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 July 21 at 4:17PM MST until July 21 at 8:15PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
FFWPSR The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Gila County in east central Arizona... * Until 815 PM MST. * At 417 PM MST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain over Pinal Creek and Pinto Creek north of Miami. Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1.5 inches 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 and automated gauges. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Wheatfields and Roosevelt Estates. This includes AZ Route 188 between mile markers 218 and 227.
Flash Flood Warning issued July 21 at 3:32PM MST until July 21 at 6:30PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
FFWPSR The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Gila County in east central Arizona... * Until 630 PM MST. * At 332 PM MST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.25 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1.25 inches 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 and automated gauges. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Globe, Miami, Central Heights-Midland City, Claypool and Inspiration.
Flood Watch issued July 21 at 4:04AM MST until July 21 at 10:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Yavapai County, Coconino County, northern Gila County, Navajo County, central and southern Apache County. * WHEN...From 11 AM MST /noon MDT/ this morning through this evening. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Raging killer currents will be possible in side canyons and narrow slot canyons. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Deep monsoon moisture in place across northern Arizona will lead to storms capable of producing rainfall in excess of 2 inches per hour, resulting in an enhanced risk of flash flooding. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.
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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