Tonto National Forest
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 device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
Brindle Pup Broadcast Burn Planned on the Verde Ranger District
Fire managers on the Prescott National Forest plan to conduct an 872-acre broadcast burn on the Verde Ranger District. Pending all required approvals, ignitions could begin as early as Monday, March 23, and continue for several days as conditions remain favorable.For more information, please see…
Hazardous Fuels Reduction Beginning on the Bradshaw RD
On March 12, 2026, contractors on the Prescott National Forest will begin working the hand thin and pile phase of the Evacuation Route Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project on the Bradshaw Ranger District. They will be using chainsaws to cut and pile hazardous fuels within the…
Mechanical thinning to begin in the Groom Creek area on the Bradshaw RD
Beginning no sooner than February 23, 2026, contractors will begin working on the Groom Creek Mastication project. They will be using heavy equipment to masticate hazardous fuels within the approximately 1,445-acre area. This is hazardous fuels reduction project is located on Bradshaw Ranger…
Winter pile burning continues on the Bradshaw RD
After a successful week of pile burning in the Skyline and Iron Springs Rd area, fire managers on the Bradshaw Ranger District plan to continue pile burning in the areas of Skyline Dr, as well as the Porter Mountain area. These hand piles are from recent hazardous fuels reduction and thinning…
Winter pile burning planned on the Bradshaw RD
Fire Managers on the Bradshaw Ranger District plan to conduct a prescribed fire, primarily pile burning, on the Bradshaw Ranger District. These hand piles are from recent hazardous fuels reduction and thinning projects. Ignitions could begin as early as Friday, February 13th near Skyline Drive, and…
Winter Pile Burning Planned on the Verde RD
Fire managers on the Prescott National Forest plan to conduct prescribed fire operations, primarily pile burning, on Mingus Mountain on the Verde Ranger District. These machine and hand piles are from recent hazardous fuels reduction and thinning projects. Pending all required approvals,…
Mingus Pile Burning Planned on the Verde Ranger District
Fire managers on the Prescott National Forest plan to conduct pile burns around the Mingus Summit on the Verde Ranger District. Pending all required approvals, ignitions could begin as early as Wednesday, Jan. 28, and will occur over approximately 72 acres as prescribed burning conditions remain…
Winter Pile Burning Planned on the Bradshaw RD
PRESCOTT, AZ, Jan. 14, 2026 — Fire managers on the Prescott National Forest plan to conduct prescribed fire operations, primarily pile burning, on Big Bug Mesa on the Bradshaw Ranger District. These machine and hand piles are from recent hazardous fuels reduction and thinning projects. Pending…
Pile Burning Work Continues on the Bradshaw RD (Prescott Basin)
Fire managers on the Prescott National Forest plan prescribed fire operations, primarily pile burning, in the Prescott Basin on the Bradshaw Ranger District. The hand piles are from recent hazardous fuels reduction and thinning projects. Pending all required approvals, ignitions could begin as…
Pile Burning Planned in November on the Bradshaw RD
Fire managers on the Prescott National Forest plan to conduct prescribed fire operations, primarily pile burning, on Big Bug Mesa on the Bradshaw Ranger District. These machine and hand piles are from recent hazardous fuels reduction and thinning projects. Pending all required approvals,…
Prescribed Fire Planned in the Yolo Ranch Area of the Chino Valley Ranger District
Fire Managers on the Chino Valley Ranger District plan to conduct a prescribed fire, in the Yolo Ranch area in the northwest part of the Prescott National Forest, Chino Valley Ranger District. If weather and fuel conditions are favorable, tentative plans are to begin the prescribed fire on…
Broadcast Burning Planned on the Bradshaw Ranger District (Ponderosa Park)
Fire managers on the Prescott National Forest plan to conduct prescribed fire operations burning debris piles from hazardous fuels reduction and thinning projects in the Prescott Basin (Ponderosa Park), on the Bradshaw Ranger District.Ignitions are planned to start as early as Thursday, Oct. 23 and…
Prescott National Forest Pile Burning Planned on the Bradshaw Ranger District
Fire Managers on the Bradshaw Ranger District plan to conduct a prescribed fire, primarily pile burning, on Big Bug Mesa – pending favorable conditions. These machine and hand piles are from recent hazardous fuels reduction and thinning projects. Ignitions could begin as early as Friday,…
Hand-thinning begins in the Bradshaw Ranger District
PRESCOTT, AZ, Sept. 30, 2025—Beginning this week, contractors will begin several hand-thinning operation projects on the Bradshaw Ranger District, including the Ruth Fire Stewardship Project, Lynx East Timber Stand Improvement project and Poland Junction Timber Stand Improvement project.…
Prescott National Forest lifts Stage 1 fire restrictions and recreational shooting restrictions
