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.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued August 10 at 4:58PM MST until August 11 at 12:00AM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 561 IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT MST TONIGHT FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN ARIZONA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 3 COUNTIES IN EAST CENTRAL ARIZONA GILA IN SOUTH CENTRAL ARIZONA MARICOPA IN SOUTHEAST ARIZONA PINAL THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF APACHE JUNCTION, CACTUS FOREST, CASA GRANDE, ELOY, FLORENCE, JAKES CORNER, KOHLS RANCH, MESA, PAYSON, PHOENIX, PUNKIN CENTER, RYE, STAR VALLEY, AND TONTO VILLAGE.
SR260 Lion Springs Construction Site Public Health and Safety Closure Order
SR260 Lion Springs Construction Site closed.
No Fire Restrictions
There are currently no fire restrictions 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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