Arizona / Gila County / Tonto National Forest

Lower Tonto Creek

Closed — Closed for the season. Operates April through October. Available first-come, first-served only using scan and pay through the Recreation.gov mobile app.

About

Lower Tonto Creek Campground is located in the Tonto National Forest, tucked next to Highway 260 just south of where Tonto and Horton Creeks merge. This walk-in tent campground features a large open-space parking lot with a paved walkway providing accessible access to campsites dotted among tall pines along the creek. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis only, using the Recreation.gov mobile app scan and pay system for payment. Families enjoy fishing in both Tonto and Horton Creeks, and the campground provides easy access to Horton Creek Trail 285 and Derrick Trail 33, both of which connect to the Highline National Recreation Trail. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire pit, though visitors should be aware that the campground is situated right next to Highway 260 and receives considerable traffic noise and light throughout the day and night. The campground sits at 5,600 feet elevation in a ponderosa pine environment. No potable water is available on-site, and visitors must pack in their own water or obtain it from nearby campgrounds. Vault toilets are provided. The 14-day stay limit applies, and pets are allowed on leash.

Directions

From Payson, travel 15 miles east on Highway 260. Just east of mile marker 269 at Kohl's Ranch, turn left north on Forest Road 289.

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