The Prescott National Forest has lifted Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and the Emergency Recreational Shooting order effective Sept. 5, 2025, at 8 a.m. This decision follows careful monitoring of fuel moisture, weather patterns, and fire activity. For the full News Release please visit: HERE
Doce Pit area closure rescinded, fire and shooting restrictions still in place
With the completion of the mastication operation in the Doce Pit area, Closure Order #03-09-25-09 is rescinded effective July 25, 2025 at 0800 hrs. Press Release: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/prescott/newsroom/releases/doce-pit-area-closure-rescinded-fire-and-shooting-restrictions-still
Mechanical thinning beginning on the Bradshaw Ranger District
Beginning next week contractors will begin working on the School House mastication project. They will be using heavy equipment to masticate hazardous fuels within the approximately 997-acre area. This is a hazardous fuels reduction project on the Bradshaw Ranger District. …
Orchard Fire
Prescott National Forest resources are actively engaged with the Orchard Fire, a potential lightning caused fire near the Town of Clarkdale; the incident is currently listed at 65 acres with 50% containment. Please remember to keep away from the area while resources are actively working the fire,…
Area closure remains in effect for the Doce Pit area on the Bradshaw Ranger District
Prescott, AZ—June 27, 2025. The Prescott National Forest will be extending an area closure on the Bradshaw Ranger District while heavy equipment will be operating near National Forest System Road (NFSR) 9270A (aka Doce Pit Road). The purpose of Closure Order # 03-09-03-25-09 is to provide safe…
Juneteenth Holiday Closure
Our offices will be CLOSED on Thursday, June 19, 2025 in observance of the Juneteenth federal holiday. Juneteenth is one of several FEE-FREE DAYS on national forests! The USDA Forest Service will waive standard amenity fees for all visitors to most national forest and grassland day-use sites…
Prescott National Forest announces Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
PRESCOTT, Arizona, May 29, 2025 - Due to rapidly drying wildland fuels and above normal predicted fire potential for the month of June, the Prescott National Forest plans to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, to include a recreational shooting prohibition, beginning Friday, May 30th at 8:00 a.m.…
NFS Road 373 Closure for Special Event
The purpose of Order #03-09-03-25-02 is to provide for public health and safety due to high use of the road during the Whiskey Off-road Mountain Bike event. This Order shall be in effect from Saturday April 26, 2025, between 7:00am and 4:00pm and Sunday, April 27, 2025, between 7:00am and 4:00pm,…
Towers Mountain Road (NFSR 52C) Temporary Closure
Temporary closure of NFS Road to protect the infrastructure, ensuring the continued operation of critical communication services and reduce vandalism of communication facilities, including towers and equipment shelters. This Order shall be in effect from April 25, 2025, at 07:00a.m. through April…
Verde Ranger Station Closed to the Public
The Camp Verde Ranger Station will close to the public starting on Monday, April 28, 2025. The public can still access all products and services at the Red Rock Ranger Visitor Center, located at 8375 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86351, during these hours: Wednesday 12 p.m.-4:30 p.m. All other…
NFS Road 354 Closure Order #03-07-25-00
This Order prohibits travel on the NFS Road 354 and other roads in the area on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab Naitonal Forest and the Chino Valley Ranger District of the Prescott National Forest.The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety due to flood damage to…
Doce Pit Temporary Area Closure April 11 - 25, 2025
NFS Road 9271A and Doce Pit Area temporary closure April 11 - 25, 2025 to provide safe working conditions for permittees conducting grazing operations andfacilitate large scale cleanup of the Described Area and Road.Closure Order #03-09-03-25-05Area Map
Seasonal climbing restrictions on Granite Mountain and Thumb Butte
Peregrine falcons were once listed under the Endangered Species Act. Due to many changes in management practices, peregrine falcons have since recovered from that vulnerable status. They continue to be managed under the requirements of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This law affords land managers…
Lynx Lake Boat Launch Temporarily Unavailable due to Low Water
Lynx Lake boat launch temporarily unavailable due to low water
Hwy 260 Corridor Camping Restrictions
Camping prohibition along the Highway 260 corridor to mitigate natural resource degradation, including negative impacts to soil, water quality and riparian corridors, stemming from overuse of the Described Areas by the public, as well as to protect public health and safety from forestuser conflicts…
Verde River Seasonal Bald Eagle Nesting Closure
Seasonal closure in the Ladders area of the Verde River to protect nesting bald eagles during their breeding season (December 1 through June 30). This Order shall be in effect each year from December 1 through June 30, commencing December 24, 2022, at midnight through June 30, 2026, at 12:00…
