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.
Flood Watch issued October 10 at 11:08AM MST until October 12 at 5:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...western Coconino, northern Gila, far southern Navajo, and Yavapai counties. * WHEN...Through late Sunday night. * 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... - Showers and thunderstorms are expected to increase in coverage through today, and continue through the overnight hours into Sunday. With deep tropical moisture in place from the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel, periods of embedded heavy rainfall will be possible leading to flash flooding. Additionally, the extended period of rain could lead to elevated flow in creeks, normally dry washes, and rivers. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.
Wind Advisory issued October 10 at 11:08AM MST until October 11 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts 45 to 55 mph expected. * WHERE...All of central and northern Arizona. * WHEN...From 8 AM MST /9 AM MDT/ to 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ Sunday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could snap resulting in a few power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Lower Sycamore Temporary Target Shooting Prohibition Order For Public Health and Safety
A temporary target shooting closure order for Lower Sycamore on Saturday, Oct. 17, to protect the safety of participants in a volunteer cleanup event within the area.
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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!