 6 months ahead.

Directions

From the city of Mesa, Arizona, take Power Rd. or Usery Pass Rd. to Bush Highway and head east to Pebble Beach Recreation Site.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $75

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (480) 610-3300

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

Availability

Photos

Tonto National Forest
Larry Forbis Group Site- Tonto National Forest
Tonto National Forest
Larry Forbis Group Site- Tonto National Forest
Larry Forbis Group Site- Tonto National Forest
Tonto National Forest
Larry Forbis Group Site- Tonto National Forest
Tonto National Forest

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!