Upper Tonto Creek
Closed — Closed for the season. Open May through October, reservation-only via Recreation.gov.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
Lower Salt River Area Temporary Emergency Equestrian Closure for Public Health & Safety
Click to view closure order for details.
Granite Reef Developed Recreation Site Public Health and Safety Closure Order
See order for details.
TERMINATION ORDER: Stage II Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order
There are no fire restrictions on the Tonto National Forest as of Sept. 5, 2025, 8 a.m.
Box Bar Seasonal Eagle Closure
December 1, 2024, at 12 p.m. and will remain in effect seasonally each year from December 1 through June 30, until June 30, 2026, at 12 p.m.
About
Upper Tonto Creek Campground sits at the scenic confluence of Tonto and Horton Creeks in the Tonto National Forest, 17 miles northeast of Payson. The campground provides a peaceful retreat where families can enjoy fishing in both creeks, a popular activity at this location. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate proximity to the Horton Creek Trail and Derrick Trail, both of which access the Highline National Recreation Trail (#31). The campground is designed for smaller rigs, with sites that accommodate shorter trailers or truck campers. At 5,600 feet elevation, the setting offers a cooler mountain climate during the warmer months. The campground operates on a reservation-only basis through Recreation.gov, requiring visitors to download the mobile app and log into their account before arrival due to limited cellular service on-site. Payment is processed via the Scan and Pay feature within the app. Basic amenities include vault toilets, potable water from a hand pump, picnic tables, and fire pits at each site. Visitors should be aware of bear activity in the area and follow proper food storage practices. The 14-day stay limit and quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. ensure a quality camping experience for all guests.
Directions
From Payson, travel 16 miles east on State Highway 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| 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 |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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