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 5:40PM MST until July 21 at 8:45PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
FFWFGZ The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Gila County in east central Arizona... Coconino County in north central Arizona... Yavapai County in west central Arizona... * Until 845 PM MST. * At 540 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, normally dry washes, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Strawberry, The Toilet Bowl, Fossil Creek Waterfall, Fossil Creek Day Use Area and Fossil Springs Wilderness. This includes the following highways... State Route 260 between mile markers 240 and 244...and between mile markers 246 and 251. State Route 87 between mile markers 269 and 279. This includes the following swimming holes... All swimming holes and waterfalls on Fossil Creek and Fossil Creek Dam "The Toilet Bowl". This includes the following creeks, washes and rivers... Fossil Creek, Corduroy Wash and West Clear Creek.
Flash Flood Warning issued July 21 at 5:15PM MST until July 21 at 9:15PM 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 915 PM MST. * At 515 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain over Sevenmile Wash near MP 268 of US-60. Between 0.75 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.5 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 indicated. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Mainly rural areas of Gila County.
Flash Flood Warning issued July 21 at 5:02PM MST until July 21 at 6:30PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
At 502 PM MST, emergency management reported thunderstorms producing heavy rain Miami and Globe with water running in Pinal Creek and Bloody Tanks Wash. Some low water crossings are impassable. Between 0.75 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Flash flooding is already occurring. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Emergency management reported. 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.
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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