Tonto National Forest
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 30t
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.
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,
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.
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 forest
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.
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
Prescott Basin Dispersed Camping Restrictions
Order #09-233 restricts camping in the Prescott Basin to designated dispersed sites.
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 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.
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:
Pile burns in effect
Prescribed fire projects usually commence during the early spring and fall months in northern Arizona, and pile burns occur during times of snow accumulation. Click the button below to visit InciWeb for details on prescribed fire projects that may be happening or planned for the near future.
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
- Cave Creek Group Site
- Christopher Creek Campground
- Devils Canyon Campground
- Fraizer Horse Camp
- Frazier Group Campground
- Frazier Horse Campground
- Grapevine Campground
- Haigler Canyon Campground
- Houston Mesa
- Jones Water Campground
- Larry Forbis Day Use Group Site
- Larry Forbis Overnight Group Site
- Lower Tonto Creek
- Oak Flat Campground
- Ponderosa Group Site
- Schoolhouse Campground
- Sharp Creek
- The Point Campground
- Timber Camp Recreation Area
- Timber Camp Recreation Area And Group Campgrounds
- Tortilla Campground
- Upper Canyon Creek Campground
- Upper Tonto Creek
- Windy Hill Campground
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