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 Warning issued October 31 at 6:07AM MST until October 31 at 12:15PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues. * WHERE...Gila County in east central Arizona... * WHEN...Until 1215 PM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Flooding of Tonto Creek and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Tonto Creek continues to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. Low-water crossings are inundated with water and may not be passable. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 607 AM MST, a streamflow gauge on Tonto Creek north of Tonto Basin rose above action stage, with a stage height of 5.12 feet and flow of 2422 cfs as of 515 AM MST. Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly along Tonto Creek in the warned area. Please use the Tonto Creek Bridge for all travel across the creek. Bar X Crossing, and any other low water crossings, will likely become impassable. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Tonto Basin. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flood Watch issued October 31 at 1:13AM MST until November 2 at 5:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall over saturated soils. * WHERE...All of northern and central Arizona. * WHEN...From 11 PM MST Saturday through 5 AM MST Monday. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A second round of rain and isolated thunderstorms is expected Saturday night through the early morning hours of Monday. An additional 1 to 3 inches of rain will be possible, on already saturated ground. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.
State Route 260 Lion Springs Construction Site Public Health and Safety Closure Order
Closure order due to construction activities associated with the SR260 Lion Springs Project conducted byArizona Department of Transportation on the Tonto National Forest.
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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