Valentine Ridge Campground
Open year-round as a dispersed camping area. No fees required. 14-day stay limit. Four-wheel drive or chains may be advisable after heavy snows. Winter temperatures drop into the teens.
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
Valentine Ridge Dispersed Camping Area sits in the high country of Tonto National Forest near Canyon Creek, a stream known for its rainbow trout fishing. This is primitive dispersed camping with no developed amenities. Campers must bring their own water and pack out all trash. A 9-mile all-terrain bicycle loop trail begins at the camping area. The area is home to diverse wildlife including Abert squirrel, black bear, mountain lion, elk, turkey, and deer. Winter temperatures can drop into the teens, and four-wheel drive or chains may be needed after heavy snowfall. Bear-proofing of camps is mandatory. Trailers are limited to under 16 feet due to road conditions. Canyon Creek offers regulated fishing opportunities. Upstream of OW Bridge, a 4-trout limit applies with artificial fly or lure only using single barbless hooks. From OW Bridge to the Fort Apache Reservation boundary, catch-and-release only regulations are in effect.
Directions
From Payson, travel 33 miles east on State Hwy. 260. Turn right on unpaved Young Road/FR 512 and continue for approximately 5 miles to FR 188. Turn left on FR 188 and travel 2 miles to the site. Alternatively, from Young, take State Hwy. 288/FR 512 north for 20 miles to FR 188, turn right and follow for 2 miles.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 16ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (928) 474-7900 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Valentine Ridge Dispersed Camping Area |
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