Lynx lake Bald Eagle Nesting Area and Trail Closure
Seasonal Closure Order needed to protect nesting bald eagles from disturbance from human activities in the Lynx Lake area. In addition, this Order is needed to implement the Prescott National Forest Plan and Conservation Assessment and Strategy for the Bald Eagle in Arizona and the Bald and Golden…
Target Type Shooting Restriction
Prohibition on shooting specific target types. The purpose of Order #03-09-05-24-08 is to protect natural and cultural resources from sanitation impacts and protection of public health and safety. This Order shall be in effect from October 26, 2024, at 06:00 AM through October 25, 2026 at 08:00…
#03-09-03-24-07 Prohibition on Non-Equestrian Camping, Groom Creek Horse Camp
Prohibition on non-equestrian camping (i.e., camping without horses) in Groom Creek Horse Camp. The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety. This Order shall be in effect from August 15, 2024, at 06:00am, through August 14, 2026, 08:00pm unless rescinded.
Verde Wild & Scenic River Fire, Occupancy and Use, and Waste Prohibitions
The purpose of Order #03-09-05-23-25 is to protect natural resources and meet management standards established in the Verde Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive River Management Plan as required by the National Wild & Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. This Order shall be in effect from December 1, 2023,…
Perkinsville Bridge Area Special Closure Order
The purpose of Order #03-09-05-23-01 is to protect public health and safety due to flash flood risk and sanitation issues and to protect natural resources from degradation. This Order shall be in effect from October 4, 2023, at 12:00 am, through October 3, 2025, at 8:00 am, unless rescinded.
Prescott Basin Dispersed Camping Restrictions
Order #09-233 restricts camping in the Prescott Basin to designated dispersed sites.
14-Day Camping Limit
Order #09-225 prohibits camping on the Prescott National Forest for more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
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 device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
Vehicle Restrictions in Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River Permit Area
Motor vehicles are prohibited in the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River area.
Upper & Lower Tonto Creek Campgrounds and Horton Creek Trailhead Parking Area Temp. Closure Order
Due to the construction of a new Tonto Creek bridge Upper and Lower Creek Campgrounds are closed until construction is completed. Additionally, Horton Creek Trailhead parking area is closed until construction is completed. An alternate route to Horton Creek Trail will be available from Derrick…
Pinto Valley Mine Blasting Area Closure - Extension for Public Health & Safety
Due to blasting in the Pinto Valley Mine area on the Globe Ranger District areas near the mine are closed for public safety.
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.
Billy Fire ICP Pleasant Valley Airstrip Emergency Closure for Public Health and Safety
Details below.
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.
Fossil Creek Non-Permit Seasonal Camping, Fire and Glass Prohibition (October 2- March 31)
Details below.
Fossil Creek Prohibitions and FR 708 Closure During Permit Season (April 1–October 1)
Please refer to the Coconino National Forest website for information regarding the closure of Forest Road (FR) 708, parking restrictions, and prohibitions on glass containers, camping, and campfires at the Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River during permit season from April 1-October 1. The four-mile…
From Recreation.gov
Due to a facility maintenance issue that requires an extensive repair, Tortilla Campground will not be opening to the public until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. Please check back regularly for updates, as we intend to invite campers back for our 2025-2026 winter season as soon as the work is completed. Thank you.
Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail Open 8:00 am to Noon
Summer hours will be in effect Thursday, May 1. The Lower Cliff Dwelling trail will open at 8:00 am and visitors must begin their hike by noon. The Visitor Center will remain open 8:00 am-4:00 pm. The Upper Cliff Dwellings will close for the Season.
Visitor Center Bookstore now Cashless
Starting today, our Western National Parks Association Bookstore will no longer accept cash. We will accept all major credit or debit cards, including mobile payments.
Tonto National Monument has moved to cashless fee collection
Tonto National Monument accepts only electronic card payments for entrance fees. Electronic payment reduces transaction times, saves money, and improves accountability.
Fire Restrictions in Place
Effective Monday, May 12, 2025. Tonto National Monument will be under Stage Two fire restrictions. Burning Charcoal or Wood, including Smoking and Fireworks are prohibited in all areas within the park except for Liquid Petroleum or Propane stoves.
Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail may close accordingly due to Excessive Heat
The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail will close if temperatures exceed 105 degrees Fahrenheit as issued by the National Weather Service.
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 device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
Vehicle Restrictions in Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River Permit Area
Motor vehicles are prohibited in the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River area without a valid permit.
Flagstaff-area camping and campfire restrictions in effect year-round
Year-round camping and campfire restrictions are in effect for National Forest lands surrounding Flagstaff.
Kachina Village and Pumphouse Wash Camping and Campfire Restrictions
Year-round camping and campfire restrictions are in effect for the Kachina Village and Pumphouse Wash area south of Flagstaff, between State Route 89A and Interstate 17, except within designated camping areas on Forest Road 237.
Lake Mary Restrictions in Effect
Camping, campfire and use prohibitions are in effect in the Lake Mary area.
C.C. Cragin Reservoir Vehicle and Swimming Prohibitions
Vehicle and swimming restrictions are in effect for the C.C. Cragin (Blue Ridge) Reservoir.
Occupancy and Use Prohibition: San Francisco Peaks Alpine Tundra and Inner Basin Restrictions
Use restrictions are in effect for the San Francisco Peaks Inner Basin area.
14-Day Camping Limit in a Consecutive 30-Day Period
Coconino National Forest visitors are limited to a 14-day limit in any consecutive 30-day period.
West Sedona Camping and Campfire Restrictions
Year-round camping and campfire restrictions are in effect for the area west of Sedona except within designated camping areas.
Verde Wild and Scenic River Special Restrictions
Restrictions regarding fire, occupancy, use and waste are in effect in the Verde Wild and Scenic River area.
Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River (Non-Permit Season)(October 2 - March 31)
Camping, campfire, glass container prohibitions in effect for the non-permit Fossil Creek season.
Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River (Permit Season)(April 1 - October 1)
Camping, campfire, glass container prohibitions in effect for the non-permit Fossil Creek season.
Sedona/ Oak Creek Canyon Camping and Campfire Restrictions
Year-round camping and campfire restrictions are in place for the Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon areas.
Oak Creek Glass Container Prohibition
Glass containers are prohibited within 300 feet of Oak Creek except within a developed campground or picnic area.
From Recreation.gov
Due to post-fire conditions, Reynolds Creek, Workman Creek, Parker Creek, and other tributaries draining off of the Billy Fire area may present flash flood and debris flow hazards during storm events. These storms may not be visible from your current location, therefore extreme caution is advised when recreating in and around these streams. If you would like more information please contact the Payson Ranger Station at 928-474-7900.
Overview
Tonto National Forest is Arizona's largest national forest, spanning 2.9 million acres of diverse terrain from Sonoran Desert at 1,300 feet to pine forests along the Mogollon Rim at 7,900 feet. The forest is currently OPEN with no fire restrictions as of September 5, 2025. However, there is a temporary emergency equestrian closure in effect along the Lower Salt River area (effective December 6, 2025) due to Vesicular Stomatitis Virus detected in Salt River horses—horses, mules, burros, and donkeys are prohibited in affected areas, but all other recreation remains open. The forest features eight wilderness areas, multiple recreation areas, exceptional camping options (dispersed and developed), world-class trails, and year-round recreation from lake beaches to cool pine forests. A Washington Fire Emergency Closure remains in effect in limited areas. Christmas tree permits are currently available. The forest offers outstanding opportunities for hiking, camping, OHV use, fishing, and scenic drives across its varied ecosystems.
Top Campgrounds
- Airplane Flat Campground
- Apache Lake Boat Access
- Bagley Flat Campground
- Burnt Corral Campground
- C C C Tonto Nf
- Cave Creek Group Site
- Devils Canyon Campground
- Fraizer Horse Camp
- Frazier Group Campground
- Frazier Horse Campground
- Grapevine Campground
- Haigler Canyon Campground
- Houston Mesa
- Larry Forbis Day Use Group Site
- Larry Forbis Overnight Group Site
- Lower Tonto Creek
- Mesquite
- Oak Flat Campground
- Schoolhouse Campground
- Sharp Creek
- Sharp Creek Group
- The Point Campground
- Timber Camp Recreation Area
- Timber Camp Recreation Area And Group Campgrounds
- Tortilla Campground
- Upper Canyon Creek Campground
- Valentine Ridge Campground
- Windy Hill Campground
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